What to Look for in Graphite Drawing Pencils

Many varieties of graphite pencil are available.

Used for hundreds of years, the graphite pencil is a traditional drawing tool. Artists and designers use pencils for many diverse purposes, including fine art sketching and architectural drafting. Determining what you wish to use a pencil for will help you select the right choice from a large array of options.

Types

Mechanical pencils consist of a plastic or metal shaft containing thin sticks of graphite and you can refill them indefinitely. Traditional pencils come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Classification

Manufacturers label pencils according to the softness of the graphite. A softer pencil will make a darker mark. Pencils constructed in the United States are labeled with numbers--a higher number indicating a harder lead. Overseas manufacturers often use a scale based upon the letters "H", which stands for hard, and "B", which stands for black, or soft.

Considerations

If you want to use a pencil for precise and exact drawings, choose a mechanical pencil. Soft pencils are best for sketching and rough drawing, while soft pencils will yield a softer, more delicate effect. Artists often employ a range of pencils in a variety of hardnesses.

References

• Pencils: The HB Graphite Grading Scale
• San Jose State University: Drawing: Pencil & Graphite