Pentel Graph Gear 1000
Affordability and Quality make this a good mechanical pencil for drafting or drawing.
Cross Century Chrome Pencil
An elegant and modern mechanical pencil designed for artists and collectors alike.
Bic Velocity Max Pencils
Best-priced mechanical pencil with refillable lead and cushioned grip makes this a great choice.
For expert drawing or sketching, one needs excellent tools. Mechanical pencils have a variety of uses and are relatively inexpensive.
The most popular types that make up the best mechanical pencils for drawing are the .5mm, .7mm, and .9mm pencils. These mechanical pencils offer a variety of tips that can be used for drawing or writing on different surfaces.
The Pentel Graphgear 1000 is my choice for the overall best mechanical pencil for sketching. They have a soft grip, which makes them comfortable to hold. It is also lightweight and has a durable metal body. The lead on the Pentel Graphgear 500 is also strong and does not break easily.
Of course, the artist’s preference is always the most critical factor to consider. For this reason, we’ve put together an extensive list of the 11 best mechanical pencils for drawing.
List of the best Mechanical Pencils for sketching
This list by no means shows all the mechanical pencils but just a few of the best ones according to popularity and reviews from actual customers who have bought these pencils. You may find other popular mechanical pencils with a little research of your own.
Click the mechanical pencil you want to know about to go straight to the review.
- Pentel Graphgear 1000
- Cross Mechanical Pencil
- Bic Mechanical Pencil
- Uni Kuru Toga
- Staedtler
- Kaweco Special
- Zebra Delguard
- Pilot
- Parker
- Rotring 800
Read on to learn what the specifics and options are available today!
A Quick Rundown of the Best Mechanical Pencils for Drawing, Sketching, Drafting, And Writing
Before diving into the list below, you may check out our buyer’s guide below these reviews. The guide will help orient your decision-making if you’re not yet sure what you need in a mechanical drawing pencil.
1. Pentel Graphgear 1000 Mechanical Pencil Set
“Best Overall Mechanical Pencil for Drawing”
Pentel’s Graphgear pencils are the best overall choice for artists and designers. They have a chiseled metallic body with latex-free padding, making them easy to grip and control.
The Pentel Graphgear 500 is an excellent option for those who want to draw with precision and accuracy. It has a medium-length lead that is perfect for sketching, drawing, and shading.
The Graphgear 1000 is best suited for artists who want to create detailed drawings or illustrations with an extra-long lead that works well for precise lines.
The main difference between the 500 and 1000 is the grip pads that can be found on the Graph Gear 1000 which can drive the price up a little.
It’s also excellent for people who want to draw on paper or canvas because it can be bought in a 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm lead which helps make it easier to make thick lines or fine lines without smudging or skipping.
2. Cross Mechanical Pencil
“Most Luxurious Mechanical Pencil”
The Cross Mechanical Pencil is the most luxurious mechanical pencil for drawing. It has a chrome-plated finish with a full metal body and consists of high-quality materials. There are quite a few options for this mechanical pencil such as a gold plate casing or barrel which of course drives the price up substantially but are some of the highest quality mechanical pencils on the market.
The Cross Mechanical Pencil is perfect for artists, designers, architects, and engineers as it provides a smooth and effortless experience during drawing but is also a nice fit for those pen and pencil collectors out there also.
This one mechanical pencil could make a great gift for anyone who likes pens and pencils for writing or drawing as it has an elegant design.
It also has a patented twist-action propel/repel feature that allows the user to quickly and easily change the lead of their pencil without having to unscrew it.
3. Bic Velocity Max Mechanical Pencils
“Best Budget Mechanical Pencil”
The best affordable mechanical pencil for drawing is the BIC Mega Pro Pencil with an HB lead, perfect for artists and designers on a budget.
BIC is a well-known brand of mechanical pencils widely used by artists and designers. They have been around for more than 100 years and are widely known for their colorful barrels.
The BIC Mechanical Pencil is an affordable, easy-to-use, colorful pencil perfect for children and adults alike. The lead retracts quickly, so you don’t need to worry about the lead breaking while drawing or coloring.
4. Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Mechanical Pencil
Uni Kuru Toga is a mechanical pencil that can be used to draw thicker lines. It works best for artists and students who use mechanical pencils but find the thickness of the line they can create too thin. This one pencil feature could make it the best mechanical pencil for many writers and artists who write or draw a lot as the rotation keeps the tip evenly shaped at all times.
The core rotation mechanism of this device allows it to draw thicker lines than conventional mechanical pencils. The device also has a standard eraser and a lead holder, so you can use it like any other regular mechanical pencil.
The Uni Kuru Toga is also ideal for people with arthritis or other physical disabilities because it makes it easier to draw and erase.
5. Staedtler Mars Technico Lead Holder
The Staedtler mechanical pencil is an excellent tool for artists, designers, and architects. This is a holder that accepts a .2mm lead diameter.
The Staedtler mechanical pencil is perfect for anyone who loves drawing but also wants to be able to sketch out their ideas on paper accurately. The lead pointer in the push button makes it easy to create lines of varying thicknesses with ease, making this another best mechanical pencil choice for artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
The Staedtler mechanical pencil is made from high-quality materials and comes in various colors, so you can find one that fits your style. It’s also great for those who have trouble holding a regular pencil or those with a disability.
6. Kaweco Special Mechanical Pencil
Kaweco Special is a mechanical pencil designed for precision graphic drawing. It features a fine point, and a 0.5 mm lead size, making it perfect for artists and designers who want to create high-quality, detailed sketches and drawings.
The Kaweco Special consists of high-grade materials, including brass and stainless steel. It aims to improve the comfort of the artist or designer. These mechanical pencils can be adjusted to any angle, position, or orientation.
This pencil has a unique design with an angled grip and a rubber grip that allows the user to have better control over their work making this one of the best mechanical pencils. It also has a pointed tip that makes drawing more delicate lines easier. In addition, the pencil lead can be replaced by twisting off the cap on the end of the pencil, allowing for easy sharpening of the lead when needed.
7. Zebra Delguard Mechanical Pencil
The Zebra DelGuard pencil has a unique, patented design that prevents lead breakage and jams. It is excellent for artists, designers, and illustrators who need to draw with precision and accuracy making this the best mechanical pencil for the finer details.
An internal layer of rubber prevents damage from any sharp objects. The pencil also contains a slim body. The cap works as a ruler and level.
It’s best for people who are constantly on the go, as it can fit in any pocket or bag. It also has a retractable eraser, which is excellent for artists who need to erase often.
8. Pilot Mechanical Pencil
Pilot Mechanical Pencil is a mechanical pencil designed to help artists draw and create sketches. It has a unique design that includes a retractable lead, eraser, and an artist grip.
Pilot Mechanical Pencil is great for drawing on paper or other surfaces like wood, metal, or plastic. It’s also suitable for sketching on glass or fabric using graphite to see the lines better.
Pilot offers two different types of leads – regular lead for drawing on paper or other surfaces like wood, metal, or plastic; and the finer lead for more detailed drawings on paper. Making the best mechanical pencil for versatility.
The Pilot Mechanical Pencil is a trusted company that provides affordable products for artists and designers. It’s one of the only mechanical pencils with an eraser and sharpener built into the pencil’s body.
9. Parker Mechanical Pencil
The Parker Mechanical Pencil is the perfect choice for artists who want a pencil with an ideal balance of weight and control.
The Parker Mechanical Pencil is a pencil that can draw with high-quality precision. It has a stainless steel barrel, an advantage over other pencils that can break easily. In addition, the arrowhead clip at the top of the pencil allows you to hold it in your hand without worrying about dropping it.
The Parker Mechanical Pencil is for artists and designers who need to create precise drawings. It also makes for an excellent gift for children who are still learning how to draw and need something easy to use.
10. Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencil
The Rotring Mechanical Pencil has a hexagonal shape that prevents it from sliding when in use. It also has an ideal balance to allow for more control and precision.
This type of pencil is the best mechanical pencil for artists, designers, and other people who work with their hands. It is easy to hold and use, making it perfect for artists who don’t want to get frustrated with traditional pencils.
Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencil is a popular and well-known mechanical pencil with a “Twist and Click” mechanism. This mechanism allows the user to change the lead size with ease.
Buyers Guide to The Best Mechanical Pencil That Suits You
Mechanical pencils are a type of drawing tool that has been around for more than 100 years not quite as long as the traditional pencil. An important feature to look for is the eraser—it should be able to remove graphite easily. An excellent mechanical pencil also maintains a sharp point, which can help you draw lines and curves with ease.
Mechanical pencils are popular among artists and artists-in-training because they are affordable, easy to carry around, and don’t require any batteries, power cords, or sharpeners that you may need with a traditional pencil.
Artists start by using a mechanical pencil with an HB lead. This lead is not too hard or too soft, so it’s ideal for beginners who want to test mechanical pencils and learn how to use the tool without worrying about breaking their expensive leads.
Price
The price of mechanical pencils varies depending on the quality, brand, and features. The most expensive ones can cost you up to $300 or more, while the cheapest ones can be found on Amazon for less than $10.
Mechanical pencils become more valuable when they have additional features like a sharpener or replaceable leads.
Grip and Design
The grip and design of the mechanical pencil provide a comfortable writing experience for people who have poor hand strength or dexterity. The grip also helps people who have difficulty holding the pencil at an angle.
Lead Size
We measure the lead size of a mechanical pencil in millimeters (mm). This means that if you have a 0.5 mm lead, you can only draw lines that are half as thick as what you would be able to do with a 0.7 mm lead.
Mechanical pencils are a good option for artists and drawing enthusiasts who want to draw faster and smoother.
It is important to note that the lead size you need for your mechanical pencil depends on what type of drawing you are doing. For example, if you want to do detailed work with a fine tip, you will need a 0.5 mm lead size.
Lead sizes vary depending on the type of pencil. For example, mechanical pencils usually have two sizes of leads – 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm – suitable for different kinds of drawings.
You can get a more in-depth idea at this source on mechanical pencil lead diameter.
Lead hardness Level
The mechanical pencil has a lead hardness level that allows you to draw in different styles and with other lines.
We measure the hardness level of the mechanical pencil in HB, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B.
The lead hardness level is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a mechanical pencil for drawing. The hardness level determines how well the pencil can draw and erase.
The leads are graded just like regular artist graphite pencils which you can read about in my best graphite pencils article.
Pencil Material
Mechanical pencils are made of various materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. They also utilize flexible graphite, lead, and eraser. They come in many different colors and sizes.
Mechanical pencils can be used for drawing or writing on paper. They can be used with different paper types, such as graphite paper, tracing paper, and whiteboard paper.
Metal is more durable than wood or graphite and can create lines with more precision than other materials. Metal also has less friction than graphite, making it easier to draw lines quickly without exerting too much effort
My Choice
1000 are the overall best options. These pencils have a 0.5mm lead width, which is perfect for most people looking to draw with a pencil.
They are both affordable and durable. Another great feature of these pencils is that they have a built-in eraser.
You can order your Pentel Graphgear 1000 today if you’re ready to start sketching.