Buying Pencils: A Guide to Avoiding the Wrong Choice

Authored by: Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer Date: 28 July 2026

The search for the right pencil can quickly become overwhelming. Whether for school, the office, artistic projects, or specialised crafts, the selection is vast. However, not every pencil that looks professional lives up to expectations. Before you buy pencils, it's helpful to know the most common pitfalls so you can make an informed decision.

The 3 Most Common Mistakes When Buying Pencils

Many buyers are swayed by attractive packaging or vague marketing promises. This often leads to disappointment. Pay special attention to these three points:

1. The "Artist-Quality" Trap: Inexpensive pencil sets often advertise "artist quality" but feature a lead with low pigment density. The result is pale colours and poor coverage, which is especially frustrating with coloured pencils and drawing pencils.
2. Confusing Properties: The terms "water-soluble" and "water-resistant" are often misinterpreted. A watercolour pencil is designed to dissolve in water for painting effects. If used in a mixed-media drawing, it can smudge when a marker is applied over it. A water-resistant pencil, on the other hand, remains stable.
3. Unsuitable Lead Hardness: Many graphite pencil sets only contain the standard HB grade. For detailed technical drawings (which require H grades) or soft, dark sketches (which require B grades), such a set is inadequate.

What Really Matters: Key Parameters for the Right Choice

To find the perfect pencil, you should focus on objective criteria. These three parameters are crucial for performance and durability.

1. Lead Type and Pigmentation

The lead is the heart of every pencil. Its composition determines its intended use:

• Graphite Pencils: Hardness is indicated on a scale from 9H (very hard, light stroke) to 9B (very soft, dark stroke). HB is the standard for writing, while artist pencils require a wide range for shading and detail.
• Coloured Pencils: A distinction is made between wax-based and oil-based leads. Wax-based pencils are common and easy to blend. Oil-based pencils are often harder, produce less dust, and are typically more water-resistant.
• Watercolour Pencils: These contain water-soluble pigments. After a dry application, the colour can be blended with a wet brush to create watercolour effects.
• Specialty Pencils: These include eyeliner pencils for cosmetic purposes or permanent markers for writing on surfaces like glass or metal. Here, the ingredients and adhesion properties are critical.

2. Wood Quality and Break Resistance

A good pencil sharpens easily and cleanly without the lead breaking. High-quality pencils, like many models from STAEDTLER, often use wood from certified sustainable forestry (e.g., PEFC-certified). Another quality feature is the full bonding of the lead to the wood casing. This process, referred to by some manufacturers as an "Anti-Break-System" (A·B·S), significantly increases break resistance and extends the pencil's lifespan.

3. Shape and Ergonomics

The shape of the pencil affects writing and drawing comfort. The classic hexagonal shape prevents the pencil from rolling off the table and offers a secure grip for many users. For beginners or during long drawing sessions, an ergonomic triangular shape can reduce strain on hand muscles and promote a proper grip.

Top Picks for Every Use

Here are some recommendations tailored to specific user profiles and their needs.

IDEAL FOR: EVERYDAY SCHOOL & OFFICE USE

Pelikan HB Hexagonal Pencils with Eraser 3-Pack Blue

Why it's a great fit: Ideal for pupils, students, and office use. The universal HB hardness grade is perfect for notes and general writing. The integrated eraser is handy for quick corrections.

How It Avoids the Pitfall

This product doesn't promise exaggerated artist quality but delivers reliable performance for its intended purpose. The HB grade is a clearly defined standard, not a misleading claim.

Key Advantage

High break resistance due to the fully bonded lead. The hexagonal shape prevents it from rolling away.

IDEAL FOR: ASPIRING CREATIVES

STAEDTLER Karat Aquarell Watercolor Pencil - Blue Sea Green, 6 Pcs

Why it's a great fit: For hobby artists and illustrators who want to bridge the gap between drawing and painting. The high pigmentation ensures vibrant colours that can be blended with water.

How It Avoids the Pitfall

This is a genuine artist's pencil. The "Aquarell" (watercolour) designation clearly defines its water-soluble property, preventing confusion with water-resistant pencils. The quality justifies the price over budget sets.

Key Advantage

Soft, richly coloured lead suitable for both dry techniques and watercolour effects. Made from wood from sustainably managed forests.

IDEAL FOR: TRADES & INDUSTRY

STAEDTLER Lumocolor Permanent Glasochrom Blue Glass-Marking Pencil

Why it's a great fit: Designed for tradespeople, logistics workers, and lab technicians who need to write on smooth or dark surfaces like glass, metal, plastic, wood, or leather.

How It Avoids the Pitfall

This pencil is explicitly declared as "water-resistant" and for special surfaces. It solves a specific problem for which a normal graphite or coloured pencil would be unsuitable and would wipe right off.

Key Advantage

Creates opaque, water-resistant marks that do not bleed through paper. The wood is sourced from PEFC-certified, sustainably managed forests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between B and H pencils?

The letters indicate the hardness of the graphite lead. H stands for "hard" and produces fine, light lines well-suited for technical drawings. B stands for "black" and denotes a soft lead that leaves a rich, dark mark, ideal for sketching and shading. A pencil labelled HB is right in the middle, making it an all-rounder for everyday writing.

How do you sharpen watercolour or artist pencils correctly?

Since watercolour pencils and soft artist pencils have a more break-prone lead, a high-quality sharpener is crucial. Use a sharpener with a sharp blade to cleanly shave the wood instead of splintering it. A dual-hole metal sharpener is often a good choice, as it offers openings for standard and jumbo sizes and its blades are more durable. To minimise pressure on the lead, turn the sharpener, not the pencil.

Can coloured pencils go bad?

Coloured pencils do not have an expiration date in the traditional sense. If stored correctly—in a dry place at room temperature—they can last for decades. However, extreme heat can cause the wax- or oil-based binders in the lead to soften, while high humidity can cause the wood to swell, making sharpening difficult.