Top 10 Best Drawing Pencils in the UK 2021 (Derwent, Staedtler and More)

Not all drawing pencils are created equally and, alongside quality, there are a fair few different options to choose from. In this section, we will run through the key points to consider when shopping for pencils online.

Although pencils are definitely one of the simpler tools when it comes to art materials, there are still a few types to decide between. Considerations such as type of grip, budget, ease of use and desired effects will determine which type of drawing pencil you should go for.

When you think of a regular drawing pencil, graphite encased in wood is the most common type that will probably come to mind. Though widely known as "lead", you might be surprised to learn that there actually isn't any lead in a drawing pencil at all!

Most drawing pencil cores are made from graphite powder mixed with a clay binder, creating a drawing material that is resistant to moisture, ultraviolet radiation and natural ageing. Graphite is produced in various grades according to the softness or hardness of the material, allowing you to create different effects in your work.

A wooden pencil is the kind most of us will be looking for when it comes to sketching, drawing and creating artistic plans. Wooden graphite pencils are usually extremely budget-friendly and simple to use – making them the most popular choice.

A mechanical pencil, also known as a clutch pencil, usually consists of a metal or plastic lead holder with a replaceable and mechanically extendable core made from graphite or occasionally another kind of solid pigment.

If you need a compact and convenient tool for sketching on the go, a mechanical pencil is a good choice because it's durable and doesn't require a sharpener. 

While many people nowadays do prefer to use mechanical pencils for drawing, bear in mind that the lead in them usually doesn't have as wide a range of softness options as regular pencils. You also won't be able to create any variety in the sharpness of the point.

The most popular type of water-soluble pencils are watercolour pencils that contain a blend of materials that dissolve in water, coming in a variety of shades. However, if you still want to work in the traditional grayscale of a pencil with the benefits of watercolour painting, you'll want to choose water-soluble graphite pencils.

When water-soluble graphite is mixed with water, it creates an ink wash effect, which can be spread over a surface much like watercolour paint. It mixes well with other media such as coloured pencils, but be aware that an eraser won't work once you've added water. 

Now we've considered the best types of pencils, it's time to touch on the different pencil grades available. The pencil grade you choose, otherwise known as pencil hardness, will depend on the results you are trying to achieve and you'll often need more than just one. Here, we will go into it a little further!

An H grade pencil contains more clay in its "lead" and will create a line that is both finer and lighter than other grades. The higher the number, the lighter the lead – so a 9H pencil is the hardest and lightest available and creates no smudge at all.

H grade pencils are generally smudge-resistant and create very clean lines, perfect for outlines, technical drawings and light sketching. However, H leads are harder and more scratchy than other grades, which doesn't work for everything.

B grade pencils contain more graphite than clay, creating a bolder, darker line. The higher the number of B pencil, the softer and darker the lead, and the more pleasantly smooth they can feel to draw with. 

A 9B pencil creates the softest and blackest graphite pencil line and B leads in general smudge easily and are easy to erase. You'll need them for intricate shading or to create texture and tonal range, as they have an almost brush-like quality. 

However, If you care about neatness and precision in your artwork, you'll want to be careful with the application of the higher numbered B pencils as things can get a little messy on the page!

A fine point or F pencil can produce both lighter and darker marks without the extremes of H and B pencils. F grade pencils can stay sharp for a long period of time and they are ideal for drawing fine details and writing with.

The F grade is located in between H and HB, giving it a balance between light and dark, hard and soft. It is best used when you don't have time to consider which pencil grade to use, to quickly sketch out an idea or to add fine details to an artwork.

Are you looking for a whole set of pencils to create a masterpiece with or just one reliable one for doodling or sketching? There are lots of excellent options for pencil sets online these days to help aspiring artists widen their scope and abilities, often encased in an attractive metal tin – and many of them don't break the bank either!

For intricate artworks, a set with as wide a range of grades as possible is best, but for those who want to keep things simple an HB, F or even a mechanical pencil may suffice. Look out for single pencils or smaller sets that also include an eraser or sharpener to save you a bit of cash. 

Now that you're aware of the main things to consider when buying drawing pencils, let’s get to our top recommendations available in the UK from Amazon, eBay and John Lewis.

If you're still feeling in the mood to get creative, check out our related articles on the best art materials to add to your collection. A picture paints a thousand words, after all!

So by now, you should be feeling a lot clearer about the best drawing pencils for you and the project you're working on. Hopefully, it's time to pick your fave and add pencil to paper!

Author: Melanie McPhail