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Best Charcoal Pencils for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best charcoal pencils for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: March 7th, 2024

🎨Drawing with charcoal pencils gives you a level of control, depth, and versatility that's hard to beat. Whether you're just starting out or you’ve been sketching for years, the right charcoal pencil can make a huge difference in your work. After putting a bunch of pencils to the test, we've come up with a list of the best charcoal pencils for every type of artist and every use case. Whether you need an all-rounder or something more specialized, we’ve got you covered. Let's dive into our top picks.

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Overall Best: Derwent Charcoal Pencils

Derwent Charcoal Pencils, Metal Tin, 6 Count (0700838) 6 Count (Pack of 1) Metal Tin

Derwent Charcoal Pencils earn top honors for their exceptional quality and adaptability. This set includes pencils with varying hardness levels, ranging from soft to hard, offering the flexibility needed for both delicate details and broad shading. According to our research, users consistently praise Derwent pencils for their smooth application and rich, dark tones. The included metal tin provides convenient storage and portability, making it easy to sketch wherever inspiration strikes. Thanks to their versatility and superb performance, Derwent Charcoal Pencils are our overall best choice for 2024.

Lowest at Amazon

$13.03 at Amazon

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$6.99 at JOANN

More Answers

Still curious about the Derwent Charcoal Pencils 6 Count? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are the different hardness levels of Derwent Charcoal Pencils?

The Derwent Charcoal Pencils are really known for their quality and versatility, offering a range of hardness levels that artists find super useful. Based on what the manufacturer says, the set includes Light, Medium, and Dark pencils. This makes it easier for you to get different shades and depths in your charcoal drawings. They even throw in a white charcoal pencil, which is a nice touch for adding highlights or blending with darker tones. According to our research, a lot of artists appreciate this because it lets them play around with lighter tones to add contrast and dimension to their work. Just a heads-up: like most charcoal pencils, these ones can be a bit fragile. It's a good idea to be gentle when you're sharpening them or applying pressure, so they don't break on you. Even with this in mind, many folks still find that the rich lines they produce make them a great addition to their art supplies. So, if you're interested in a charcoal pencil set that offers blendable tones and allows you to create depth with highlights, the Derwent Charcoal Pencils are really worth checking out. Whether you're just starting out or have been at it for a while, these pencils provide the flexibility and quality to help bring your artistic vision to life.

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Are Derwent Charcoal Pencils easy to sharpen?

Sharpening Derwent Charcoal Pencils can be a bit tricky according to our research. They tend to be a bit fragile during sharpening, and you're likely to experience the tips breaking more often than you'd like. This happens whether you're using a [standard sharpener](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dstandard%2Bhandheld%2Bsharpener%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [electric sharpener](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Delectric%2Bsharpener%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). Based on what we've found, a handheld sharpener generally works better because those electric ones might not be gentle enough and could end up causing more harm to your pencils. Even with these sharpening hiccups, Derwent Charcoal Pencils have their perks. The manufacturer mentions they're made with a combo of charcoal particles and fine clays, which gives you that smooth application and a nice, deep color. They work well for sketching and blending, and unlike [charcoal blocks](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dcharcoal%2Bblocks%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), they don't leave as much of a mess. There is a mixed reaction regarding the texture. While most folks appreciate the smoothness, some do note a bit of a grainy feel on the paper. However, the positives seem to outweigh these small negatives, especially since they're easier to handle than [traditional charcoal sticks](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dtraditional%2Bcharcoal%2Bsticks%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). If you're into creating wherever you go, the sturdy tin case is a bonus. It keeps everything neat and organized for you. Overall, these pencils are quite well-received, with ratings around 4.6 stars. So in short, while you need to be careful when sharpening, the overall artistic experience with Derwent Charcoal Pencils is pretty rewarding. Just keep an eye on how you sharpen them, and you should be good to go!

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How do Derwent Charcoal Pencils compare to other brands like General's?

If you're curious about how Derwent Charcoal Pencils measure up against other brands like [General’s](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DGenerals%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), here's what our research found: Derwent offers a nice mix of quality and versatility. Their set includes a helpful range of pencils—one light, two medium, two dark charcoal pencils, and a white highlighting pencil. This makes them great for trying out different shading techniques, whether you're doodling or working on detailed art. What really stands out about Derwent is how they blend the simple handling of a pencil with the rich feel of charcoal. They mix charcoal with top-notch clays in a wooden casing, which cuts down on the mess you'd usually get with regular charcoal sticks. According to our research, folks seem to enjoy how smooth these pencils are and how well they blend, making it easy to achieve those nice, layered tones. As for sharpening, it's something to watch out for. Some artists mentioned that the tips can break if you're not careful. So, using a dedicated pencil sharpener or even a knife might be smart for keeping them in good shape and making them last longer. All in all, Derwent Charcoal Pencils are a solid pick for both seasoned artists and newcomers to charcoal. They're easy to carry around too—the sturdy tin they come in can withstand some travel, which is handy for artists who like to work on the go. When you compare them to other brands like [General’s](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DGenerals%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), Derwent is often noted for its easy blending and the subtle gradients it can achieve. However, you might want to sample a few brands to see which fits your style best. Derwent is definitely a strong contender if you’re after a dependable and quality set of charcoal pencils.

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Runner-up: General's Charcoal Pencils

General's Charcoal Drawing Set, White/Black, Set of 4 Pencils and 1 Eraser

General's Charcoal Pencils come in as a close runner-up with their rich, dark tones and smooth application, which many artists adore. Available in multiple hardness levels, they are perfect for detailed work as well as broader shading. These pencils are highly blendable and durable, ensuring a seamless drawing experience. However, they tend to be slightly more powdery, which can enhance blendability and ease of creating smooth gradients. Therefore, if you prioritize blending and smooth gradients, General's Charcoal Pencils are an excellent choice.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$6.56 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Brusarth Professional Charcoal Drawing Set

Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set - 6 Pieces Soft Medium and Hard Charcoal Pencils for Drawing, Sketching, Shading Black

For artists on a budget, the Brusarth Professional Charcoal Drawing Set is a fantastic option that doesn't sacrifice quality. This affordable set includes six pencils with varying degrees of hardness: soft, medium, and hard. These pencils offer a wide range of tonal values and blend smoothly, making them durable and reliable for regular use. Despite its wallet-friendly price, this set provides a great mix of performance and versatility, making it ideal for students and beginners looking to explore charcoal drawing.

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$5.95 at Amazon

Best for Detail: Conte à Paris Charcoal Pencils

Conte à Paris Charcoal Pencils are a go-to for artists focusing on precision and fine details. These high-quality pencils blend the best qualities of hardness and softness, catering to various artistic techniques. Known for their traditional craftsmanship, Conte à Paris pencils deliver smooth, consistent lines that are perfect for detailed shading and intricate artwork. Their rich, dark tones and excellent blendability make these pencils an essential tool for any artist dedicated to detailed drawing.

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$24.99 at Amazon

Best for Blending: Faber-Castell 24-Piece Pitt Charcoal Set

Faber-Castel 112978 – Pitt Charcoal Set in Metal case, Pieces, 24 Count (Pack of 1), Multiple Color Set of 24

The Faber-Castell 24-Piece Pitt Charcoal Set is a standout for its outstanding blendability and rich tones. This comprehensive set includes different charcoal grades—soft, medium, and hard—which allows artists to explore a wide range of tonal values and achieve seamless blending and shading. Faber-Castell's high-quality materials ensure minimal breakage and maximum durability. The set also comes with useful accessories, like a kneaded eraser and blending stump, making it the perfect choice for those who emphasize blendability in their artwork.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$27.32 at Amazon

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🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks

Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.

Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.