The Best Mechanical Pencils for Sketching as an Artist

As an artist who enjoys sketching, I know that having the right tools is essential for creating high-quality artwork. That’s why I often opt for mechanical pencils, as they offer consistent lead thickness and are easy to use. 

However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best mechanical pencil for my sketching needs. In this article, I will share my findings on the top mechanical pencils for sketching in 2024. By considering factors such as weight, grip comfort, durability, and price, I hope to help fellow artists find the perfect tool to enhance their artistic expression.

	Mechanical Pencil Model	Grip	Weight	Durability	Price
1	rOtring 600	Comfortable	Heavy	Solid	~$23/each
2	Pentel Twist Erase III	Comfortable	Light	Solid	~$4/each
3	Graphgear 1000	Comfortable	Heavy	Solid	~$10/each
4	Graphgear 500	Standard	Medium	Solid	~$7/each
5	Bic Mechanical Pencils	None	Very Light	Acceptable	~$0.22/each

Disclaimer – The above links are affiliate links that will take you to the respective products on Amazon.com.

The rOtring 600 is the Best Mechanical Pencil for Sketching

I feel like I need to preface this by saying that you probably don’t NEED the rOtring (I’m a terrible salesman). But I think you’ll be obsessed with it if you buy it. The price is higher than most mechanical pencils I’ve paid for, but you’ll feel like you’re drawing in luxury with this thing. The knurling is just right and remarkably comfortable, considering you’re holding onto a metal surface. The weight of the pencil is just right for me, which means you can use it to sketch for long periods without issue.

This mechanical pencil is so beautiful I’d buy a display stand just to stare at it in awe. Seriously, this mechanical pencil is gorgeous. You can get it in a variety of colors, such as black, silver, blue, or even rose gold. Keep in mind that not all those colors are available in the link on this page (for some reason), but you’ll find them in the “compare” section on the Amazon page.

The base material of the rOtring is metal, but even still, the rOtring might not be ideal for travel. A good number of people have commented on the tip getting bent when transported. So, if you’re going somewhere with it, then make sure you have a sturdy case to keep the tip from getting damaged. Apart from that, though (and the fact that it’s a bit pricey), the look and feel of the rOtring 600 make it the best mechanical pencil for sketching..

The Pentel Twist Erase III is My Second Pick

The Pentel Twist Erase III comes in as my second choice as the best mechanical pencil for sketching and is surely more than sufficient for any traditional artist’s sketching needs. The reason is the incredibly handy twist-up eraser that sets it apart from the other mechanical pencils on this list. The eraser is large, which comes in handy for someone like me who makes big mistakes when I’m sketching. I know sketching is supposed to be relaxed, but I at least want my sketches to look something like my references. It also greatly extends the life of the pencil since a mechanical pencil with a used-up eraser is just plain inconvenient.

The Pentel Twist Erase III is made of solid materials, with a solid plastic exterior, a comfortable rubber grip, and a metal tip for increased durability. The grip is probably the most comfortable of all the mechanical pencils I’ve reviewed for this article. Mine has endured hours of drawing sessions without any current signs of wear, which is a good sign. I’ve dropped this pencil at least 100 times, and to my surprise, it has yet to break. Maybe I’ve just gotten lucky, but it feels like it can’t be a coincidence at this point.

The Graphgear 1000 is My Third Pick

The Graphgear 1000 is undoubtedly a top contender as a great sketching pencil. It was tough for me to make this only third on the list. This pencil has an ideal weight that feels solid in my hand, which is essential for maintaining control and precision when sketching. Additionally, the knurled grip on the pencil provides an excellent grip and prevents slippage, even when my hands are sweaty. And boy, my hands sweat when I’m focusing on sketching.

Another feature that sets the Graphgear 1000 apart is its retractable metal tip. When I’m not using the pencil, I can retract the end to prevent it from breaking and keep it protected in my pocket or pencil case. This is huge for me, as I have a knack for breaking my mechanical pencils. Any feature that prolongs the life of my pencils is a win in my book.

The Graphgear 1000 is built to last, with a durable metal body that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. The pencil’s lead advancement mechanism is also very reliable and delivers a consistent lead thickness that is essential for creating accurate and precise sketches.

Overall, the Graphgear 1000 is my second choice for sketching due to its weight, comfort, durability, and versatility. While it may be slightly more expensive than some other mechanical pencils on the market, its superior quality and reliability make it well worth the investment for serious artists who value the importance of their tools.

The Graphgear 500 Comes in a Close Fourth

Depending on your preference, the Graphgear 500 may be a better option than the Graphgear 1000 due to its weight. The Graphgear 500 is lighter than the Graphgear 1000, which some artists may find more comfortable to use for extended sketching sessions.

The Graphgear 1000 can retract an entire portion of the metal tip, but the Graphgear 500 only retracts the lead. This feature gives the Graphgear 1000 an edge (lol, get it?) in terms of protection and durability, as the metal tip is less likely to get bent or damaged when retracted. Despite this difference, the Graphgear 500 still offers a durable metal body that can withstand regular use. Plus, its fixed lead sleeve provides excellent stability and precision during use.

Additionally, the Graphgear 500 is more affordable than the Graphgear 1000, making it a perfect option for artists who are just starting or on a budget.

Overall, whether you prefer the Graphgear 1000 or the Graphgear 500 depends on your individual preferences and needs. Both models offer reliable performance and consistent lead thickness, making them excellent choices for sketching.

How Bic Mechanical Pencils Made the List

At first glance, Bic mechanical pencils may seem like an unlikely choice for any artist, let alone those who take their sketching seriously. They are made of plastic, which is much less durable than the metal bodies of the Graphgear pencils, and they don’t have any grip to provide comfort and stability during use. They also have little weight to them, which can be a disadvantage for some artists who prefer a more powerful tool.

So how did Bic mechanical pencils make it onto my list of top recommendations for sketching? The answer is simple: price. At just over $5 for a pack of 24, these pencils are incredibly affordable, making them a crucial tool to have on hand, especially for those prone to losing their pencils or who need a quick and easy option when on the go.

While I typically use the Graphgear 1000 or 500 for anything I do at home or in the studio, I always keep a few Bic mechanical pencils throughout the house and in my travel bag to ensure that I always have a pencil on hand. And although they may break more quickly than the more expensive options, the low price point of Bic mechanical pencils makes them an excellent choice for those who need an affordable, reliable option.

In summary, while Bic mechanical pencils may not offer the same level of durability, comfort, or weight as the Graphgear pencils, their affordability, and convenience make them a valuable addition to any artist’s toolset. So whether you’re looking for a reliable pencil to use in a pinch or need a more affordable option to supplement your existing collection, Bic mechanical pencils are worth considering.

Which Lead Size Should You Get?

Lead size is an important consideration when sketching with mechanical pencils. I prefer to use a 0.5mm lead for most of my sketches because of its precision. The 0.5mm lead size is a good balance between being fine enough to capture small details but thick enough to create bold lines when needed.

0.5mm is my preference, but it might not be what’s right for you based on your sketching style. For instance, if you’re working on a larger piece, a thicker lead size might be more appropriate. It’ll keep your lead from running out too quickly and allow for broader strokes.

Going any smaller than 0.5mm for sketching is risky. I steer clear of anything smaller than 0.5mm as they break more easily and are used up very quickly. Sketching with a 0.3mm lead size means you’ll be clicking your pencil as much as you’re sketching, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.

Ultimately, the right lead size for you will depend on your preferences and your sketching style. I prefer a 0.5mm lead for most of my work, but I recommend experimenting with different lead sizes to find the one that works best for you. You can read more about picking the right lead size in my article here: The Best Lead Size for Sketching.

Which Mechanical Pencil Should You Use for Sketching?

I recommend you get all of them. Haha, that’s a cop-out answer, but I do mean it. I have all of these pencils and use them regularly for sketching. If you HAD to get one and the price isn’t an issue, then the rOtring 600 would be my choice.

The Twist-erase III is the one I’ve used the most, cumulatively. Largely because of the huge eraser, but that’s a preference thing.

The Graphgear 1000 and 500 are good if you’re looking for a solid mechanical pencil that costs less than the rOtring. The Bic pencils are just stupidly inexpensive and work fine for sketching in a pinch.

So, rOtring is your best bet. Twist Erase III for versatility. Graphgear 1000 or Graphgear 500 for solid options cheaper than the rOtring. Then Bic Mechanical pencils if you’re broke or keep losing your pencils.