Faber-CastellPitt Graphite Matte Pencil Set, Metal Tin of 8 Graphite Pencils and Sketching Accessories (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B, 10B, 12B, 14B), Pencil Sharpener, Eraser and Blending Stump

I watched a lot of reviews on these in the past. Had been wanting to get some to try. Had hoped they really were as good as most said they were, and they are! LOVE these pencils. Especially on grey tone paper, the depth of shading is amazing!

I stumbled upon these Faber-Castell Pitt matte graphite pencils ("FCP") by accident and took a chance buying them. I'm glad I did. I typically use only Tombow MONO graphite pencils (which, I think are the best). As others have mentioned in other reviews, these FCPs do impart a wonderful, deep, dark black-ness (if you need it). And since they're matte, they add an interesting effect to a graphite drawing. I wouldn't draw using only FCPs (tho, not saying you couldn't or that they wouldn't be appropriate for that) but would def combine with with regular graphite pencil. The leads seem strong (they don't seem susceptible to easy breakage); they sharpen nicely; they do leave obvious ghosting when erased (so apply carefully); but they apply smoothly/nicely (no "crumbs" or specks) and they smudge/shade fairly well (but not as well as regular graphite but that could be a benefit as the FCPs aren't as messy as soft/dark regular graphite). I would recommend these as a supplemental addition to anyone's graphite palette, especially when in need of adding bold dark/black elements to a drawing. NEW UPDATE: To add to my earlier review, I've had a chance to use these pencils steadily for a couple of months. I still like them. But be warned that these particular pencils flake quite a bit after being applied. All graphite pencils have a tendency to flake off of a drawing a little bit over a long period of time (if not sprayed with a fixative). But these seem highly susceptible to flaking over a short period of time. Just be prepared to either: (i) use a workable fixative as you progress on your drawing; or (ii) if waiting to use a fixative until the drawing is finished, be prepared to go back over/re-do areas of your drawing if you're wanting to have the strong black tone that these pencils can provide. Cheers!

Coming from a digital artist, these pencils were a blast to use. The sharpness was on point, comfortable to handle, and the lines were smooth. For the sketchy style I'm trying to achieve with the texture being just right and the different shades providing me what I needed. For the price it was worth it.

Nice. A bit more waxy perhaps and less shiny. Good to work with compressed charcoal for dark blacks.I wouldnt buy the kit again i feel i only need the darker ones.

If you love drawing with graphite, get these. Having darker values is a must. Don't hesitate, if you can afford it, just go for it. Awesome pencils.

I heard about these new graphite pencils on YouTube that do not shine as you deepen the darkness of shadows on your sketches. So far they are working as advertised and I am just getting acquainted with them. Must say that so far I am enjoying using them.

This is a fantastic set of graphite pencils. Easy to sharpen and use.

New pencils I'm trying out. Excited for something less selective, but with the control I don't get with charcoals. These did not dissapoint. Did a mini sketch to test. Sharpen well.. good darks.. build well.. don't crumble in the sharpener, erase well..and holding sideways at the window, I don't see much relection at all. .. attached..It's a little cloudy out so I also took a sideways flash pic... also attached.. looks pretty good to me! I'm buying some more pencils now :) Sketch done with the 14b and a plastic eraser.