Best Graphite Drawing Pencils are a really important and indispensable tool for artists. Whether you’re a professional artist, illustrator, or designer, it is important to have a graphite pencil to keep a record of ideas and create works quickly.
With very many types of pencils available on the market. This article hopes to make your selection process easier by providing you with detailed information about high-quality pencil product lines.
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What is Graphite Pencil Degrees of Hardness?
Graphite Pencils have a label that tells you the color and texture of the pencil called a “degree.” The degree is based on the proportions of clay and graphite in the mixture that is used to make the pencil. If there is more graphite, then the pencil will be softer and blacker; on the contrary, if there is more clay, then the pencil will be harder and lighter in color.
Most pencils have three letters that tell you about the texture of the pencil.
- ‘B’ means Black and is for a soft pencil with lots of graphite.
- ‘H’ means Hard and is for a pencil with a hard texture and lots of clay.
- ‘F’ is in the middle and means firm.
- ‘HB’ is a 50:50 mixture of clay and graphite, great for drawing and writing.
- Besides, pencils are also given a number. The higher the number, the softer and blacker the pencil is, or the harder and lighter it is if it’s an ‘H’ pencil. For example, a 8B pencil is softer and blacker than a 3B. However, A 9H is harder and lighter than a 2H.
Which pencil should you choose?
Black pencils that are soft are good for creating dark shadows or for covering large areas. Because they are soft, this is very great if you want to make expressive work with loose and different line sizes.
Harder pencils, with an H-grade, are great for light sketching and drafting ideas. They help you create precise lines because their points are very sharp and do not erase easily
Best graphite drawing pencils of 2024
The list below is the top best graphite drawing pencil brands that I would like to recommend to you – based on performance, popularity, brand reputation, and personal experience.
1. Staedtler Mars Lumograph
If you’re looking for a pencil that offers a high-quality drawing or writing experience, the Staedtler Mars Lumograph is a great choice. These pencils feature a specially designed graphite lead, making it easy to create detailed drawings or writing. Additionally, the Lumograph is highly break-resistant, ensuring that the pencil remains structurally sound even when used for sharpening. With a range of softness levels available, the Lumograph is versatile enough to meet the needs of artists and graphic designers alike.
So whether you’re looking for a reliable drawing tool or simply want to improve your handwriting, the Staedtler Mars Lumograph is an excellent choice.
- Keep brushes like New with this lemon-scented Cleaner and preserver
- Even Old, hardened, oil paint brushes may be restored to their original snap and luster
2. General's Kimberly Premium Graphite Pencils
General Pencil Company is a family-owned company that has been around since 1889, and their traditional formula produces pencils of incredible quality. To this day, they are still family-owned and operated, so I can tell that this company has a real passion for what they do.
General’s Kimberly Premium Graphite Pencils are artist-quality pencils. They are hexagonal and extremely smooth, with a non-porous ceylon graphite core that makes them extremely durable and dense.Â
With 20 hardnesses available, from the hardest (9H) to the softest (9XXB), you’ll never be without the perfect pencil for the job.
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Kimberly Graphite Pencil Kit |
$11.00 |
Buy on Amazon |
3. Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sketch Pencil
Castell 9000 is made from finely ground graphite and clay, based on a special manufacturing process that makes it smooth, durable and extremely resistant to breakage. Additionally, they come in a variety of hardness levels to meet the diverse needs of artists such as sketching, graphic design, and shading. Besides, available in 16 Degrees of Lead Hardness, Castell 9000 guarantees you a great experience in your creative journey.
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Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sketch Pencil Sets Art 8B - 2H set of 12 |
$12.79 |
Buy on Amazon | |
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Castell 9000 Graphite Pencil - 5B | $4.66 | Buy on Amazon |
4. Prismacolor Premier Graphite Drawing Pencils
Prismacolor uses only the finest materials and collaborates directly with artists to serve their increasingly diverse needs. Made of high-quality graphite, Prismacolor Premier Graphite is ideal for technical and fine art drawings. A wide range of values ​​allows you to paint everything from highlights to mid-tones and shadows. Additionally, They are very durable and can be sharpened to a fine point without crumbling.
5. Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils
Derwent are a longstanding manufacturer of art materials since 1832, Derwent Graphic Pencils are high-quality pencils made in the UK. They are suitable for a wide range of users, from artists, illustrators to designers.
The hexagonal pencil core allows you to accurately draw even the smallest details in your drawings. The hard pencil (H) has a 2.2mm core for sharp lines, while the soft black pencil (B) uses a 3.5mm core for softer lines.
You can choose 20 different Degrees of Lead Hardness including: 9B, 8B, 7B, 6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, HB, F, H, 2H, 3H, 4H, 5H, 6H, 7H, 8H, 9H. So you can choose the Degrees of Lead Hardness that best suits your project, these pencils are perfect for blending, illustrating detail, and shading.
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Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils, Medium, Metal Tin, 12 Count (34214) |
$16.00 |
Buy on Amazon |
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