After getting a number of requests from readers, we have put together this huge drawing guide for you 🙂 Learn, Perfect and Master.
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Table of Contents
- Best Drawing Pencils Overview
- What To Look For In The Best Drawing Pencil
- Which Pencils Are Best For Beginners?
- Understanding Grades of Drawing Pencils
- Graphite Pencils
- Mechanical Pencils
- Colored Pencils
- Best Pencil Sharpeners
Best Drawing Pencils For All Your Art and Craft Needs
Whether you are learning to draw, or experimenting with sketching. Or shading, rendering or creating a rough draft of a soon-to-be masterpiece. You’ll need to know what the best pencils for sketching are.
Using different drawing techniques, the use of pencils can have a stunning effect.
There are hundreds of pencils on the market and finding the perfect set can be a tad overwhelming. That’s where this post has you covered.
We’ve done all the research for you, so you don’t have to. We’ve spent many hours scouring top authority sites. We’ve also read countless reviews to come up with this comprehensive list.
Get ready to be one with your best drawing pencil and create magic!
Please note that this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something through those links we will be earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting Crafty Like Granny 🙂
What To Look For In The Best Drawing Pencils
A Wide Range of Lead Grades
As with most art/craft mediums, creators will experiment with different pencil grades to see the effects they can create
Consistent Lead Quality
Consistency and smoothness of graphite drawing pencils are essential. This will ensure it produces the effect that users are expecting. Be sure to watch out for leads that scratch the paper, you don’t want that in your drawing experience. Some leads may grip the paper more than others, and that’s okay.
Easy to Erase Without Smudging
None of us are perfect, and sometimes there is a need to fix a mistake by using an eraser. You want to be using pencils that erase well and won’t leave smudges. You do want your finished drawing to look good!
Sharpen Well
Carefully crafted pencils made with high-quality wood. When sharpened the shavings are clean. Well made pencils are less likely to break. A bonus of this is they don’t have chisel-sharp broken tips or splintered ends when sharpened.
Which Pencils Are Best For Beginners?
Experimentation is critical when you are first starting on your drawing journey. The best drawing pencil set for beginners needs to have a range of options.
This allows you to work out what suits your style and what you create with different leads. Buying a selection of the best pencils for drawing with different grades would be a great way to start.
Do you consider yourself someone that can’t draw? The video below shows some simple steps to prove that you can!
Understanding Grades Of Drawing Pencils
Grades of pencils refer to hardness and texture. H stands for ‘hardness,’ F for ‘fine point,’ and B for ‘blackness.’
The grades range from numbers 2 to 9. The letter following the number determines whether it is hard “H” or soft “B.”
In the middle the two grades meet. This is where you will find things like HB, B, F (fine point) and H. Hard pencils are lighter in tone while soft pencils are darker.
So the actual order of the grades of pencils is like this:
9H 8H 7H 6H 5H 4H 3H 2H H F B HB 2B 3B 4B 5B 6B 7B 8B 9B.
Higher H Grades
Features:
- Sharpen to fine points
- Take longer to become blunt
- Make light marks
Uses:
- Good for drawing details and preliminary drawings that you may not want to be permanent.
- Help blend the edges of darker areas for a gradient effect.
Higher B Grades
Features:
- Soft, dark pencils with high proportions of graphite.
- Become blunter quicker than other grades, but they are also smoother.
Uses:
- With different levels of pressure, these pencils produce the most variation between light and dark.
- Excellent for filling in dark areas, like shadows and facial contours.
Middle Grades: 2H-2B
Features:
- The middle grades contain relatively balanced levels of clay and graphite.
- Dark enough to show up well but are still hard enough to keep a sharp point
Uses:
- Good all-purpose pencils.
- Great for detailed work.
The standard sketching pencil is HB or 2B. Many people recommend this a great all-around go-to pencil, due to the lead falling between soft and hard.
Shading Techniques – How to Shade with a Pencil
By Matt Fussell
Learn shading applications such as hatching, cross hatching, blending, rendering, random or squiggly lines and stippling. Find out how to create the illusion of light with shading.
Learn The Basic Techniques For Drawing Realistic Eyes
by Darlene Nguyen
Follow Darlene’s easy step by step tutorial on creating a realistic eye.
How to Hold and Control Your Pencil
Do you hold your pencil correctly? In this video, drawing educator and a painter; Stan Prokopenko, will show you a brilliant method of making your strokes more precise and less tiring.
How to Draw a Mandala
by Thaneeya at Art Is Fun
Drawing mandalas can be very relaxing, and it’s you who decides what the final result is supposed to look like. So it can’t go wrong! Follow Thaneeya’s step by step tutorial.
2B or Not 2B? A Guide to Pencil Drawing Techniques
In this tutorial, you will learn the basic drawing techniques explained in an easily understandable way.
Learn How to Draw Cute Chibi Kawaii Pokemon Characters
Fan art is a great way to show your appreciation towards the creation of others. Do you like Pokemon? Then you’ll love this series of simple tutorials!
Human Anatomy Fundamentals – Basics of the Face
by Joumana Medlej
Learn how about the proportions of the face, the eyes, nose, ears and lips in this tutorial.
How To SKETCH Like A Pro! – Tools, Tips, and Tricks!
Being able to sketch is an essential part of any artist’s toolbox. From a rough first draft to a finished masterpiece. Sketching is a rewarding and straightforward art form. Anyone can do it. However, like any art form, it can be challenging and tedious. So for many people, this can end up as being more frustrating than enjoying.
No one wants that, do they? Draw with Jazza has a fantastic video on how to Sketch, with tips, tricks, hints and more. From those starting to those who have honed their craft to perfection. This video has something for everyone.
Best Graphite Pencils For Drawing
From beginners to experts, having the right tools for your sketching needs is a great start. Having good drawing pencils is key to success. Here are some recommendations for graphite pencils.
Tombow Mono Professional Drawing Pencil- 6 pack with Eraser – Assorted degrees
Superb quality black lead pencil. High-density graphite encased in cedar wood. The manufacturing process ensures that the lead is centered within the wood casing, making it break resistant and easy to sharpen. Very high-quality drawing pencils.
1 Each: 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, and Mono Zero Eraser (Round)
Uni Hi-Uni Mitsu-bishi Pencil Art Set – 10B to 10H – Box of 22
These pencils offer slightly darker color and are softer than other brands. Very easy to sharpen cleanly, They are exceptionally smooth and come in every grade from 10H – 10B.
Click to Learn More/Buy from AmazonCaran D’ache Graphite Line Gift Box Set
Caran D’Ache in Switzerland is the country’s only pencil manufacturer and has developed luxury crafted graphite pencils. These pencils have been carefully developed to offer all the different shades of black, thick and thin lines and a range of effects. The most luxurious pencil and for most, well worth the investment.
Click to Learn More/Buy from AmazonFaber-Castel FC800028 Castell 9000 15 Piece Graphite Pencil Set with Bag
No products found.The consistency of the graphite encased in the quality wood is a wonderful feature of this pencil. Sharpens to a fine point and the bag that they come with are perfect for travel. Contains different grades of hardness and have superior black, break-resistant leads.
No products found.Cretacolor Monolith Set
Cretacolor Monolith are woodless pencils that range in hardness from HB to 9B. These pencils have a protective lacquer coating and are easy to sharpen. Users have noted the comfortable weight of these pencils: not too heavy, not too light.
Click to Learn More/Buy from AmazonPrismacolor Premier Graphite Drawing Pencils with Erasers & Sharpeners, 18-Piece Set
These are woodless pencils have high quality graphite and sharpen consistently. Range of grades with strong points. Includes: 7 Turquoise drawing pencils (8B, 6B, 2B, B, 2H, 4H & 6H), 4 woodless graphite pencils (2B, 4B, 6B & 8B), 3 water-soluble graphite pencils (HB, 4B & 8B), 2 erasers (Magic Rub vinyl & kneaded rubber), 1 steel sharpener and 1 sanding board.
Click to Learn More/Buy from AmazonStaedtler Mars Lumograph Graphite Drawing & Sketching Pencils, Soft Set of 12 Degrees
These pencils are extremely break-resistant due to how they have been manufactured. They erase cleanly and the casings are made from sustainably-harvested cedar. Sharpening is a breeze with no cracks or splits. When in use they are smooth on the paper and easy to control.
Click to Learn More/Buy from AmazonDerwent Graphic Pencils (24 Pencil Set)
Excellent quality and craftsmanship. They draw smoothly and the range of pencils allows for crisp, detailed work. They blend beautifully and sharpen well. Users commented on how comfortable they felt in their hand.
Click to Learn More/Buy from AmazonLyra Rembrandt Art Design
These pencils are smooth on the paper, great for shading and erase easily. Some of the best shading pencils. They are made of high-quality break resistant lead. Durable and lasting with a range of degrees from 4H-6B. (4H,3H,2H,H, F, HB, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B)
Click to Learn More/Buy from Amazon
Best Mechanical Pencil For Drawing
Sick of sharpening your pencils? Mechanical Drawing Pencils are the answer!
What is a Mechanical Pencil?
Traditional drawing pencils have the lead or graphite bonded and encased in wood.
Not so the mechanical pencil, they have a lead or graphite core that is extendable and also replaceable.
The outer casing is often made from plastic or metal with comfortable grips.
What to Look for in a Mechanical Pencil for Drawing
Lead Thickness
Obtaining different lines is very important for sketching. Having different lead thicknesses offers more variety in the effects you can achieve. A 0.3mm mechanical pencil is commonly used for detailed drawing. The 0.5mm is frequently used for technical drawing. But it has been found to be very versatile to create all sorts of styles.
Durability
Plastic, Metal or wood barrels, are the choices in casing materials for mechanical pencils. Choose one that does not easily crack or break with consistent use.
Comfort
How a pencil feels in your hand is something you can only figure out. The comfort you experience during your sketching sessions is essential. Particularly if doing so for many hours.
Refills Are Readily Available
When choosing a mechanical pencil, considered the availability and cost of the lead/graphite refills.
Why use a Mechanical Pencil?
– As we mentioned before, you may be sick of sharpening a wood-cased pencil. Mechanical pencils require no sharpening due to their thin lead.
– The line width stays the same. Unlike a wood-cased pencil that writes a thin line when newly sharpened. But as you continue to draw, the line gets thicker
– The balance of a mechanical pencil stays the same. Unlike a wood-cased pencil which grows shorter as it is sharpened.
– You can keep a sturdy, durable mechanical pencil for years! You only have to refill the leads.
rOtring Rapid PRO Mechanical Pencil
Perfect for sketching and drawing. The barrel is made of metal but is comfortable to hold and feels balanced in the hand. The non slip surfaces with small ridges is a great feature. Due to the design of the sliding sleeve, breakage is at a minimum. There is a built-in sharpener under the push button cap. The company offers a limited warranty of 2 years from the original purchase date against defects in materials and workmanship.
Click to Learn More/Buy from AmazonPentel Kerry Mechanical Pencil
Comfortable in the hand, with good weight and balance. The measured lead advance mechanism is a feature of this design, with a compact and well balanced barrel. A luxurious look with a perfectly engineered barrel click attachment.
Click to Learn More/Buy from AmazonPentel Graph Gear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
No products found.Excellent design, look, solid feel due to the metal barrel. Great balance and the lead extender action users have said has a very satisfying click to it. The metal lead guide retracts into the pencil body to keep it safe from bending. The eraser sits inside a metal sleeve so that it does not get pushed into the lead reservoir. The lead guide retracts by springing open the shirt clip with a push of its top.
No products found.Uni Mechanical Pencil
Comfortable feel in the hand with a balanced weight. The barrel is made of metal and the knurled long grip is helpful in keeping steady. The rotating lead mechanism always keeps the tip sharp.
Click to Learn More/Buy from AmazonZebra M-701 Mechanical Pencil
No products found.Easy-to-hold and well balanced. Like most other mechanical pencils this also features a knurled metal grip providing good stability. It has Stainless steel barrel making it sturdy and dependable.
No products found.Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil
Gel Grip helps reduce reduce finger fatigue. The pencil feels comfortable and sturdy. There is an option of a shakable mechanism to pop its lead out or use a thumb to click on top of the mechanical pencil.
Check Price On Amazon
Best Colored Pencils For Drawing
Colored pencils bring wonder and delight to an art or craft project.
Here are some recommendations for the best sketching pencils.
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 72 Count
Fabulous for blending and shading. The thick, soft lead is resistant to breakage. The colors are vibrant and the pigments are water-resistant, smooth and light-fast.
Click to Learn More/Buy from AmazonFaber Castell Polychromos 36 Pencil Studio Set
Encased in quality cedar wood, with bonded leads that are hard and keep a sharp point for longer. The colors are vibrant and are oil based. Easy to erase and a breeze to sharpen.
Click to Learn More/Buy from AmazonFaber-Castell Albrecht Durer 36 Watercolor Pencil Set Box
High-quality watercolor pencils. The leads are smooth. Their vibrant pigments enable stunning watercolor effects when water is added.
Click to Learn More/Buy from Amazon
Best Pencil Sharpeners
There is something therapeutic about the sharpening of a pencil. Watching the wood shavings being removed to reveal a pristine, precision pointed lead.
Having a range of superb quality pencils for all your arts and crafts projects, means you want a high-quality sharpener. This helps to maintain your beautiful pencils.
There are so many sharpeners out there to choose from. So in this post, we share the factors to consider in the best pencil sharpeners to help make it easier for you to decide.
We cover the best electrical and manual pencil sharpeners and our recommendations. We’ve spent hours researching so you don’t have to 🙂
With our guide, you’ll be sure to find a pencil sharpener to suit your needs.
Let’s start with what kinds of questions you need to ask yourself…
Factors To Consider In A Pencil Sharpener
Best Electric Pencil Sharpener for Classroom
X-ACTO ProX Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener
Keeping noise and distraction to a minimum is most classroom teachers aim. Having a electric pencil sharpener which does the job quietly is preferred. The X-Acto ProX Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener fits the bill.
The heavy duty motor can handle a large number of pencils on a regular basis.
Six different slots means different sized pencils can be sharpened. With a large capacity for shavings, the amount of times it needs to be cleaned out is reduced.
The Flyaway cutter safety feature protects children’s fingers. When the pencil is sharp enough the motor shuts off. The helical steel cutter enables sharpening to occur on a single try, thus saving time.
Features:
Quiet heavy duty motor
Six different slots for different sized pencils
Large storage capacity for shavings
Flyaway cutter safety feature to keep fingers safe
Time saving helical steel cutter – sharpens a pencil on a single try
Best Vertical Electric Pencil Sharpener
School Smart Vertical Pencil Sharpener, 6 x 4 Inches, Electric
The high quality helical blades ensure that pencils have a sharp point and the auto stop feature means that you can’t over sharpen your pencil. The machine detects when the point has reached the ultimate sharpness and shuts off.
The non skid rubber pads on the bottom of the device gives it stability during sharpening.
The medium sized shaving container means you will need to clean it out more often.
Features:
Auto-Stop Feature – once the pencil is sharp enough the motor switches off
Helical Steel Blades for sharp points
Non-skid rubber pads for stability
Medium size container for shavings
Best Cheap Electric Pencil Sharpener
X-ACTO ProX Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener
Another X-Acto sharpener that is sturdy and durable, perfect for classrooms, home or office. The range they make all have quiet motors and feature helical steel cutters for sharp rounded points. The Flyaway Cutter system safety feature makes sure kids fingers are safe.
Features:
Heavy-duty electric Pencil sharpener Designed specifically for classrooms.
Durable construction stands up to wear and tear.
Quiet electric motor provides reliable power with minimal disruption.
Flyaway cutter system stops cutter automatically when Pencil is Sharp.
Helical steel cutter produces safe, rounded Pencil points.
Best Electric Pencil Sharpener for Artists
Artist Choice Electric-Pencil-Sharpener Battery Powered Heavy Duty Helical Blade Pencil Sharpener
No products found.If you have minimum power outlets then this is the sharpener for you as it is operated by 4 AA batteries (Not included) when purchasing. Heavy Duty ability but light in weight.
Artists will be able to sharpen a wide variety of pencils either lead or colored. The removable tray for shaving is easy to clean and put back in place.
Features:
Battery Powered
Spiral Helix cutters – Creates thin, sharp pointed lead
Removable shaving tray
Best Electric Pencil Sharpener for Home
LINKYO Electric Pencil Sharpener
It’s a great electric pencil sharpener for colored pencils.
If using sharpener for colored pencils, sharpen a graphite pencil after the 10th colored pencil. This lubricates the blades and keep them in good working order.
A range of pencil diameters can be sharpened from 6.5mm to 11mm. The large pencil shavings tray means you don’t have to empty it as often. Smart Stop technology maintains sharp points every time. The built in safety switch disables the device if the front cover is removed. Perfect for home use.
Features:
Able to sharpen both colored pencils and regular pencils.
Sharpens 6.5mm – 11mm pencil diameter
Large pencil shavings tray
Vertical design saves on space
Safety features – safety switch disables the sharpener if front cover is removed.
Smart Stop Technology to give the ideal sharpened point every time
Tips on using Electric Pencil Sharpeners
- – Try to avoid over-sharpening
- – make sure to twist the pencil slightly back and forth to get and even sharp point all around
- – Check the tip from time to time unless there is an automatic stop
- – Empty pencil shavings regularly
- – Use a toothbrush to brush off the blades to keep them clean and sharp.
Best Manual Pencil Sharpeners
For Students
Kum Automatic Brake Sharpeners
Easy to use, portable and sharpens points to a long sharp point.
Features:
2 step sharpening process
The first step removes the wood to show the graphite
The second step sharpens the lead to produce a long sharp tip
Suitable for round, hexagonal and triangular shaped pencils
High quality carbon steel blades.
For Long Points
KUM Masterpiece Pencil Sharpener
No products found.Seriously long points are obtained using this 2 step process sharpener.
Features:
Made in Germany
Blue plastic stopper to prevent over sharpening
2 step process
The first step removes the wood to show the graphite
The second step sharpens the lead to produce a long sharp tip
Uni KH-20 Hand Crank Wooden Pencil Sharpener – Black
Although this model looks very much like the old hand cranked classroom sharpeners, this one is more effficient and better looking!
Features:
Sharpens to a long cone with rounded tip
Easy to operate
Catches shavings in large bin at the base
Easy to clean
For Colored Pencils
Uni Color Pencil Sharpener
This sharpener doesn’t look like much but it has been specifically designed for colored pencils. Due to the delicate nature of colored pencil lead, it can break more easily. With this sharpener there is no such hassle, it gives a short, sharp and clean point.
Features:
Specifically designed to care for the delicate cores of colored pencils
Small and compact
Give a short, sharp and clean point
Sonic Ratchetta Pencil Sharpeners
Great for colored and graphite pencils alike. This “ratchet” system allows you to twist the pencil back and forth instead of having to re-grip it as you twist and sharpen.
Features:
Easy to use
Produces longer points
For Chunky Pencils
Maped Helix USA Maped Classic metal Pencil Sharpener (077049)
Great for sharpening chunky pencils but can also sharpen standard 8mm pencils. One thing to be aware of is that it can leave slight chips on the wood and pencil point.
Features:
Accommodates larger diameter pencils
Has 2 holes, one for 8mm and one for larger diameter pencils
Sturdy metal feel
Ribbed concave sides to get a good grip
Tips on using Manual Pencil Sharpeners
– Check from time to time the tip of your pencil as you sharpen it, if you can’t see the tips as you work.
– Empty pencil shavings regularly
– use a toothbrush to brush off the blades to keep them clean and sharp
Key Takeaway and Top Recommendations
Best Graphite Pencil For Beginners
Best Graphite Pencil For Sketching
Best Graphite Pencil For Shading
Conclusion
I hope that these recommendations help you make a decision on what drawing pencils you should purchase. Remember, it is always a personal decision when it comes to choosing your art materials. But hopefully, what I’ve presented here helps you make a more informed purchase.