Not sure if it would work for you but I use a plain old #2 lead mechanical pencil for light fabrics and the same type Bohin pencil with white lead for dark fabrics. No sharpening needed (and I agree those points just don't hold up). Only one time when I was very heavy-handed on a white fabric have I had issues with the regular pencil lead (and I eventually got that out as well - just took a bit more persuasion).