via real_misterrios at https://old.reddit.com/r/pencils/comments/1wrvdtz/why_am_i_like_this/

HB Lead Grades Explained + How to Select Right Pencil for Writing & Art<br /> by [[Unnecessary Detail]] on YouTube<br /> accessed on 2026-09-20T23:58:33

HB is typically the mid-point for most manufacturers <br /> H (hardness) tends to go lighter and scratchier (less graphite, more clay)<br /> B (darkness) tends to go darker and smoother (more graphite, less clay)<br /> F is typically a grade (fine/firm) between H and HB

For general writing look in the range of H / F / HB / B / 2B

Charcoal pencils tend to be much darker that clay/graphite pencils.

In the United States, pencils are often graded from #1 to #5 with the #2 being equivalent to HB.

5 Stages of Lead Holder Usage & Collection - 2mm Mechanical Pencil Buying Guide<br /> by [[Unnecessary Detail]] on YouTube<br /> accessed on 2026-09-20T23:56:00

The Pencil Pages<br /> by [[Doug Martin]]<br /> accessed on 2025-11-09T09:27:11