Blind testing studies have shown that the STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils consistently excel compared to other brands, thanks to their durable, super-bonded lead. Additionally, the extensive range of available grades makes them an excellent option for both designers and artists.
Drawing is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It is a way to express oneself and create something beautiful. Drawing pencils are one of the most essential tools for artists, whether they are beginners or professionals. These pencils come in different grades and are made of various materials, each with its unique characteristics.
When it comes to choosing the best drawing pencils, there are several factors to consider. The first and foremost is the grade of the pencil. The grade of the pencil determines how light or dark the lines will be. The second factor is the material of the pencil lead. The most common materials used are graphite, charcoal, and colored pencils. Graphite pencils are the most popular as they provide a wide range of shades and are suitable for different types of drawings.
Another critical factor to consider when choosing the best drawing pencils is the hardness of the lead. The hardness of the lead affects how easily the pencil can be sharpened and how long it will last. A harder lead will last longer and require less frequent sharpening, while a softer lead will provide a smoother and darker line.
To help artists find the best drawing pencils for their needs, we tested and reviewed ten different brands and grades of pencils. Our goal was to identify the ones that provide the best value for money, are easy to use, and produce high-quality results.
Best Drawing Pencils
- Exceptional Quality Selection: Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set
- Most Cost-Efficient: STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils
- Exquisite Luxury Option: Mr. Pen Sketch Pencils for Drawing, 14 Pack
- Affordable Choice: Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set
- Superior Performance Pick: Nicpro 6PCS Art Mechanical Pencils Set
When it comes to creating art, having the right tools is essential. Drawing pencils are a must-have for any artist, whether you’re a beginner or a professional. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best drawing pencils available on Amazon. These pencils are sure to provide you with the precision, control, and quality you need to create your next masterpiece.
Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set
If you are an artist or an art student, the Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set is a great investment.
Pros
- The ergonomic, hexagonal shape and smooth graphite is ideal for sketching, graphic design, and shading.
- The set includes 6 artist quality Faber-Castell graphite pencils in various degrees of lead hardness: 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B.
- The break-resistant lead is glued the entire length of the pencil to ensure limitless drawing and easy sharpening.
Cons
- The set only includes 6 pencils, so if you need a wider range of shades, you might need to purchase additional pencils separately.
- The set does not include a sharpener or an eraser.
- The price might be a bit steep for some.
The Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set is perfect for aspiring artists and art students who want to elevate their skills. The hexagonal shape and smooth graphite make it easy to sketch, shade, and design graphics. Additionally, the set includes six artist-quality graphite pencils in various degrees of lead hardness, providing a range of shades to work with. The break-resistant lead is also glued the entire length of the pencil, ensuring limitless drawing and easy sharpening.
Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality sketch pencil set, the Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set is a great option. It is made of reforested wood grown from FSC certified sustainable forestry, and the CO2 emissions caused by the manufacturing process of this item are neutralized by certified projects.
STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils
If you’re an artist or designer looking for a high-quality drawing pencil set, the STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils are definitely worth considering. With a premium quality and unbeatable product quality, these pencils are sure to impress.
Pros
- The lead is unbelievably break-resistant, making these pencils ideal for professional use.
- The set includes 12 finely graded consistent degrees, suitable for a wide range of artistic applications.
- The super-bonded lead wears evenly and is easy to erase and sharpen, making these pencils easy to use.
Cons
- The pencils may be more expensive than some other options on the market.
- Some users may prefer a larger set of pencils with a wider range of degrees.
- The metal storage tin may not be as durable as some users would like.
These pencils are particularly suitable for writing, drawing, sketching, and hatching, as well as for professional graphic and artistic applications on paper and matte drawing film. The super-bonded lead wears evenly and is easy to erase and sharpen, making these pencils easy to use. The set includes 12 finely graded consistent degrees in a portable metal storage tin, ranging from 6B to 4H, making it easy to find the perfect pencil for any project.
The STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils are made with first-class materials and manufacturing processes, guaranteeing outstanding and unbeatable product quality. While they may be more expensive than some other options on the market, their premium quality makes them well worth the investment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality drawing pencil set that will last you for years to come, the STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils are definitely worth considering. With their unbeatable product quality and range of finely graded degrees, they are sure to impress any artist or designer.
Mr. Pen Sketch Pencils for Drawing, 14 Pack
If you’re looking for a set of high-quality sketch pencils for drawing, then the Mr. Pen Sketch Pencils for Drawing, 14 Pack is a great option.
Pros
- This set offers the core range of harnesses of graphite sketch pencils for the pencil artist.
- Particularly suitable for writing, drawing, sketching and hatching, as well as for professional graphic and artistic applications on paper and matte drawing film.
- High-quality materials and manufacturing processes guarantee durable and unbeatable product quality.
Cons
- The packaging is a little shallow, so it may be difficult to remove and replace the pencils.
- The set does not come with a sharpener.
- The pencils may smudge easily.
The Mr. Pen Sketch Pencils for Drawing, 14 Pack is a great set of pencils for anyone looking to get started with sketching or drawing. The set includes 14 graphite pencils, ranging from 6H to 10B, which gives you a good range of hardness to work with.
The pencils are particularly suitable for writing, drawing, sketching, and hatching, as well as for professional graphic and artistic applications on paper and matte drawing film. The super-bonded lead wears evenly and is easy to erase and sharpen, which makes it a great option for artists who need to make adjustments to their work.
The high-quality materials and manufacturing processes guarantee durable and unbeatable product quality. The pencils are made with high-quality graphite and are built to last, which makes them a great investment for anyone who is serious about their art.
Overall, if you’re looking for a set of high-quality sketch pencils that will help you take your art to the next level, then the Mr. Pen Sketch Pencils for Drawing, 14 Pack is definitely worth considering.
Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set
If you’re looking for a high-quality set of colored pencils, the Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The range of 120 pencils is arranged in color families, making it easy to select the perfect shade for your artwork.
- The advanced formulation of the cores results in soft, buttery laydown that holds its point and doesn’t crumble under pressure.
- The colors are intensely pigmented, rich, and creamy, making it easy to achieve smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending, and burnishing.
Cons
- The price point may be a bit high for some users.
- The included tutorial may not be useful for more experienced artists.
- Some users may prefer a smaller set of pencils for more focused projects.
Overall, the Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set is a great choice for artists of all levels. The range of colors, softness of the cores, and ease of use make it a joy to work with. Whether you’re a professional or just starting out, this set is definitely worth considering.
Nicpro 6PCS Art Mechanical Pencils Set
If you’re looking for an all-in-one set of mechanical drawing pencils, the Nicpro 6PCS Art Mechanical Pencils Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set comes with six mechanical drafting pencils, including 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, and 2 mm lead sizes, making it perfect for various line widths.
- The full-metal body of the pencils provides ideal weight balance for fatigue-free writing and drawing, and the rhombus textured rubber grips and metal threaded anti-skidding make it comfortable to hold.
- The set comes with a pencil case, erasers, cap eraser refills, and a sharpener, making it a perfect school supply for teachers, students, artists, professionals, and engineers alike.
Cons
- The regular mechanical pencils may be too light for some users’ liking.
- There may be a learning curve when using the 2 mm lead holder for the first time.
- The set may not be suitable for those who prefer a specific brand or type of mechanical pencils.
The Nicpro 6PCS Art Mechanical Pencils Set is an excellent choice for those who are starting their journey with graphite illustration or drawing. With six mechanical drafting pencils and various lead sizes, this set is perfect for various line widths. The full-metal body of the pencils provides ideal weight balance for fatigue-free writing and drawing, and the rhombus textured rubber grips and metal threaded anti-skidding make it comfortable to hold. Moreover, the set comes with a pencil case, erasers, cap eraser refills, and a sharpener, making it a perfect school supply for teachers, students, artists, professionals, and engineers alike.
In summary, the Nicpro 6PCS Art Mechanical Pencils Set is a great value package that comes with everything you need to get started with drawing and sketching. If you’re looking for a set of mechanical drawing pencils that is versatile, comfortable to hold, and comes with all the necessary accessories, this set is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best drawing pencils, there are certain features that you should consider before making a purchase. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Lead Grade
The lead grade of a pencil refers to the hardness or softness of the graphite. The most common lead grades are HB, 2B, and 4B, with HB being the standard and most versatile. Softer leads (lower numbers) are better for shading and creating darker lines, while harder leads (higher numbers) are better for precise lines and details.
Type of Pencil
There are two main types of drawing pencils: graphite and charcoal. Graphite pencils are the most common and come in a range of lead grades. Charcoal pencils are darker and softer than graphite, making them ideal for creating dramatic, textured lines.
Barrel Shape
The shape of the pencil barrel can affect how comfortable it is to hold and use. Round barrels are the most common and work well for most people. Triangular barrels can be more comfortable for some users, as they provide a better grip and prevent the pencil from rolling off the table.
Price
Drawing pencils come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end professional sets. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in higher-quality pencils can make a big difference in the final result of your artwork.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best drawing pencils for your needs and create stunning artwork with ease.
