My niece got into one of the top art schools in the country this year and I really want to get her something to improve her skills while she is there. She loves illustration and sketching on the go. So I looked online and found these amazing options that came at an excellent price that you might consider getting as well. Check out my list of the Best Sketching Pencils UK for all the details.
After reviewing 100 brands of sketching pencils based on various factors like quality of materials, design, function, price and much more; my team and I zeroed in on 8 that really stood out. These 8 were further put through a series of stress tests to determine the best. We found that:
The best sketching pencils in the UK is the Derwent Academy Series of Pencils. It is ideal for both the budding artists and professionals as it comes in a sleek tin box and range from 5H to 6B. It essentially helps artists with all of their basic shading and sketching needs.
I’ve put together a couple of more options that might interest you. Here’s my list of the Best Sketching Pencils UK.
Best Sketching Pencils UK
Derwent Graphic Soft Graphite Drawing Pencils, Set of 12
The first sketching pencil on my list is the Derwent Graphic series that comes in a pack of 12 ranging from 9H to 9B. They are made to be comfortable with excellent grip as it has a hexagonal shape to fit the tip of your fingers like a charm. It’s one of the cheaper options on Amazon UK. It’s one of the Best Sketching Pencils UK.
- It comes in a solid tin box that prevents any moisture from seeping in. If you are looking for graphite layering sketching pencils, Derwent has done an excellent job with this series.
- An ideal choice for expressive and emotive sketches to portray portraiture or detailed illustrations.
- Has a Hexagonal design for better grip and control to ensure the best results for your sketches.
What’s in it for you
This series of sketching pencils have the widest range of degrees from the darkest 9B to lightest 9H to bring out depth into all your sketches.
Key Features
- The Derwent series of sketching pens are designed to make smooth and graduated lines, strong to the core creating depth to your sketches.
- This series contains 12 pencils from 9H to 9B with a hexagonal shape for better grip and comfort.
Lyra Rembrandt Art Design
The Lyra Rembrandt stands out for its consistent lead hardness through the pencil that makes it resistant to breakage. It offers excellent accuracy and precision to detail your sketches, it comes in a pack of twelve with assorted hardness from 6B to 4H making it a favourite among artists.
- You can draw freely and illustrate your work with precision lines. It is a good choice for beginning artists to perfect their skills and it comes with an affordable price tag.
- Comes in a pack of 12 with pencils ranging from 6B to 4H ideal for detailing and precision lines.
- Octagon designed body for precision grip reducing stress on your fingertips while working on big portraits.
What’s in it for you
The pencil lead used is highly resistant to breakage and provides a longer life and use when compared to other sketching pencils.
Key Features
- The Lyra Rembrandt is an affordable sketching series of pencils that comes in a pack of 12 with octagon designed body that ranges from 6B to 4H.
- The lead is made to last long and is resistant to breakage when compared to other pencils in its range.
Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 G6 Pencils Soft Grades 8B-HB
The Staedtler Mars Lumograph is, without doubt, one of the most superior sets of sketching pencils. This German brand is favoured by graphic designers and artists as it offers leads from 12B to 10H with the B indicating the graphite level of depth and blackness for outlines and detailing, the H indicates the level of hardness for shading. It’s one of the Best Sketching Pencils UK.
- If you’re looking for high-quality pencils with a decent price tag without a doubt nothing comes close to Staedtler’s quality of lead.
- It comes in a pack of six that range from 12B to 10H, with B indicating blackness and H indicating hardness.
- Come in a tin box that prevents any mould from catching on to the pencils when used over a period of time.
What’s in it for you
The pencils are made to be break-resistant thanks to their lead formulation and bonded lead that give it a solid feel for large sketching projects.
Key Features
- The Staedtler Mars Lumograph is a high-quality series of pencils from the german brand that comes in a pack of six that range from 12B to 10H that indicates its blackness and hardness.
- The lead is break-resistant and provides good life and use before having to purchase your new set making it worth the money.
Faber-Castell PITT Graphite Master Set
The Faber-Castell’s Pitt Graphic range gives artists a wide range of pencils and crayons that are perfect for shading and sketching in different grades of hardness. These pencils have been approved by Van Gogh and Goethe and have become a part of every sketching artist’s life as a staple. It has sixteen different grades of hardness ranging from light grey to dark graphite black.
- If you’re looking for a set of sketching pencils that can provide excellent detail and also shade well, this set will not disappoint you.
- These pencils come with a protective sleeve to keep your hands clean and can be sharpened with any sharpener.
- It comes with a set of crayons as well that are ideal for sketches and shading that provide deep and intense strokes.
What’s in it for you
Graphite pencil has an environmentally safe water-based coating and is extra break-resistant due to SV bonding.
Key Features
- Faber-Castell’s Pitt Graphic comes in a set of 12 pencils and crayons that are approved by Van Gogh and Geothe for their excellent use.
- It has a protective sleeve that protects your finger and can be sharpened by any sharpener.
- These pencils lead are made of eco-friendly material and are easily biodegradable.
Derwent34214 Graphic Medium Graphite Drawing Pencils, Set of 12
The Derwent Graphic Pencils is known for its high-quality graphite that creates magnificent lines that have a lot of depth to it. It is used widely for detailed illustrations and expressive sketches as it comes with 12 sketching pencils ranging from 6B to 4H. Its body has a hexagonal anti-roll barrel that provides excellent grip and great precision and control.
- If you’re an amateur artist looking for an upgrade without going all the way out. These pencils should definitely be your first choice.
- It comes in a sleek attractive tin with a removable cover for easy access to the pencils and also protects the pencils from moisture damage.
- It has an anti-roll hexagonal design for precision grip that fits standard pencil sharpeners.
What’s in it for you
The lead used in these pencils is professional quality medium graphite that is preferred by most professional artists for its ability to provide fine detail.
Key Features
- The Derwent Graphic pencils come in a tin box that holds 12 sketching pencils ranging from 6B to 4H.
- It has an anti-roll hexagonal design that provides excellent precision while working on illustrations.
- If you’re looking for an upgrade to a professional series under a budget this one’s for you.
YSLON Professional Sketch and Drawing Pencils Set
The YSLON Professional Sketching Pencils Set comes with 12 graphite pencils that are made of high-quality wood and graphite that provides a longer life than other standard sketching pencils. It comes in a strong iron box that protects the pencils from any moisture damage.
- If you are looking for an affordable option to start for your college and office work this is ideal for you.
- It comes in a tin box that holds 12 graphite pencils that range from 8B to 2H.
- The body of these pencils has a hexagon design that prevents them from scrolling on the table.
What’s in it for you
These pencils are made of high-quality wood and graphite ensuring they will not easily break, making it easy to draw beautiful lines.
Key Features
- The YSLON Professional Sketching Pencil kit comes in a tin box that holds twelve sketching graphite pencils ranging from 8B to 2H.
- The pencils have a hexagonal designed body for anti-roll and precision grip.
- This pencil kit is great for beginner artists.
Telgoner 17pcs Drawing Pencils Sketch Pencil
The Telgoner Drawing kit is a professional drawing kit that is made from natural materials making it eco-friendly. It comes in a tin box that holds 14 pencils ranging from 12B (very soft) to 6H (very hard). It has a hexagonal design that resembles a honeycomb for exceptional comfort and control.
- If you’re looking to invest in a pencil kit that can do it all, the wide range offered by telgoner is ideal for you.
- These drawing pencils are made of 100% natural wood making Them easy to sharpen with a pencil sharpener.
- These graphite pencils blend easily with each other and provide you with smooth writing and sketching experience.
What’s in it for you
These pencils are made from the highest quality of graphite that is not easy to break ensuring a smooth stress-free drawing and sketching experience.
Key Features
- The Telgonar Drawing kit comes with 14 high-quality graphite pencils that are made from natural wood that makes it sturdy and easy to sharpen.
- It has a hexagonal design that provides precision and comfort.
- If you’re looking for a complete kit for all your drawing and sketching needs this one is perfect.
Derwent 2301946 Academy Graphite Sketching Pencils
The last one on my list is the Derwent Academy Graphite pencils that are made specifically for students for all their college projects and art. They are made from high-quality graphite and come in a tin box with 12 pencils that range from 5H (used for blending) to 6B (used for depth) that are hexagonal in shape.
- If you’re looking for sketching set for college this is ideal for you.
- Comes in a tin box that prevents moisture damage and holds 12 pencils ranging from 5H to 6B.
- Has a hexagonal anti-roll design that offers precision with comfort for long hours of sketching.
What’s in it for you
This academy range is Ideal for beginner artists as it is made from natural wood barrels for a solid feel and high-quality graphite that is resistant to breakage.
Key Features
- The Derwent Academy series was designed with students in mind for their daily projects and art.
- These pencils are made with a natural wood barrel that fits high-quality graphite.
- It comes in a tin box that supports 12 pencils ranging from 5H to 6B that pretty much can cover all your project and sketching work.
Which type of pencil is best for sketching?
The best pencils for sketching, shading and drawing would have to be HB, 2B, 6B and 9B. Regardless of your experience with art, these will be your most fundamental pencils.
However, it is also recommended you get a set with all of these pencils along with a few more to add the extra effects. Check out our Best Sketching Pencils UK for all the details.
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Joanna is a writer, poet, stand-up comedian and holds two master’s in arts and history. She founded Discount-age with the intention of providing her readers with solutions to everyday household problems. During her free time, Joanna loves cooking but usually ends up ordering in.
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