The General Pencil Drawing Pencil Kit is a straightforward 10-piece set that includes a range of graphite pencils, from hard to soft leads, along with a few charcoal and pastel pencils. It’s designed for sketching, shading, and basic drawing tasks, and it’s often found in art supply stores or online as a budget-friendly option. After using this kit over several weeks for observational sketches, quick studies, and tonal exercises, I’ve found it to be a functional tool with some clear trade-offs.
One of the key features is the variety of graphite grades: you get 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils, which cover a decent range for light lines to darker shading. The set also includes a white charcoal pencil, a black charcoal pencil, and a white pastel pencil. This mix allows for some experimentation with different media, though the pastel and charcoal pencils are softer and more prone to smudging than the graphite ones. In practice, the graphite pencils perform reliably for hatching and cross-hatching, and the 6B produces rich, dark tones without excessive crumbling. However, the harder leads, like the 2H, tend to scratch the paper if you press too firmly, so they’re best for light underdrawings or fine details.
A notable limitation is the lack of a carrying case or protective sleeve. The pencils are loose in a cardboard box, which can lead to tips breaking during transport if you’re not careful. This is a common issue with budget kits, but it’s worth mentioning because it affects portability. Compared to a set like the Staedtler Mars Lumograph, which offers a broader range of hardness and softer cores, the General Pencil kit feels less refined. The graphite isn’t as smooth, and the charcoal pencils can be inconsistent—some sticks are harder than others, making it tricky to predict the mark. That said, for the price, it’s a reasonable entry-level option for someone who wants to try different drawing tools without a big investment.
In real-world usage, this kit works well for quick sketching sessions where you don’t need extreme precision. I used it for a series of gesture drawings and landscape studies on medium-texture paper. The HB and B pencils were my go-to for initial lines, while the 4B and 6B handled shading and deep shadows. The white charcoal pencil is useful for highlights on toned paper, but it requires a light touch—too much pressure and it becomes chalky and hard to blend. One thing I noticed is that the wood casing on a few pencils had slight splinters near the eraser end, which isn’t ideal but didn’t affect performance. Sharpening with a standard handheld sharpener was fine, though the charcoal pencils needed a bit more care to avoid breaking the lead.
Who is this kit for? It suits beginners or hobbyists who want a versatile set for casual drawing, especially if they’re exploring different media like charcoal and pastel alongside graphite. Art students on a tight budget might also find it useful for practice sessions. However, it’s not ideal for professionals or advanced artists who need consistent, high-quality leads for detailed work. The limited grade range means you’ll lack the subtlety of harder or softer options, like a 9H or 8B, which are common in premium sets. If you primarily work with charcoal, a dedicated charcoal set would offer better texture and control.
Compared to a generic multipack from a discount store, this kit has slightly better build quality and a thoughtful selection of grades. But against something like the Faber-Castell 9000 series, the General Pencil set falls short in smoothness and durability. The eraser that comes with the kit is also basic—it works for graphite but struggles with charcoal marks. You’ll likely want a separate kneaded eraser for cleaner corrections.
Overall, the General Pencil Drawing Pencil Kit delivers what it promises: a no-frills collection of drawing pencils for basic use. It’s not exceptional, but it’s functional. If you’re looking for a starter set to test the waters, this is a solid choice. Just don’t expect the performance of higher-end brands, and be prepared for some minor inconveniences like tip breakage and inconsistent charcoal hardness.