![]() ![]() Pencils designated with a B-grade are softer and contain a larger percentage of graphite, which also makes them darker, so you do not have to press hard. In the middle, you have the HB (Hard Black) and F (Firm) pencils, which have medium pencil hardness. The designated letters come from hardness and blackness. The scale ranges from 9H to 9B, which is from the hardest to softest or blackness of a pencil. The drawing pencil scale consists of 20 different degrees of hardness, each one containing a number and letter. So, the grade of pencil lead hardness can differ from brand to brand.Īs we mentioned, we are going to stick to the more comprehensive European system of grading pencils. ![]() ![]() When using Japanese pencils, they might appear to be darker than those equivalent to European pencils, even though the same system is used in both cases. However, there is no set international standard for grading the hardness of pencils. The number 4 would be the hardest pencil. So, when you purchase a pencil, you might notice that there is a “no.2” or “HB” marking next to each other. This is equivalent to the HB pencil by European standards. There is also an American system, where you will find the most common pencil everyone should be familiar with, the #2 pencil. We will be dealing further with this later in the article, as this is more of a comprehensive system. The most common lead hardness scale is the European system, which uses letters and numbers to identify each pencil grade. To understand the hardness of pencils, there is a pencil lead hardness scale. Today, we have also developed a range of pencil lead types. The graphite was then wrapped in string.ĭuring the 18 th century, a scientist by the name of Nicholas-Jacques Conte, who served in Napoleon Bonaparte’s army, invented the modern-day wooden encased lead pencil. However, in those times, using graphite darkened the hands and was a bit messier to use today. Many years later, graphite was discovered and found to be much softer than lead. However, even though they did not know at the time, lead is hazardous to health, and is too solid to perform the task of writing well. When we know a pencil is made from graphite, why is it called a pencil lead? Ancient Egyptians discovered how to pour molten lead into hollowed-out reeds or bamboo and used the final product to write with, and in the Middle Ages, lumps of lead were used for drawing. For drawing purposes, you could use a range of pencil lead types to achieve the look you are going for. These types of pencils can easily be erased if you make a mistake. A medium pencil, or what we know as an HB pencil is ideal for writing purposes. When writing, you do not want a pencil that is too dark or too light. When used, softer pencils will produce broad lines that are thicker and are best used by artists for drawing purposes. The hardness of pencils determines how the lines or marks are going to appear on the paper surface. Importance of Pencil Hardness in Writing and Drawing These different pencil lead types help artists to choose the proper pencil for their artistic needs, which means the pencil provides a certain mark or line they are looking for. This means pencils come in different degrees of softness or hardness. This pencil lead can be categorized in what is known as a lead hardness scale. A basic definition would be that the lead or core of a pencil is made from graphite that has been ground and a clay filler. What pencil is best for sketching? You might be asking yourself this question if you have ever been to a stationary store, and you are standing in front of a wall of different pencil choices. 7.3 What Pencil Grades Are the Best To Start With?.6.2 Tips for Artists and Writers on Choosing the Right Pencil Hardness.6.1 Factors To Consider When Choosing Pencil Hardness.6 Choosing the Right Pencil Hardness for Your Needs.5 The Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Pencil Hardness.3.2 Differences Between Soft, Medium, and Hard Pencils.3.1 Pencil Lead Hardness Scale Explained.1.1 Importance of Pencil Hardness in Writing and Drawing. ![]()
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