Score the middle of the pencil line and cut to the score with the appropriate tool. I never have understood why you would hold off the line as a standard procedure. Especially on shoulder cuts. I second Will's remarks on chainsaws. Also Clark when he says he rarely has to pare end grain.
I am still looking for an old timber that shows chisel marks on end grain. I am sure it happened, but very, very rarely. They used a saw and cut to the line.
