Pencil script.

[Darryl Foster]

I'd like to know whether anyone writes on only one side of the sheet when using pencil as I've found that using both leads to smudging when the sheet is turned over. 

[A Smug Dill]

I don't think you need to press down that hard when writing with a pencil with hardness grade of B or softer. I don't write in my journals or ‘work’ notebooks using pencil anyway, but I can certainly write on a notepad (say, Exacompta Bloc FAF) using pencil, then tear the page off along the perforations, turn the sheet over, and write on the other side with the pad of paper still supporting it, and not get marks onto the sheet now at the top of the pad.

[Darryl Foster]

I tried your suggestion re. reducing pressure when writing with a pencil - it works! No smudging and much more comfortable during writing. I use HB pencils and though the writing line is feint, it is legible. Thank you.

[1nkulus]

Try writing with a 2B/3B/4B, butter smooth. Staedtler Lumograph is readily available.

[Darryl Foster]

I have Mitsu-Bishi 9850, Mitsu-Bishi Hi-Uni, and Staedtler Lumograph. They're all HB, but are quite smooth. I was thinking of getting some Palomino Blackwing pencils with firm lead when I've used my current pencils but your suggestion seems more sensible as the Staedtler Lumograph pencils are cheaper. I might buy some with B leads. Thank you for your tip. 

Edited September 7, 2022 by Darryl Foster
Additional material.

[amberleadavis]

I only write on one side of the paper no matter which instrument. I think it is because we used carbon (not carbonless) forms and then I learned to take notes only on one side and then study notes on the reverse.

[Darryl Foster]

Pencil script can look quite good. It certainly makes a change to using a fp!