What's best to use in order to cut a pencil in half longways?

I want to cut a pencil at both ends about 1/2 inch deep, in order to have a rubber band fit inside. What would be best to use? Bandsaw? Pocket knife?

James2014-09-19T14:01:04Z

Using a knife will waste the least amount of material. Cutting it in half with a bandsaw will turn a thin section of your pencil into dust, so the two halves will not fit together the way they used to.

If you're going to use a knife, build yourself a jig to hold the pencil in place so you don't sever a finger.

daffyduct20062014-09-19T14:02:25Z

Easiest would be a fine toothed hacksaw blade. Plus the kerf of the blade would hold the rubberband good.