I'm with Robatoy. I use #2 pencils all the time for just about
everything. They are so cheap at the dollar store and when the back to
school sales go on that I stock up.

They have to be wood; NO plastic or composite. Must be #2, and I like
the round ones when I can find them but 'ol yeller works fine.

I keep a small pen knife that is razor sharp (aka: splinter removal
tool) for sharpening my pencils. If I need something hair fine, I put
that point on the pencil and usually get two marks out of it before
resharpening. Who cares if you burn a pencil or two a day?

I sounds like you just need more consistent practice and you will be
fine cutting your marks.

Robert