Ohto and Blackwing Pencils and Mechanical Pencils

Pencils & Mechanical Pencils

Le crayon ne triche pas. Il glisse, on appuie un peu, le trait fonce, on efface, on recommence. Rien de plus simple, et c'est pour ça qu'il reste l'outil des premières idées, du croquis au dos d'une enveloppe comme du dessin abouti. Crayons en bois à tailler, porte-mines à la pointe toujours nette, mines tendres pour l'ombre ou dures pour le trait précis, selon l'humeur et le geste.

The pencil stroke

A good pencil is as much heard as it is seen. The graphite whispers on the paper and leaves a matte line that catches the light at a certain angle. The cedar wood, soft and fragrant, sharpens into long shavings and keeps the tip just right. The softer the lead, towards B and beyond, the darker and velvety the line, perfect for shading. The harder it is, towards H, the lighter and more precise the line, ideal for a diagram or measurement. The HB is the middle ground, good for everything.

Wooden pencil or mechanical pencil

Two schools of thought. The wooden pencil, which you sharpen and shorten, offers that warm contact and the ritual of sharpening that many wouldn’t give up for anything. The mechanical pencil keeps a constant tip, no sharpening needed, and advances with a precise, clean click, perfect for note-taking and technical lines. Enthusiasts often keep both within reach. To extend writing, see the desk and pens.

Frequently Asked Questions

B, HB, 2B, what do these letters mean?

They indicate the hardness of the lead. H stands for hard, for a clear and fine line. B stands for black, for a thick and dark line. The number amplifies this: a 4B is very soft and velvety, a 2H is dry and precise. The HB, in the middle, does it all. For drawing, we like to keep a small range, from 2H to 6B.

Why choose a BLACKWING pencil over another?

For its graphite, with a rare softness, inherited from an American pencil that became legendary among writers and artists. The line remains crisp, almost effortless. Its rectangular eraser, slid into a metal tip, can be removed and replaced as it wears down. It’s a pencil you choose as much for pleasure as for work.

How do you refill a mechanical pencil?

New leads are inserted from the back after removing the cap or push button. You just need to choose the right diameter, usually 0.5 mm for fine writing or 2 mm for a bolder line, sometimes requiring sharpening. Many models also refill their small integrated eraser.

How to prevent pencil drawings from smudging?

Soft graphite sits on the surface and blends with the slightest friction from the hand. Place a protective sheet under your palm, work from top to bottom, and blow away the residue rather than wiping it off. To fix a finished drawing, a light spray fixative prevents shadows from fading over time.

Which pencil to start drawing with?

An HB and a 2B are enough to start, the first for sketching, the second for shading. Add a kneaded eraser, which lifts graphite without damaging the paper. With this trio and a sketchbook with a bit of texture, you already cover the essentials, from quick sketches to more detailed studies.