Graphite Pencils ⁽¹⁶⁾

Our graphite pencil range includes Staedtler HB and 2B multipacks, Lyra Rembrandt graphite sets and mixed sketching sets, plus a Staedtler Tradition HB 12 Pack. Some Lyra sets combine graphite with charcoal, carbon, pastel, sanguine and sepia, so check the contents when choosing a set. 

How to choose graphite pencils for sketching

Start with what you want to make. For loose sketching and everyday notebooks, a soft grade like 2B is forgiving and quick to shade. For tonal studies where you're building gradual darks, a small range of grades (say HB, 2B, 4B and 6B) gives you more control than any single pencil.

Softer grades at the B end lay down darker, smudgier marks. Harder H grades stay lighter and crisper, which suits light under-drawing and technical line work.

If you're just starting out, a Staedtler Tradition HB or 2B 12 pack is a sensible first pick. One grade, enough pencils to settle in, and no pressure to buy a full tin before you know what you like.

Pencil grades explained, from 6H to 8B

Pencil leads are a mix of graphite and clay. More clay makes the lead harder and the line lighter, which is the H (hard) end. More graphite makes it softer and darker, which is the B (black) end. HB and F sit in the middle, close to a standard writing pencil.

The numbers tell you how far along the scale you go. 2B is softer and darker than B, 4B softer again, and so on. On the other side, 2H is harder and lighter than H. Most ranges run from around 6H to 8B.

HB, 2B, 4B and 6B pencils, and when to use each

Graphite pencil sets for sketching and tonal work

For graded graphite work, the Lyra Rembrandt Graphite Set Tin Box 11 Pcs is the most relevant option in this range. It contains Art Design graphite pencils in HB, F, B and 4B, water-soluble graphite pencils in HB, 4B and 8B, graphite sticks in 4B and 6B, plus an eraser and sharpener.

The similarly named Lyra Rembrandt Sketching sets are mixed monochrome collections rather than graphite grading sets. Depending on the set, they may contain charcoal, carbon, sanguine, sepia and pastel. Choose these when you want to combine drawing materials, rather than when you simply want a progression of graphite grades.

Woodless graphite and graphite sticks

Woodless graphite pencils and loose graphite sticks are mostly solid graphite, often with a thin coating. You get a much larger drawing surface than a standard pencil tip, which suits broad side strokes, quick tonal blocks and covering larger areas without stopping to re-sharpen.

A stick beats a pencil when you want speed and coverage. A pencil wins for detail and crisp edges. Many tonal drawings use both, blocking in with a stick and then refining with sharpened grades. For the full picks, see our broader graphite range.

Graphite vs charcoal pencils

Graphite reflects light, so your darkest 8B still has a slight sheen. Charcoal absorbs light, which gives you a deeper, matte black that graphite can't reach. Charcoal also sits on the paper more loosely, so it smudges and lifts more easily.

Many artists use both in the same drawing. Graphite handles the mid-tones and finer detail. Charcoal pencils take over for the deepest darks and dramatic contrast. If you work in tonal realism, having both on hand is more useful than pushing graphite to do a job charcoal does better.

Paper and sharpeners for graphite work

Paper tooth matters more than most people expect. Smooth paper suits fine detail and clean HB line work. A toothier surface grips soft graphite and lets you build layers without the page glazing over. Match the paper to the grade and the result you want.

A sharp, well-aligned blade also protects the lead. Dull or misaligned sharpeners cause tiny fractures inside the core, which is why pencils keep snapping deep in the wood after a few uses. Pair your pencils with sketching paper suited to graphite and a quality pencil sharpener, and your pencils will last a lot longer.

Student or artist graphite pencils, which to pick

Beginner. A couple of singles like a Staedtler Tradition HB and a 2B are plenty to learn the scale. You get a feel for pressure and shading without committing to a full tin.

Student. The Lyra Rembrandt Graphite Set 11 covers conventional graphite pencils, water-soluble graphite and graphite sticks across several grades. It is a better choice for tonal graphite practice than the similarly named Lyra Sketching sets, which contain mixed drawing materials. 

Artist. Wider grade ranges and consistently manufactured cores suit sustained tonal drawing. Artist ranges may offer smoother application, broader grading and better wood construction, although point retention still depends largely on the pencil’s hardness and formulation. 

Why shop graphite pencils with Riot

• 40+ years in Australian art and craft. Long enough to know what beginners actually need.
• House and exclusive brands. Holcroft, Art Star, The Paper Mill, The Clay Studio, Birch.
• Weekday customer support. Monday to Friday, usually within one business day.
• Clear shipping and returns. Published policies, including change of mind.

FAQs

What do H and B mean on a pencil?

H stands for hard and B stands for black. H grades have more clay in the lead, so they make a lighter, crisper line. B grades have more graphite, so they're softer and darker. HB and F sit in the middle. The numbers tell you how far along the scale you go, so 4B is softer than 2B.

HB vs 2B for sketching, which is better?

HB suits clean line work, light under-drawing and writing. 2B is softer and darker, which makes it the more popular choice for everyday sketching and quick shading. If you only buy one pencil for a sketchbook, 2B is usually the more forgiving pick. If you want crisper lines, start with HB.

What is a 6B pencil used for?

6B is a very soft, very dark grade used for deep darks, strong shading and tonal drawings where you need rich contrast. It wears down quickly and smudges easily, so most artists use it alongside harder grades rather than on its own. Keep a sharp point for edges and use the side of the lead for broad tonal blocks.

Which pencil grade is best for shading?

For most shading, 2B to 6B covers the range you need. 2B handles mid-tones, 4B builds richer darks, and 6B produces very dark tones, while 8B and softer grades can go darker depending on the brand, formulation and paper. Working across two or three grades gives smoother transitions than pushing a single pencil to do everything. A sketching tin with that range is a sensible starting point.

Graphite vs charcoal, what's the difference?

Graphite pencil cores are generally made from graphite mixed with clay. Artists’ charcoal may be made from charred willow or vine, while charcoal pencils usually contain compressed charcoal, soot or similar material combined with a binder. Graphite reflects more light and retains some sheen in dark applications. Charcoal generally creates a more matte black and smudges more readily. Graphite suits fine detail and controlled mid-tones, while charcoal suits deeper darks and expressive marks. Many tonal drawings use both. 

Do you deliver graphite pencils across Australia?

Yes. We ship graphite pencils to addresses across Australia. Delivery times and costs depend on your location and the shipping option you choose at checkout. See our shipping page for current rates and estimates, and reach out to our weekday support team if you need help choosing a grade or set before you order.

You might also need

• Drawing pencils for the broader range beyond graphite
• Pencils across every type we stock
• Drawing pads suited to sketching and tonal work
• Charcoal pencils for deep, matte darks