The qualities of an excellent drawing pencil are exhibited by each member of this handpicked set: consistent lead quality, easy to erase, low smudging, sharpens well and holds a point.
Represented in this set are 7 pencils in varying grades of graphite and singular design:
Blackwing Matte (USA/Japan)
Tombow Mono 2H (Japan)
Camel HB (Japan)
Faber-Castell 9000 2B (Germany)
General’s Layout No. 555 (USA)
Viking Rollo XL artist pencil HB (Denmark)
Viking Verso Double-ended HB/4B (Denmark)
Blackwing Matte (soft):
Anyone who’s delved into the world of pencils is familiar with the myth and history surrounding the legendary Blackwing pencil. Its iconic (and easy to replace) rectangular eraser makes it a favorite among writers and artists. The Blackwing Matte is the brand’s softest graphite formulation. Comparable to a 4B pencil, it is buttery and versatile and ideal for light to dark shading. An impossibly smooth writing experience.
Tombow Mono 2H:
Mono pencils are made with superior, extra-refined high-density graphite. These long lasting pencils feature strong points making them extremely break resistant. They also wear slowly, all the while producing smooth, dense lines when writing or drawing. The smear-proof lines give drawings a crisp, clean appearance. Their slightly softer graphite contributes to a smoother feel and darker line than other pencils in the usual 2H family.
Camel HB:
With its unique ferrule-less eraser, the Camel HB makes a stunning addition to any pencil collection. The clear lacquer on the barrel gives it a protective sheen and the minimal branding in white embossing give it a classic design. Made in Japan by a small family factory, it writes smooth and retains a point well.
Faber-Castell 9000 2B:
Sharp-looking, artist-grade pencils from one of the world’s oldest pencil manufacturers. The Faber-Castell 9000 line features sealed graphite bonding for resisting point breakage. “Exclusively formulated and accurately graded.”
General’s Layout No. 555:
According to the General’s website, the Layout Pencil No. 555 has been used by animators since the 1930s. The 555 feels so smooth it’s almost waxy, like a colored pencil, but it erases clean like graphite. The Layout Pencil’s dark mark and erasability make it perfect for sketching. Equivalent to a 5B/6B grade, it retains its sharpness and blends well.
Viking Rollo XL artist pencil HB:
Getting a bit chonky, the Viking Rollo XL with its 6.9mm lead is not quite a jumbo pencil. Maybe we’ll call it a mini-jumbo? Its natural cedar finish feels great in your hand and it’s size makes drawing feel smooth and effortless. This is the perfect pencil for someone who does week-long creative retreats in log cabins.
Viking Verso Double-ended HB/4B pencil:
When it comes to the Verso pencil, two heads are better than one. If you sketch while taking notes and vice versa, this one-of-a-kind pencil is a must-have for the dual artist/writer. Fun fact: the double-sided graphite pencil was an idea first introduced over 150 years ago in Paris at the International Exposition of 1867. It fell off the radar for years until a German blogger and pencil aficionado brought it to Viking’s attention… and the rest was history.
