u/Blue-Emir

I currently use a Koh-I-Noor H2 pencil and a Staedtler K1, and I like how they leave less graphite on the paper. They feel stiffer than softer grades, so they’re easier to sketch with and don’t smudge as much, while also not scratching or denting the paper like very hard pencils can.

The problem is that I haven’t been able to find mechanical or clutch pencil leads that feel similar to the graphite in my Koh-I-Noor wooden pencils.

Are there any pencils or lead brands that leave less graphite on the paper without feeling overly hard? I prefer graphite that is firm and slightly “sketchy” rather than smooth, creamy, and dark, since softer graphite tends to smudge more and is harder to erase.

I currently use a Koh-I-Noor B2 pencil and a Staedtler K1, and I like how they leave less graphite on the paper. They feel stiffer than softer grades, so they’re easier to sketch with and don’t smudge as much, while also not scratching or denting the paper like very hard pencils can.

The problem is that I haven’t been able to find mechanical or clutch pencil leads that feel similar to the graphite in my Koh-I-Noor wooden pencils.

Are there any pencils or lead brands that leave less graphite on the paper without feeling overly hard? I prefer graphite that is firm and slightly “sketchy” rather than smooth, creamy, and dark, since softer graphite tends to smudge more and is harder to erase and harder to ink with when I want to make manga/comic art.