Graphite pencils have always been a crucial tool for artists and writers. Their adaptability enables the creation of varying stroke widths depending on the angle and pressure applied. However, there’s a significant difference in the quality and performance of these pencils. High-quality graphite pencils are distinguished by their robust, consistent core that ensures smooth writing and shading. Additionally, they should be comfortable to hold and use. Utilizing subpar pencils can degrade the quality of your work, leading to poor linework, smudging, and discomfort.
When selecting graphite pencils, it’s crucial to pay attention to factors such as their core hardness, wood quality, lacquer finish, and even their erasers. The pencil should provide a perfect balance of smoothness, dark lines, and the ability to be erased cleanly.
Throughout this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best graphite pencil. We have meticulously researched and tested a variety of pencils to determine which ones promise the most consistent, high-quality performance. By the end of this article, you will possess all the necessary information to make a well-informed decision, ensuring that your art and written work shine.
Best Graphite Pencils
Selecting the right graphite pencils is essential for achieving the desired artistic and writing techniques. The pencils should be comfortable, providing various degrees of shade and sharp lines. Given the countless brands and varieties available in the market, it can be difficult to pick the best one for your needs. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best graphite pencils to make your decision easier, thanks to our rigorous testing and review process.
Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sketch Pencil Sets Art 8B – 2H set of 12
If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality pencil set for your artistic endeavors, the Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sketch Pencil Sets Art 8B – 2H set of 12 is a great option.
Pros
- The pencils have a smooth and consistent gradation from light to dark, making them ideal for creating shading and tone.
- The wood-cased pencils have a hexagonal shape for a comfortable grip, which is especially useful during long drawing sessions.
- The set includes 12 of the most commonly used graphite pencils, ranging from 8B to 2H, making it versatile and suitable for a wide range of artistic techniques.
Cons
- Some users may find the price point to be a bit high compared to other pencil sets on the market.
- The pencils may require frequent sharpening, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
- The set only includes 12 pencils, which may not be enough for some artists who require a larger quantity of pencils.
Overall, the Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sketch Pencil Sets Art 8B – 2H set of 12 is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality and reliable pencil set. The smooth and consistent gradation of the pencils, the comfortable grip, and the versatile range of pencils make this set a great investment for any artist.
Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set – 6 Graphite Pencils (2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B), Drawing Pencils and Sketching Supplies
If you’re looking for a high-quality graphite pencil set, the Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set is a great choice.
Pros
- The set includes a variety of lead grades, allowing you to achieve a range of effects in your artwork.
- The pencils are made from premium graphite, which provides excellent lightfastness and allows for smooth, even strokes.
- The wooden barrels of the pencils are made from sustainably-grown cedar wood, which gives the pencils a comfortable grip and a classic look.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the 4B and 6B pencils are not as soft as they had hoped.
- The set only includes six pencils, which may not be enough for some artists.
- The set is relatively expensive compared to other pencil sets on the market.
We’ve used the Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set for a variety of artwork projects, and we’ve been very pleased with the results. The set includes a range of lead grades, from 2H to 6B, which allows us to achieve a variety of effects in our artwork. The premium graphite used in the pencils provides excellent lightfastness and allows for smooth, even strokes.
One potential downside of the set is that some users have reported that the 4B and 6B pencils are not as soft as they had hoped. However, we found that the pencils provided plenty of depth and shading, and we were able to achieve the effects we were looking for.
Another potential downside of the set is that it only includes six pencils, which may not be enough for some artists. However, we found that the set provided a good range of pencils for most artwork projects, and we were able to achieve the effects we were looking for with the pencils included in the set.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set to anyone looking for a high-quality graphite pencil set. The set provides a range of lead grades, premium graphite, and a comfortable grip, making it a great choice for artists of all levels.
STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils, 12 Pack Graphite Pencils in Metal Case, Break-Resistant Bonded Lead, 100 G12,Silver/Blue
If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality graphite pencil set, the STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils are a great option.
Pros
- The pencils are encased in a sturdy metal case that protects them from damage and keeps them organized.
- The pencils are of a high standard, ensuring that they are free from breakage and can be sharpened to a fine point every time.
- The pencils are of consistent quality, making them ideal for use in all drawing techniques.
Cons
- The pencils are not erasable, which may be a downside for some users.
- The set only includes 12 pencils, which may not be enough for some artists.
- The pencils are slightly more expensive than some other sets on the market.
We have used and tested the STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils and found them to be of excellent quality. The metal case is durable and protects the pencils from damage, making it a great option for artists who need to keep their pencils organized and protected. The pencils themselves are of a high standard and do not break easily, ensuring that they can be sharpened to a fine point every time. Additionally, the pencils are of consistent quality, making them ideal for use in all drawing techniques.
One downside to the pencils is that they are not erasable, which may be a problem for some users. Additionally, the set only includes 12 pencils, which may not be enough for some artists. Finally, the pencils are slightly more expensive than some other sets on the market, which may be a consideration for those on a tight budget.
Overall, we highly recommend the STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils for anyone in need of a high-quality graphite pencil set.
Prismacolor Premier Graphite Drawing Pencils with Erasers & Sharpeners, 18-Piece Set
If you’re looking for a versatile set of pencils for drawing and shading, the Prismacolor Premier Graphite Drawing Pencils with Erasers & Sharpeners, 18-Piece Set is a great option.
Pros
- The range of hardness from HB to 6B allows for a variety of shading techniques.
- The smooth graphite core produces clean lines and blends well for smooth transitions.
- The pencils are well-made and durable.
Cons
- The pencils are not self-sharpening, so you’ll need to use a sharpener provided.
- The erasers are not very effective and will need to be replaced frequently.
- The set only includes 18 pencils, which may not be enough for some projects.
We’ve used this set for a variety of drawing and shading projects, and we’ve been pleased with the results. The range of hardness allows for a variety of techniques, from light sketches to bold shading. The smooth graphite core produces clean lines and blends well for smooth transitions.
One thing to note is that the pencils are not self-sharpening, so you’ll need to use a sharpener provided. The erasers are also not very effective and will need to be replaced frequently. Additionally, the set only includes 18 pencils, which may not be enough for some projects.
Overall, we think the Prismacolor Premier Graphite Drawing Pencils with Erasers & Sharpeners, 18-Piece Set is a great option for anyone looking for a versatile set of pencils for drawing and shading. The smooth graphite core and range of hardness make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced artists.
Prina 50 Pack Drawing Set Sketch Kit, Pro Art Sketching Supplies with 3-Color Sketchbook, Graphite, and Charcoal Pencils for Artists Adults Teens Beginner Kid, Ideal for Shading, Blending
If you’re looking for a complete drawing set for beginners, the Prina 50 Pack Drawing Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes a variety of pencils, charcoal sticks, and a sketchbook, making it a great value for beginners.
- The pencils are made of high-quality graphite, providing a smooth and consistent drawing experience.
- The sketchbook is made of high-quality paper that won’t bleed or smudge, making it ideal for practicing different techniques.
Cons
- Some of the pencils may be too soft for some users, making it difficult to create fine lines.
- The set may not be suitable for more advanced artists who need a wider range of colors and tools.
- The sketchbook may not be large enough for some users who need more space to create.
Overall, the Prina 50 Pack Drawing Set is a great option for beginners who are just starting out with drawing. The set includes a variety of pencils, charcoal sticks, and a sketchbook, making it a great value for those who are just starting out. The pencils are made of high-quality graphite, providing a smooth and consistent drawing experience. The sketchbook is made of high-quality paper that won’t bleed or smudge, making it ideal for practicing different techniques.
One potential downside of the set is that some of the pencils may be too soft for some users, making it difficult to create fine lines. Additionally, the set may not be suitable for more advanced artists who need a wider range of colors and tools. Finally, the sketchbook may not be large enough for some users who need more space to create.
Overall, if you’re a beginner looking for a complete drawing set, the Prina 50 Pack Drawing Set is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best graphite pencils, there are several factors to consider. As experienced artists, we understand the importance of selecting the right tools to achieve the desired results. In this section, we will discuss the key features to look for when purchasing graphite pencils.
Hardness of the Lead
The hardness of the lead is an essential factor to consider when purchasing graphite pencils. The lead’s hardness determines its darkness and how easily it can be blended with other pencils. The most commonly used scales to measure the hardness of the lead are the B and 2B scales. Pencils with a B grade are softer and produce darker lines, while pencils with a 2B grade are harder and produce lighter lines.
Grade of the Pencil
The grade of the pencil refers to the overall quality of the pencil. The most common grades are HB, 2B, and B. HB pencils are the most versatile and suitable for general drawing. 2B pencils are slightly softer and produce darker lines, making them ideal for shading. B pencils are softer still and produce even darker lines, making them ideal for creating bold, expressive drawings.
Type of Pencil
There are several types of graphite pencils available, including standard pencils, colored pencils, and charcoal pencils. Standard pencils are the most common and versatile. Colored pencils are ideal for creating vibrant, colorful drawings. Charcoal pencils produce a unique, smoky texture and are ideal for creating dramatic, expressive drawings.
Price
Graphite pencils are available at a range of price points, from budget-friendly options to high-end professional-grade pencils. While price is an important factor to consider, it’s essential to remember that the most expensive pencils aren’t always the best. It’s important to find a balance between price and quality to ensure that you get the most value for your money.
In summary, when choosing the best graphite pencils, it’s essential to consider the hardness of the lead, the grade of the pencil, the type of pencil, and the price. By taking these factors into account, you can find the perfect pencils to suit your needs and achieve the desired results.
