Any graphite pencil experts here?

last year

DGS who's 14 is drawing maps. I think European maps. DS said he needed a "big" eraser, new graphite pencils and a pad.

I always have to research something I don't completely understand, like an eraser. When DS said a big eraser was needed it told me his son is using it like we did in elementary school, swiping back and forth. Sounds like he made a lot of mistakes. lol

So far I have a set of pencil erasers with a brush on the end for fine detail.

I'm not ready to order a kneadable eraser which is recommended. I may throw one in the gift and tell him to research how to use it first.

What other type of eraser is good for graphite? I'll be getting a pad of course, is there anything I can throw in to help with his drawings? I've given them charcoal and pastels, and a ton of different types of pens and pencils over the years. Now it's graphite. :)

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Comments (18)

nekotish
last year
last modified: last year
A white eraser - The ones we used were made by Staedtler Mars. The are very clean compared to pink erasers.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
last year
last modified: last year
Kneadable erasers are very useful for detailed erasing.

Another type I like best and use more is white vinyl - a number companies of make them...
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cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
last year
I believe all pencils are graphite and have been for my entire life if not forever. I agree that the white erasers that come in a little sleeve are the best. I always gave those to my students in their September "welcome back" bags.
nekotish
last year
Carol described them better than I. They are indeed call vinyl erasers.
olychick
last year
last modified: last year
Some of the best pencils made, as I understand it, are Blackwing 602 graphite. They have an eraser on them that is replaceable when it wears down.
Here's a guide.
Blackwing
They also sell separate erasers: https://blackwing602.com/collections/erasers
Zalco/bring back Sophie!
last year
Wait until you are asked for an electric eraser. Try not to laugh too hard.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
last year
Get a sakura electric eraser. Seriously.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
last year
Well, I have always used Sakura, I have two, but there are a ton of no name off brands that might work perfectly at half the price, just looking now on amazon
elunia
last year
last modified: last year
Mechanical or wood pencils? +1 Sakura mechanical pencils (i find the lead writes v smoothly). i also like the Staedtler Mars vinyl erasers as well the Prismacolor Magic Rub (slightly softer). the key to erasers is ”freshness” so consider buying from Blick or one of the artist supply websites that has lots of turnover.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
last year
If you have never used and electric eraser, it is the difference between mixing everything by hand with a wooden spoon and using a KitchenAid mixer.
blfenton
last year
last modified: last year
Ask him if he wants or needs a specific hardness of pencil for his map drawing and what that would be.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
last year
Almost forgot about mechanical pencils - perfect for drafting - and you can get a pointer tool for them as well. I have a big one that clamps to your desk, and a tiny handheld one too.

Staedtler is a good quality brand for those items.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
last year
Get a set of drawing pencils that range from 6b up to 6H.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
last year
Mobius + Ruppert (M+R) Brass Artists Pencil Sharpener - choose from 4 shapes! Made in Germany - finest in the world! (604 - Bullet/Grenade) https://a.co/d/5JwFvsT
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
last year
You can change the blades when they get dull.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
last year
https://www.amazon.com/Mobius-Ruppert-Artists-Pencil-Sharpener/dp/B01BRFCI4C/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3JJFCWH4V7DAG&keywords=Mobius+%2B+Ruppert+%28M%2BR%29+Brass+Artists+Pencil+Sharpener+-+choose+from+4+shapes%21+Made+in+Germany+-+finest+in+the+world%21+%28604+-+Bullet%2FGrenade%29+https%3A%2F%2Fa.co%2Fd%2F5JwFvsT&qid=1670432108&sprefix=mobius+%2B+ruppert+m%2Br+brass+artists+pencil+sharpener+-+choose+from+4+shapes+made+in+germany+-+finest+in+the+world+604+-+bullet%2Fgrenade+https+%2F%2Fa.co%2Fd%2F5jwfvst%2Caps%2C435&sr=8-1#
Oakley
Original Author
last year
I'm so good! That's what I tell my family when I figure something out. Right after I did this topic I ordered a 3 pack of white vinyl erasers before reading the replies. :)

Z, I saw those and thought how cool they are! It may be a gift for next Christmas.

Cyn, when drawing you have to be specific on what type of pencil is needed. There are charcoal pencils, colored pencils, even liquid graphite pencils. Also there are different strengths of graphite for different projects.

My dad (along with DS) was a civil engineer and I'd find green drafting pencils (wood) on his desk and swipe one. Wish I'd kept just one pencil.

I'm good on pencil recommendations via all the money we paid for DS's tuition. 😊
ljwrar
last year
Civil engineer here. Don't forget the eraser shield. Best tool for erasing only what you want gone.

https://www.cheapjoes.com/staedtler-steel-erasing-shield-26-openings.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkMGcBhCSARIsAIW6d0D_P8m2gJMhbmu1BMfMzP5LWl037NhAgqEPEepLD-9GRAibvUwK_xUaAtJQEALw_wcB

Any graphite pencil experts here?

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nekotish

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ljwrar

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Any graphite pencil experts here?

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OakleyOriginal Author

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