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10 Best High Quality Pencils 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Pre-Sharpened, 2 HB Soft, Yellow, 72 Count

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,325
Wood Quality
Eraser Quality
Brand Reputation

Most important from
28235 reviews

Wood Quality
These pencils are durable and can be sharpened repeatedly without splitting.
Eraser Quality
The eraser is high quality and doesn't peel apart.
Brand Reputation
They might be more expensive, but they are the best quality pencils available.

The Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Pre-Sharpened, 2 HB Soft, Yellow, 72 Count offer a blend of quality and reliability. The exclusive #2 graphite formula ensures smooth writing and consistent lines, making them ideal for both kids and adults. The pencils are made from premium wood sourced from responsibly managed forests, which enhances their durability and makes sharpening easy with minimal breakage.

The latex-free eraser is a notable feature, effectively removing marks without smudging, and it is securely attached to the pencil, ensuring it stays in place during use. The pencils have a broad point type and a thick core, which might appeal to users who prefer bold lines. However, this might not be suitable for those who need finer details in their work. The pencils are pre-sharpened, which is a time-saver, especially for large orders like this 72-count pack.

Despite their many benefits, these pencils come in a standard yellow color with a thumb grip, which might be less comfortable for prolonged use. Additionally, the broad point size may not cater to those requiring precise or detailed work. These pencils are well-suited for general writing tasks, schoolwork, and everyday use, offering high quality and performance from a trusted brand.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,325
Wood Quality
Eraser Quality
Brand Reputation

Most important from
28235 reviews

Wood Quality
These pencils are durable and can be sharpened repeatedly without splitting.
Eraser Quality
The eraser is high quality and doesn't peel apart.
Brand Reputation
They might be more expensive, but they are the best quality pencils available.
#2

Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Unsharpened, #2 HB Soft, Yellow, 96 Count

Rating
9.6
Graphite Hardness
Wood Quality
Eraser Quality

Most important from
69206 reviews

Graphite Hardness
The #2 HB lead is perfect for everyday use, whether you're filling in bubbles on a standardized test, jotting down notes, or sketching.
Wood Quality
The wood casing is comfortable to hold and sharpen—it doesn’t splinter or break like cheaper pencils.
Eraser Quality
The erasers are fantastic. They’re soft, precise, and leave no smudges, which is crucial for keeping work neat.

The Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils are a solid choice for those seeking high-quality pencils. With HB (soft) graphite hardness, these pencils are well-suited for general writing and drawing tasks, offering a good balance of firmness and smoothness. The exclusive graphite core formula provides consistent and smooth writing, which is an essential feature for any high-quality pencil. The wood quality is reliable, making the pencils easy to sharpen without frequent breakage, which can be a common issue with lower-quality pencils.

The classic yellow hexagonal shape ensures a comfortable grip, though some may prefer a more ergonomic design for extended use. The satin smooth finish adds a nice touch to the feel of the pencil. The eraser is a useful feature, though its quality is average and may require more effort to completely erase marks compared to specialized erasers. Ticonderoga's brand reputation is strong, with many users praising the pencils for their reliability and performance.

The pack of 96 pencils offers great value for bulk buyers, such as schools or offices. However, the pencils come unsharpened, which means an initial investment in time to sharpen them all. Ticonderoga pencils deliver on most fronts with minor areas for improvement, making them a dependable choice for everyday use.

Rating
9.6
Graphite Hardness
Wood Quality
Eraser Quality

Most important from
69206 reviews

Graphite Hardness
The #2 HB lead is perfect for everyday use, whether you're filling in bubbles on a standardized test, jotting down notes, or sketching.
Wood Quality
The wood casing is comfortable to hold and sharpen—it doesn’t splinter or break like cheaper pencils.
Eraser Quality
The erasers are fantastic. They’re soft, precise, and leave no smudges, which is crucial for keeping work neat.
#3

Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Unsharpened, 4 2H Extra Hard, Yellow, 12 Count

Rating
9.4
Graphite Hardness
Wood Quality
Core Bonding

Most important from
69206 reviews

Graphite Hardness
Ticonderoga pencils are praised for their smooth graphite and reliable erasers, making them the 'Gold Standard' in pencils.
Wood Quality
The quality of Ticonderoga pencils varies, with some batches featuring aromatic cedar wood and well-centered leads, while others may not meet the same standard.
Core Bonding
Recent improvements in Chinese-made Ticonderogas show a commitment to restoring the brand's quality with well-centered lead cores and smooth finishes.
Eraser Quality
Ticonderoga pencils are praised for their smooth graphite and reliable erasers, making them the 'Gold Standard' in pencils.
Brand Reputation
Recent improvements in Chinese-made Ticonderogas show a commitment to restoring the brand's quality with well-centered lead cores and smooth finishes.

The Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, with a #4 2H graphite formula, are designed for those who require an extra hard pencil lead. This makes them ideal for detailed line work, where precision and consistency are key. The graphite is sourced from controlled locations, ensuring a smooth writing experience and broad, consistent lines. However, the extra hardness might not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer softer leads for shading or general writing.

Crafted from premium wood, these pencils promise durability and ease of sharpening, reducing the risk of breakage. The responsibly sourced wood reflects well on the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Nevertheless, some users might find the yellow lacquered finish less visually appealing if they prefer other designs or colors.

The latex-free eraser is a notable feature, effectively erasing without leaving smudges, thereby maintaining clean workspaces. It's securely attached with green and gold ferrules, giving a nod to the brand's traditional design. While the eraser quality is high, frequent erasing might still wear it down quickly, which is something to consider if you make a lot of corrections.

Ticonderoga's reputation as a trusted brand is well-earned and adds credibility to the product. Their pencils are non-toxic, making them safe for various users, including children, although the packaging mentions they're intended for adults.

The smooth grip may be comfortable for short tasks, but extended use might require a pencil with a textured grip to avoid slipping. With a high customer rating and being a best-seller in office products, these pencils are well-regarded. They meet the needs of those who prioritize hard graphite and reliable erasing, especially in professional or educational settings.

Rating
9.4
Graphite Hardness
Wood Quality
Core Bonding

Most important from
69206 reviews

Graphite Hardness
Ticonderoga pencils are praised for their smooth graphite and reliable erasers, making them the 'Gold Standard' in pencils.
Wood Quality
The quality of Ticonderoga pencils varies, with some batches featuring aromatic cedar wood and well-centered leads, while others may not meet the same standard.
Core Bonding
Recent improvements in Chinese-made Ticonderogas show a commitment to restoring the brand's quality with well-centered lead cores and smooth finishes.
Eraser Quality
Ticonderoga pencils are praised for their smooth graphite and reliable erasers, making them the 'Gold Standard' in pencils.
Brand Reputation
Recent improvements in Chinese-made Ticonderogas show a commitment to restoring the brand's quality with well-centered lead cores and smooth finishes.

Buying Guide for the Best High Quality Pencils

Choosing the right high-quality pencil can significantly enhance your writing, drawing, or sketching experience. The right pencil should feel comfortable in your hand, produce the desired line quality, and be suitable for the type of work you are doing. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a high-quality pencil.
Graphite HardnessGraphite hardness is a measure of how hard or soft the pencil lead is. This is important because it affects the darkness and smoothness of the lines you produce. Graphite hardness is typically indicated by a combination of letters and numbers, such as H, B, and HB. H pencils are harder and produce lighter lines, while B pencils are softer and produce darker lines. HB is a middle ground. For writing, an HB or F pencil is usually ideal. For drawing, you might prefer a range of B pencils for shading and H pencils for fine details.
Wood QualityThe quality of the wood used in a pencil affects its durability and how easily it can be sharpened. High-quality pencils use premium woods like cedar, which sharpen smoothly and evenly without splintering. This is important for maintaining a fine point and ensuring a consistent writing or drawing experience. If you frequently sharpen your pencils, look for those made with high-quality wood to avoid frustration and breakage.
Core BondingCore bonding refers to how well the graphite core is bonded to the wood casing. Good core bonding prevents the lead from breaking easily, which is especially important if you tend to press hard while writing or drawing. Pencils with poor core bonding can be frustrating as the lead may break frequently, leading to wasted time and materials. Look for pencils that advertise strong core bonding for a more reliable experience.
Eraser QualityThe quality of the eraser on the end of the pencil can vary significantly. A good eraser should remove graphite cleanly without smudging or tearing the paper. This is important for making corrections and ensuring your work looks neat. If you often need to erase, test the eraser quality or look for reviews that mention it. Alternatively, you can use a separate high-quality eraser if the pencil's eraser is not up to par.
Shape and GripPencils come in various shapes, such as round, hexagonal, and triangular. The shape and grip of a pencil affect how comfortable it is to hold, especially during long writing or drawing sessions. Hexagonal pencils are less likely to roll off the table, while triangular pencils can provide a more ergonomic grip. Choose a shape that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your writing or drawing style.
Brand ReputationThe reputation of the brand can be a good indicator of the quality of the pencil. Established brands with a history of producing high-quality pencils are more likely to offer reliable and consistent products. Researching and choosing pencils from reputable brands can help ensure you get a product that meets your expectations. Look for reviews and recommendations from other users to guide your decision.

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