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In most creative fields, it's impossible to get away from one important tool—a pencil. It doesn't matter if you're an architect, a professional fine artist, or you're just learning to draw; a good graphite pencil is an essential part of any artist's supplies.
And while we've gone over how to select the best colored pencils, there are a whole other set of considerations when thinking about the right graphite pencil to add to your collection. In fact, you'll probably—like most artists—wind up using several different pencils depending on the effect you're looking for.
Figuring out the best pencils to bring your sketches and designs to life can appear challenging, but much of it comes down to personal preference. Once you get the hang of which brand you prefer, you can mix and match different pencil grades in order to expand your sketching capabilities. You'll see that much of what we suggest are pencil sets, which allow you to experiment with a wide variety of lines and shading, but each brand will also sell their pencils individually once you need to restock.
How to Select the Best Drawing Pencil
Photo: Jess Watters
When selecting the perfect graphite pencil, the first thing to take into consideration is your drawing style. Technical drawing and detailed artwork with fine lines will require different pencils than those used for shading and sketching figures. Do you use dark, thick lines in your sketches or prefer lighter, thinner strokes? Understanding your personal artistic style and needs will help you narrow down the selection when searching for a good drawing pencil.
Keep in mind that most artists use more than one type of pencil. In fact, many manufacturers sell drawing pencil sets that come with a selection of graphite pencils in different grades. This will allow you to switch between tools depending on the requirements of a particular image.
Pencil Grading Scale
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Once you know what type of artwork you need the pencil for, you need to understand the different grades of graphite pencils. Even though we often refer to lead in pencils, there is actually no component of lead used in them. Whereas colored pencils are made with wax and pigment, graphite pencils are a mixture of graphite and clay. The combination of these two components allows for smooth strokes, but graphite pencils will give different lines depending on how much clay is present. Generally, the more clay in the pencil, the harder the pencil—and lighter the stroke—will be.
In the United States, we commonly think of the number 2 pencil, which is standard for schools and test-taking. The American number scale for pencils ranges 1 to 4 (including 2.5), but the rest of the world uses a different grading scale. Most manufacturers use the HB scale, where “H” stands for hardness and “B” for blackness. A standard number 2 pencil corresponds to HB on this scale.
The HB scale ranges from 9H, a hard pencil that leaves fine, light marks, to 9B, a soft pencil which a high ratio of graphite that leaves bold, dark marks. While every manufacturer gives each pencil a designation on the scale, it's all relative to a given brand, so remember that a 6H pencil from one manufacturer might give a slightly different stroke than a 6H pencil from another.
Once you understand the type of lines you can expect from your pencils, it's easy to mix and match to put together a graphite pencil set that will cover your needs as an artist.
Best Graphite Drawing Pencils
Photo: Igor Ovsyannykov
Check out our selection of high quality drawing pencils that are ideal for every level of artist. If you're new to drawing, then picking up a set will allow you to try different types of pencils and discover which grading suits you best.
Derwent Medium Graphic Drawing Pencils (set of 12)
Derwent | $16.49
Available in different sets filled with a wide variety of grades, both beginners and professionals swear by Derwent. You can select between soft, medium, and hard sets depending on your subject matter and people note that the pencils are easy to sharpen to a point, as well as a flat shape. This allows for detailed work, as well as shading. And the hexagonal shape makes them easy to grip.
Prismacolor Premier Graphite Drawing Pencils (18 piece set)
Prismacolor | $20.46
Prismacolor's graphite drawing set is a good introductory kit when starting to sketch. It comes with seven graphite drawing pencils of different grades, as well as four woodless graphite pencils. These create beautiful, broad strokes when used on their side, and allow you to experiment with a variety of tools. As an added bonus, the pencil set includes water-soluble graphite pencils, which transform into a wash when brushed with water. All told, the drawing kit is a great way to start sketching seriously.
Staedtler Mars Lumograph Graphite Pencil Set (set of 12)
Staedtler | $12.59
Many artists swear by Staedtler‘s range of drawing pencils. Their Mars Lumograph is known for its consistency and lack of breakage, making them great for detailed work. They also erase cleanly, meaning you won't be left with stray smudges on the paper. Staedtler's standard set provides 6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, HB, F, H, 2H, 3H, 4H drawing pencils, making it extremely versatile. “I've been using Staedtler Lumograph professionally for over 30 years and in that time I've found no better,” says artist and art educator Mike Sibley. “I even give them away at my workshops.”
Lyra Rembrandt Art Design Pencils (set of 12)
Lyra | $15.69
For a good value, you can't beat Lyra Art Design Pencils. The graphite is rigid enough that it works for technical drawing, and with 17 different grades available, there's no shortage of shading you can accomplish. One reviewer writes, “The finest pencils for drawing. High-quality graphite that is smooth and easy to blend. A wide variety of hardness for all your artwork needs.”
Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sketch Pencil Art Set (set of 12)
Faber-Castell | $14.75
Faber-Castell is a German brand known for high-quality art supplies, and the Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sketch pencils are no exception. The brand makes sets with a variety of grades included or you can purchase single packs of pencils in each grade. Known for their consistency and durability, they sharpen easily and don't often break. Plus, Faber-Castell's handy tin makes the pencils highly portable. It's no wonder they are an artist's favorite, no matter the style or skill level.
Tombow Mono Professional Drawing Pencils (set of 12)
Tombow | $16.26
Japanese manufacturer Tombow is known for its high-density pencils, meaning they sharpen easily and the point stays longer. The Mono pencil is known to run a bit dark and is virtually smudge-proof. The dark lines of the Tombow Mono can almost mimic inks, making it a favorite of artists who focus on linework and tracing.
Cretacolor Monolith Woodless Graphite Pencil Set
Creatacolor | $20.48
Woodless pencils may cost a bit more, but they generally last longer than the typical wood-encased pencils. Cretacolor woodless pencils are perfect for shading and the graphite in them is water-soluble, allowing you to create soft washes over the page. Creatacolor's kit also comes with a kneaded eraser and sharpener, giving you all the tools you need in one box.
General Semi-Hex Drawing Pencils (4-Pack)
General Pencil | $4.13
The General Pencil Company has been in production since 1889 with products whose quality has stood the test of time. In art supply stores, you'll often find that you have to purchase them per pencil, but this four-pack gives you better value—especially if you prefer the softer graphite. The set contains HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils.
Prismacolor Ebony Graphite Drawing Pencil (12-pack)
Prismacolor | $7.63
The Prismacolor Ebony Graphite pencil, which has a 2B grading, is a beautiful choice for rich, velvety lines. Easily blendable and soft, while they won't create jet black lines—they get close for graphite. You'll need to sharpen them often due to their softness, and many swear by them for shading that is difficult to achieve without using charcoal.
ARTEZA Woodless Drawing Pencils (Set of 12)
Arteza | $15.99
This set of 12 woodless pencils covers all the grading you'll need for sketching. The comprehensive kit includes pencils from 6B to 4H and gives you the range needed to complete all types of drawing–from quick, gestural strokes to more precise artwork. ARTEZA boasts that the “woodless pencil contains more graphite, making it last longer and shade larger areas.”
Palomino Pearl Pencils (box of 12)
Blackwing | 27
Although new, California-based brand Blackwing has already established itself as a favorite among illustrators. The Palomino Pearl pencils feature an elegant white body with a smooth Japanese graphite core of medium-hardness, which is ideal for lettering and line work.
Caran D'ache Graphite Line Gift Box Set
Caran D'ache | $137.50
Don't be scared by the price. Caran D'ache is for serious sketchers looking to up their drawing game. As Switzerland's only pencil maker, the brand has carried out exacting studies to get things just right, making them the favorite of many artists. This gift set will get you 15 graphic pencils, 3 water-soluble graphite pencils, plus accessories. Some say they are the best drawing pencils on the market, and that once you try them, you'll never go back.
Best Pencil Sharpeners
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If you know you'll be working with graphite pencils frequently, then you'll be in need of a good pencil sharpener to make sure your utensils are always at a point. We've selected a few to help you get started.
Dux Pencil Sharpeners
DUX | $5.99
DUX is the oldest pencil sharpener factory in Germany, so you know you can't go wrong with their utensils. Their pencil sharpener includes openings for slim and oversized pencils and comes in a variety of cute colors to complement your drawing set.
Blackwing Long Point Pencil Sharpener
Blackwing | $15
Unlike most pencil sharpeners, Blackwing‘s product goes through a two-step process. The first hole is intended to shave away the wood, while the second opening will carve the graphite to a fine point. It includes an automatic brake to prevent oversharpening, too.
Stanley Bostitch Electric Pencil Sharpener
Stanley Bostitch | $79.94
If you're an artist that will be using graphite drawing pencils frequently, then you may want to invest in an electric sharpener. This one by Stanely Bostitch will cut the time it takes to sharpen your pencils in half (it even works with colored pencils!). It also features SharpStop technology so you won't risk oversharpening, and instead keeping them at a perfectly fine point.
Best Mechanical Pencils for Drawing
Photo: Stock Photos from Auttapon Jantham/Shutterstock
While some artists prefer the look and feel of traditional wooden pencils, others prefer the more consistent and controlled marks of mechanical pencils. Refillable and made from plastic or metal, these utensils are ideal for those who prefer long-lasting tools. Depending on the size of lead you choose (0.7, 0.5, etc.), mechanical pencils might be the better choice for creating fine details in your artwork.
Tikky by rOtring Mechanical Pencil (0.7 mm)
rOtring | $6.07
ROtring is the dominant name in the field of technical drawing pens, and this model carries on the tradition. This lightweight drafting pencil has been specially designed to reduce breakage, meaning you'll waste less money on refills. With a retractable tip and comfortable rubber grip, it will quickly become a favorite whether used for drafting or sketching.
Faber Castell Grip 2011 Mechanical Pencil 0.7 mm
Faber-Castell | $18
Faber-Castell's Grip 2011 Mechanical Pencil has won design awards for a reason. Rubber dots along the triangular barrel make it extremely comfortable and easy to grip. It also comes with a twist-out eraser and is pre-loaded with lead.
Staedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencil
Staedtler | $11.73
If you're looking for a pencil for technical sketching, give the Staedtler Mars 780 a try. Reviewers talk about these pencils as keepsakes that they use for years and only replace when necessary. “I've used this specific lead holder for over a decade and when I lost it I just had to replace it,” one person wrote. “The holder itself is light, with a nice weight given by the metal grip. Despite what you might expect the metal diamond grip is actually very comfortable and pretty smooth.”
Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil (0.5 mm)
Pentel | $11.76
Work in comfort when you use the Pentel GraphGear mechanical pencil. It is inlaid with soft pads that will feel good on your fingers. Beyond that, the pencil features a dual retractor to both advance and retract your lead with ease.
This article has been edited and updated.
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