At Rolling, you will find standard pencils in various price ranges, body colors, designs, and levels of hardness. Choose the most convenient and suitable pencil model from the Rolling collection!

Standard pencils are among the most popular tools for writing and drawing. They consist of a core, typically made of graphite and clay, encased in a wooden body. The wooden casing protects the core and ensures ease of use when writing or drawing.

Main types of standard pencils and their features:

1. Hardness and softness:

Pencils are classified by their hardness or softness, marked with numbers and letters. For example:

◦ H (hard) – hard pencils that create very fine and light lines, ideal for precise drawings.
◦ B (black) – soft pencils that produce darker and smoother lines, perfect for sketching and shading.
◦ F (fine) – medium-hard pencils, suitable for everyday writing. Additional gradations include 2H, 4B, etc.

2. Pencil length and shape:
Pencils typically range from 17–19 cm in length but may vary. Shapes include traditional hexagonal, round (popular among artists), and triangular pencils, which provide a comfortable grip and prevent rolling.

3. Specialty pencils:
Some pencils serve specific purposes, such as carpenter pencils, which are durable and used in woodworking and construction for precise markings. Another interesting option is the multiplication table pencil, particularly useful for students and those working with mathematics.

4. Luxury pencils:
There are also pencils adorned with Swarovski crystals, designed as elegant accessories or gifts. These pencils not only serve a functional purpose but also add a touch of sophistication and style.

We also addressed the most common questions about standard pencils:

Where are pencils most commonly used?

Standard pencils are widely used in schools, offices, artwork, and architecture. They are often chosen for tasks requiring portable and erasable markings, such as math calculations, note-taking, and sketching.

Are pencils eco-friendly?

Modern pencils are often made from environmentally friendly materials such as renewable wood, and the graphite is sourced sustainably.

Which pencil is more comfortable – round or angular?

An angular pencil is more comfortable as its shape provides a better grip and prevents rolling. This helps maintain proper hand positioning and reduces fatigue, especially during extended writing sessions. Round pencils are more traditional and easier to sharpen but less stable as they may slip from the hand.

How to sharpen a pencil without a sharpener?

Knife or scissors: Using a sharp knife or scissors, carefully carve away the wooden casing. Remove enough wood to expose the graphite core, leaving enough wood for support. You can then trim the graphite to achieve a sharp tip.
Sandpaper: Sandpaper can also be used to remove the wood layer. Rub the pencil tip against the sandpaper until the desired sharpness is achieved.

What does HB mean on a pencil?

HB represents the graphite hardness grade of a pencil. H stands for hard, and B stands for black. HB indicates a medium-hard grade, balancing darkness and ease of writing. This is the most common pencil found in schools and offices as it works well for both writing and drawing.

What do the hardness designations, such as 2B, 2H, 3B, 3H, 4B, 4H, B, H, mean?

The graphite hardness scale defines how hard the pencil core is and how dark the lines it produces will be:

• H (Hard) – indicates harder pencils. The higher the number, e.g., 3H or 4H, the harder and lighter the graphite, producing finer and lighter lines. These are ideal for detailed drawings and technical sketches.
• B (Black) – indicates softer pencils. The higher the number, e.g., 3B or 4B, the softer and darker the graphite, producing richer and darker lines. These are used for bold sketches and shading.

2B is one of the most popular pencils for drawing, offering a balance between darkness and softness. HB is a medium grade suitable for both writing and drawing.

At Rolling, you’ll find pencils from the following brands:

• Astra – quality and affordable pencils for everyday writing and drawing.
• Brunnen – durable and high-quality pencils for school and office use.
• Centrum – known for their simple design and reliability.
• Concorde – versatile pencils for writing and drawing.
• ErichKrause – a wide range for schools, offices, and artists.
• Faber-Castell – market leaders with high-quality pencils for professionals and students.
• Fiorello – a large selection for writing and drawing.
• Forofis – practical and convenient for daily use.
• Happy Color – popular among students for their design and colors.
• Koh-i-noor – professional-grade pencils for artists.
• Linex – strong and reliable pencils for office and school needs.
• Milan – popular for their quality and affordability.
• Office Point – practical pencils for office and everyday use.
• Pelikan – premium pencils for writing and artistic projects.
• Staedtler – professional-grade pencils with excellent graphite quality.

In conclusion, standard pencils are a simple yet versatile tool that remains popular despite advancements in writing and drawing technologies.

Find your perfect pencil at Rolling!