Absolutely the best pencil of my childhood, but ruined due to them being supplied during standardized testing. I'll have to give them another try, seeing as it's been over a decade since I've used one, and I've just bought a new sketch book for a long trip :)
I actually found one among my son's old school supplies, and sketched my pepper mill on the back of an envelope. Sometimes we get stuck into the most expensive stuff and haul lists over TH-cam, and what we need is just inspiration. Thanks! And the pencil smudges just perfect.
If you like this pencil....try the primary sized version called “My FirstTiconderoga ” same quality and can be used for larger bolder laying in of the graphite.
I love the Dixon Ticondaroga pencil, when I first started watching art videos I watched a guy called Mark Crilley who always used a Dixon Ticondaroga, so I purchased a box to see what all the fuss was about and I have to agree with you, they are amazing pencils. So much so I have a few boxes on my desk and even my kids will grad a few for school. I do however find it a bit dark when I'm trying to do my first light sketch.
I really like them too, but I have to say, now I have used them for a while I keep getting scratchy clay bits in the lead, they are good for writing or line drawing but when it comes to shading they aren't that good when you hit a piece of clay in the tip, not a major issue as I can sharpen the pencil back until its past the clay, and they work fine.
I've just started my first one of these. Bit of a novelty as I'm not American lol! Have to say I'm pretty impressed by these. I've used blackwing, my Mitsubishi hi uni, tombow, all those premium culty pencils (all are great btw). These are a genuine contender given how much cheaper they are. Impressed with the eraser too, better eraser than the blackwing imo. And stays sharp for a while. Apparently these were Roald Dahl's go to for some trivia too :)
For graded pencils I love Derwent Graphic, and Faber-Castell 9000's. For everyday sketching, and sketching for watercolor, I LOVE my Ticonderogas. And to me, the black Ticonderogas are even better than the yellow ones, well at least the erasers are better on the black ones.
I'm in the U.S. and I discovered early on that these pencils were different and better than all the others I had used, and when I went away to college/University I exclusively used these pencils for all of my notes and writing. They're pretty common here, actually. Thanks for the video, glad you're sharing this knowledge with the world!
+MikeKaz Thanks Mike, I totally agree there is something different with these pencils, they are a joy to use, great quality at a very reasonable price, I use them all the time now, thanks for the comment.
The World's best pencil claim does appear to be a branding slogan. For instance, Paper Mate refers to their Mirado Black Warrior as the World's Smoothest Write which it certainly is not in my opinion. I did a vid on a China and Mex Ticonderoga two different grades and the quality was off. Frustrating. Enjoyed your vid.
+RixCanDoit Thanks rix, I watched your Ticonderoga video, in fact I've watched and enjoyed all your videos :) I have had a few scratchy bits in one Mex Ticonderoga since I have been using them. I recently bought a 12 set of China Ticonderoga's and I have to say I think they are better, but not disappointed with either, so I will continue to use both, thanks for the comment .
Love Derwent Graphic F (2.5). One of my two top wood pencils. Ticonderoga HB 2 use to be my absolute favorite but they have changed. The ones bearing the word "SOFT" just above the HB are terrible. It is very hard to come by the classic without "soft" stamped on each. A modern tragedy of sorts.
Glad I watched this video ! I've been using PaperMate brand pencils and they have been the worst pencils ever! The leads would break as you sharpened them. I'm throwing them all out and buying these Ticonderoga pencils ! My daughters been a school teacher for many years and she says these really are the best pencils !
These pencils I started using in school. Raised on a farm miles from town. This was my first artist tool! I use the heck out of mine still. May be nostalgic or it might be they’re just a that good? Either way I like be them.
Absolutely the one, go to. I have a collection of official drawing pencil, all good to go. About a year ago, while walking to the car, I spotted a yellow pencil, and picked it up, said, "thank you," and tried it out while in the vehicle, wow. I've got a couple, I found. They all have different Ticonderoga logos, and even though they are HB 2, different feels and attack. Thanks for the excitement!
My great granddaughters going in the 4th grade & on her school supply list is this Tricondeeoga pencils. I have never heard of these. I’m 72 in a week.
I was lucky enough to find myself a package of vintage dixon ticonderoga pencils for 75 cents at a thrift store. These are labeled as no.2-5/10 medium. They're from the 1388 edition, which carried soft, extra soft, hard and hard pencils. They were made in the USA ( I think the 70s). In the package it says Maitland, Florida 32751. The package is white and has the image of Ethan Allen, and it says " hero of 1775". And yeah, they smell great and the wood has a reddish undertone. You can still find some at Ebay but they seell for 10 dollars or more, even used. Mines were all unsharpened.
@@CompoundInterest-SG they do! They have a #4 (2h) #3 (h) # 2 (hb) #1 (xtra soft - b) and 2.5 (f). These really are the best pencils! You pay more for the 'artist' label when these are still marketed for artist, schools, office.... whatever! They do and feel the same as the more expensive pencils!
American chiming in, seven years later: Only thing missing from your Ticonderoga is the teeth marks from absentmindedly chewing on it during a boring lecture at school. Standard issue here for the longest time, just everywhere, super-cheap, always reliable, which is about all you can ask of a utility pencil. Pretty sure Amazon UK has them now, at about 1/2 that price, free delivery. Stupid. Should have a UK or European factory. Maybe they've looked into it, and it's just pencil-snobbery in the way . . .
my first ticonderoga is the best dude they are really thick and so freakin comfortable its great for long notes, essays, tests, and pretty much anything else!
Your video is great, actually the best video on TH-cam! Here in the U.S. we use this brand of pencil beginning in grade school, it’s like we are subconsciously brainwashed by the pencil militia to utilize this specific brand of pencils. I still use them religiously in my office! Why are we so serious about a pencil?.... just saying! 🤣
Excellent review. But the Derwents are more beautiful and they come in gradations. I use Derwent and Faber Castell myselve and because I am a girl, I will always go for the more beautiful one's in the pritty boxes !! ;)
hehehe... Absolutely and for that kind of money, nobody can complain, can one? But I almost always work with different hardnesses and the Dixon's only come in HB (Am I right? because I could not find any other) so I will stick to my brands. And....... I ment it when I told you about my love for shiny pencils in flashy boxes! Hahaha!!! ^.^ ;)
I think the Dixons only come in HB and B so not a great choice of tones to choose from, don't get me started on shiny pencils and flashy boxes, I have way to many of them, I have a massive selection of pencils its embarrassing Haha:)
:D Me too! (There my precious... I would almost sleep with them but my husband won't let me :) ) And I tought so about the Dixon's. That's a shame. But they are still the best buy in HB's!! (and the ugliest, lol)
In our part of the USA, it is not just the best, but the only brand we see with consistent quality. Other brands have poor wood, break tips, erasers smear, etc. We have filled Operation Christmas Child boxes for years. Pencils & paper among many other things. I won’t buy any other brand. A needy child is already accustomed to junk. They need something of quality, even in simple items.
Not all pencils are created equal. The Ticonderoga.. that’s a quality pencil. Good balance, strong, long lasting eraser and a graphite tip that isn’t easy to break even when it’s very sharp. It’s to pencils what the Zebra is to pens. I need a life.
Just to let you know you can buy them from Amazon. £9.98 for a pack of 12. Interestingly Derwent Graphic Soft are 12 for £9.97. As I am an Amazon Prime Member I get free same day delivery.
Hi Smoothie, well I received my creative color pencils in a set of 24. Anticipation, well I'm sure you understand what it's like anyway. I have 9B -9H. The 9-5h are pretty hard, and somewhat damages the paper. You have to be careful how hard you press . Those one's would mainly be used in my opinion to outline something that I'm getting ready to draw. the B pencils are very smooth and they tend to glide on so I was pleased about that .But the rest aren't bad it's a very lightweight pencil unlike any other pencil I've used I guess I kind of prefer to the feel of the Derwent just because maybe that's what I've always used but I hope that helps you. Have a great day.
Hi smoothie, no I just ordered them. I should get them sometime next week and I'll have to let you know what I think it's a set of 24 and I got it at a great price so I thought what the heck why not.
I buy pencils because of their looks, not because of quality. I'm a collector not an artist so I get the '24 carat pencils' [just kidding]... No, but I do get the nicer looking brands. So far I've conjured up £70's worth of pencils, and by the end of November, I will have around £150 of pencils. Sometime maybe ill be able to say 'destroy my pencils, destroy your salary'. Also, about gold you can say 'gold' pencils are 'faber castell goldfaber' pencils. Nice video anyway :D
some people will not admit but cheapies will work wonders, in the art work that I do I use a 6b sometimes, and a HB and 2b most of the time. but I keep coming back to the standard no. 2 HB. I will definitely buy a bulk order of these seeing the comparison. I'm currently using a pro art HB pencil. thanks for the video :-)
They don't call em the Cadillac of Pencils for nothing...I'm always on the look out for Ticonderogas in the thrift store especially the ones stamped with U.S.A. on them...they are now made in China. Henry David Thoreau perfected the American pencil
Very nice review. Though I also thought the quality was similar, it seems to be that the Derwent carried more of a smudge. I'm not an artist, but a bit more smudge would seem advantageous for blending. Or is it the other way? But secondly, I thought that you had just a shade better resolution on your picture of the ball with the Derwent as well. Not a huge difference, but it seems to be there. But maybe that's because your hand is so accustomed to the feel of the Derwent in it. This isn't biased toward Derwents, mind...I've never so much as held one. But overall, I'd say that the Ticonderoga is coming pretty close. Well thought-through review.
They are the official pencil of the American school system w the original intent of being used to fill out the scantron sheets used in the 3R’s testing which require you to make your marks “heavy and dark” :)
I always used the cheap ones but ticioandorga is expensive in Illinois for 10 $3 and for 24 $6 when the store brand is 99cent this year I away able to buy them and broke easily and were really weak in 1 week all 24 pencils broke
+Holly Briggs the palomino blackwings are made in Japan, where I live, and a few years back I bought a few boxes of both the black and the silver. My supplies were running low and decided to reorder some more and the price had jumped from basically $12 a box to $90 so I ordered 12 boxes of ticonderoga instead. Overall the ticon is a great pencil. The palomino silver, which is a 602 clone is over rated--I liked the softer black pencil better but at $90 a box it ain't worth it. Also don't forget lead clutch pencils.
I just ordered some from the uk, 30kg of them for £10 + shipping. It was recommended by a comic book artist, so that must tell something about them. Just worries me that 30 kg of pencils is quite almost a thick branch from a tree worth of wood.
The Ticonderoga is probably not the best pencil in the world but they are possibly the best pencil in the world with a decent eraser attached all things considered.
I've used those, since they're common in America. If I remember correctly I always had problems with the eraser falling off. The whole metal bit would come off(not the actual eraser coming out)
clay smith do you get free admission to the fort? I live a couple hours south. We used those pencils in school but also the yellow Faber Castells which were also cheap school pencils. Having used them for school work and tests for so many years I am reluctant to use them for art but seeing as they are that good I should get them another chance.
If you want the *real* best pencil, get the Blackwing 602 or Natural. They are a bit expensive, but they are really the best. Most of the Ticonderogas now are the "soft" kind, which are *super* light, making them hard to see. I can't even remember when I saw a 'regular' Ticonderoga.
Hello Smoothie. I've only used Derwent too. after I started to watch your videos I purchased some Creatacolor. I've never used these so what do you think of them, or have you heard these? Thanks
Hi Monica, I haven't used Creatorcolor before, I have seen a couple of reviews about them in the past, they seem to get a mixed response (as do most pencils) I would be interested to know how you get on with them, have you used them yet ?
Yes these are great pencils just get the HB ones though. The B version is not as good of quality idk if they even make the B anymore though. I also always get the black version I just love the black coat could never stand the yellow of pencils. Black always made pencils look more polished to me. You can also get so much done with this pencil HB pencil is the workhorse pencil.
+NoblesseObliged I have only seen the black version for sale in the states, cant get them here in the UK nor the B grade, I burn through the derwent HB pencil that comes in the drawing sets in no time, so instead of buying more expensive derwents ,the Ticonderoga HB is a less expensive but just as good alternative, they really are superb pencils.
If you get your hands on the USA made ones on eBay, you will be even more delighted. These new Mexican ones are super scratchy compared to the old USA ones.
+Imran A. Mughal Thanks Imran, I will check them out, since I have been using the Mexican ones I have noticed they have been a little scratchy at times,
There is a saying and it goes: "If something sounds too good to be true then it is not true in most cases." That said I doubt you tested two different pencils and I also doubt the price you are telling us.
I'm new to your channel and do not know if you ever reviewed the Dixon Ticonderoga Black pencil ? It's an office pencil but I use it a lot in my pencil art.
HI again Smoothie......Like yourself, and the other million of us, I have tried every type and range of pencil out there thinking that the next '' lead with legs '' will be the one to create my masterpiece. Suffice to say, it was never going to be the case! .......However, I do agree with you, the Ticonderoga ( sounding more like a rebel swamp mosquito than a pencil ) is as good as any of the other 758 that Iv'e tried? ......As you said Smoothie, how do they make them so cheap?.....Thanks for coming up with such a basic common sense pencil comparison.......................Bobby Harper
+Bobby Harper Haha... "lead with legs"..."rebel swamp mosquito" nice one Bobby, I'm trying new pencils all the time, although most pencils are all relatively cheap its nice to find one that's good quality and costs very little, as you probably realise I'm a Derwent graphic fan, I haven't found anything I like better ( considering the price to quality ratio) I haven't tried Caran D'ache or the Palamino black wing yet, they are very expensive, it would be interesting to test them along side the Ticonderoga.
Yes it’s true the quality did drop when they switched production to China, I will never buy them again , will only use the old USA made ones if I can find them.
I order 2 boxes of #3 pencils. I used to use them along time ago and loved them. But the new ones I got are terrible. The don't sharpen well. The lead is crumbly and tip breaks so easily and i barely push down to write. Very disappointed.
They're had to find but the Ticonderonda #1 pencils are even better for drawing--darker and softer lead. Some art stores sell them. Be sure to get the real wood type. The cheapest dixon pencils are now the bubble gum type. I hate those kind of pencils and I refuse to use them.
I always used the cheap ones but ticioandorga is expensive in Illinois for 10 $3 and for 24 $6 when the store brand is 99cent this year I away able to buy them and broke easily and were really weak in 1 week all 24 pencils broke
arlene coria what were you doing to them? Were you purposely snapping them? I've had mine for months and the only snap was from a idiot who randomly snapped one, about a month ago.
smoothie77 I've ordered 3 blackwing pencils imported from Japan, they're shamefully expensive so they better be worth it. I'm a pencil artist, i usually use Lyra Rembrandt graphite pencils which have always been good for me. I've bought the blackwings purely out of curiosity.
The high costs involved with buying Blackwing's is what puts me off buying a set, I do keep looking on ebay and various websites to see if i can pick some up at a reasonable price, I have heard good things about Lyra pencils, haven't tried them yet but they are on my "must try" list.
smoothie77 I really like both Lyra Rembrandt and Staedtler mars lumograph pencils, both German. I know you like Derwent but I'm not so keen, i really can't get away with them which is a shame as they're British and i want to love them. I also have another German graphite pencil made by Faber-Castell but I've not used them yet, I've heard very good things about them though.
The Germans do seem to make great pencils, I use Lumograph, and Faber Castell, I also use the Czech made Koh-i- Noor pencils and graphite, what don't you like about Derwent pencils?
The 2H pencil was just used for demonstration and the graphite used for the sketchbook test was a small stub of HB pencil that didn't look for the video so i use the 2H to show in the visual sense, i can assure you the test was done with 2 HB pencils.
Your voice is soothing
That's why his name is smoothie
I live in America and these are basic pencils most everyone uses in school. I can get them for about 2 bucks for 12.
Can you ship some to Australia because it's 15$ for ten!
Shipping would cost too much.
Natalie Gardner KO
Lol in brazil we don't have them anywhere, the cheaper i saw was 30$ a box with 8
Im in California, i get them at Costco. Dirt cheap. I've been using them for over 20 years.
Unintentional A S M R .
Julio Lopez omg yes
John Wick approved
Absolutely the best pencil of my childhood, but ruined due to them being supplied during standardized testing. I'll have to give them another try, seeing as it's been over a decade since I've used one, and I've just bought a new sketch book for a long trip :)
+kittenesque Yes definitely give them another try, i'm sure you will like them, they are ideal for sketching.
I actually found one among my son's old school supplies, and sketched my pepper mill on the back of an envelope. Sometimes we get stuck into the most expensive stuff and haul lists over TH-cam, and what we need is just inspiration.
Thanks! And the pencil smudges just perfect.
If you like this pencil....try the primary sized version called “My FirstTiconderoga ” same quality and can be used for larger bolder laying in of the graphite.
I love the Dixon Ticondaroga pencil, when I first started watching art videos I watched a guy called Mark Crilley who always used a Dixon Ticondaroga, so I purchased a box to see what all the fuss was about and I have to agree with you, they are amazing pencils. So much so I have a few boxes on my desk and even my kids will grad a few for school. I do however find it a bit dark when I'm trying to do my first light sketch.
I really like them too, but I have to say, now I have used them for a while I keep getting scratchy clay bits in the lead, they are good for writing or line drawing but when it comes to shading they aren't that good when you hit a piece of clay in the tip, not a major issue as I can sharpen the pencil back until its past the clay, and they work fine.
Never heard of this penci, have to give it a try. Thanks for the video, really enjoyed this
+Mieto ASMR Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, yes definitely give them a try, I'm sure you will like them.
I've just started my first one of these. Bit of a novelty as I'm not American lol! Have to say I'm pretty impressed by these. I've used blackwing, my Mitsubishi hi uni, tombow, all those premium culty pencils (all are great btw). These are a genuine contender given how much cheaper they are. Impressed with the eraser too, better eraser than the blackwing imo. And stays sharp for a while. Apparently these were Roald Dahl's go to for some trivia too :)
For graded pencils I love Derwent Graphic, and Faber-Castell 9000's. For everyday sketching, and sketching for watercolor, I LOVE my Ticonderogas. And to me, the black Ticonderogas are even better than the yellow ones, well at least the erasers are better on the black ones.
I'm in the U.S. and I discovered early on that these pencils were different and better than all the others I had used, and when I went away to college/University I exclusively used these pencils for all of my notes and writing. They're pretty common here, actually. Thanks for the video, glad you're sharing this knowledge with the world!
+MikeKaz Thanks Mike, I totally agree there is something different with these pencils, they are a joy to use, great quality at a very reasonable price, I use them all the time now, thanks for the comment.
Truly top. One of the best secrets everyone overlooks
Love this " best pencil in the world video." Haha, isn't it interesting how we are marketed to. Thanks Smoothie!
+tillygirl56 Haha I know! when I saw the statement on the box I couldn't resist making a quick video :) but they are really good pencils .
The World's best pencil claim does appear to be a branding slogan. For instance, Paper Mate refers to their Mirado Black Warrior as the World's Smoothest Write which it certainly is not in my opinion. I did a vid on a China and Mex Ticonderoga two different grades and the quality was off. Frustrating. Enjoyed your vid.
+RixCanDoit Thanks rix, I watched your Ticonderoga video, in fact I've watched and enjoyed all your videos :) I have had a few scratchy bits in one Mex Ticonderoga since I have been using them. I recently bought a 12 set of China Ticonderoga's and I have to say I think they are better, but not disappointed with either, so I will continue to use both, thanks for the comment .
swordandgunandsteel if you don't want to spend the mortgage money for decent pencils, the Dixon Ticonderoga wins .
Love Derwent Graphic F (2.5). One of my two top wood pencils.
Ticonderoga HB 2 use to be my absolute favorite but they have changed. The ones bearing the word "SOFT" just above the HB are terrible. It is very hard to come by the classic without "soft" stamped on each. A modern tragedy of sorts.
Glad I watched this video ! I've been using PaperMate brand pencils and they have been the worst pencils ever! The leads would break as you sharpened them. I'm throwing them all out and buying these Ticonderoga pencils ! My daughters been a school teacher for many years and she says these really are the best pencils !
These pencils I started using in school. Raised on a farm miles from town. This was my first artist tool! I use the heck out of mine still. May be nostalgic or it might be they’re just a that good? Either way I like be them.
I like using them*
Just found your channel and its a pleasure to watch, smooth indeed. Also I'm going to try those dixon pencils. great vids cheers smoothie.
Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.
Absolutely the one, go to. I have a collection of official drawing pencil, all good to go. About a year ago, while walking to the car, I spotted a yellow pencil, and picked it up, said, "thank you," and tried it out while in the vehicle, wow. I've got a couple, I found. They all have different Ticonderoga logos, and even though they are HB 2, different feels and attack. Thanks for the excitement!
I thought 99p for 12 was cheap but finding them for free is even better:) thanks for the comment.
My handwriting always looked the best with these at school
You should try the Dixon Ticonderoga “Laddie” pencil. Also super cheap and write even smoother and darker while still being a #2 HB.
My great granddaughters going in the 4th grade & on her school supply list is this Tricondeeoga pencils. I have never heard of these. I’m 72 in a week.
In my school, we had these, the generic Dixons, and USA Golds.
I love the black pack, I use them for dnd.
The whole 'best' pencil, etc is such a rabbit hole. Now I'll be getting a metric ton of suggested videos about pencils. lol
I was lucky enough to find myself a package of vintage dixon ticonderoga pencils for 75 cents at a thrift store. These are labeled as no.2-5/10 medium. They're from the 1388 edition, which carried soft, extra soft, hard and hard pencils. They were made in the USA ( I think the 70s). In the package it says Maitland, Florida 32751. The package is white and has the image of Ethan Allen, and it says " hero of 1775". And yeah, they smell great and the wood has a reddish undertone. You can still find some at Ebay but they seell for 10 dollars or more, even used. Mines were all unsharpened.
The fairer question might be why are Derwent, Faber Castel etc have such a high mark-up on their pencils?
Absolutely! totally agree.
Because people will pay the higher prices.
Well, do those Ticonderoga pencils come in other tones than HB? If not, you still gonna need those more expensive pencils.
@@CompoundInterest-SG they do! They have a #4 (2h) #3 (h) # 2 (hb) #1 (xtra soft - b) and 2.5 (f). These really are the best pencils! You pay more for the 'artist' label when these are still marketed for artist, schools, office.... whatever! They do and feel the same as the more expensive pencils!
Today I have found myself watching videos about pencils. I actually looked this up 😂
I think I have 12 of them. I'm switching over to pencils for writing stuff and designing mandalas. Pens for specific stuff. Love cedar.
John Wick: I need something Robust, Precise.
American chiming in, seven years later: Only thing missing from your Ticonderoga is the teeth marks from absentmindedly chewing on it during a boring lecture at school. Standard issue here for the longest time, just everywhere, super-cheap, always reliable, which is about all you can ask of a utility pencil. Pretty sure Amazon UK has them now, at about 1/2 that price, free delivery. Stupid. Should have a UK or European factory. Maybe they've looked into it, and it's just pencil-snobbery in the way . . .
my first ticonderoga is the best dude they are really thick and so freakin comfortable its great for long notes, essays, tests, and pretty much anything else!
Your video is great, actually the best video on TH-cam! Here in the U.S. we use this brand of pencil beginning in grade school, it’s like we are subconsciously brainwashed by the pencil militia to utilize this specific brand of pencils. I still use them religiously in my office! Why are we so serious about a pencil?.... just saying! 🤣
bro these o were the highlight of my childhood
Excellent review. But the Derwents are more beautiful and they come in gradations. I use Derwent and Faber Castell myselve and because I am a girl, I will always go for the more beautiful one's in the pritty boxes !! ;)
You always make me laugh Lineke, I agree the Derwent and Faber Castell are nicer but don't you think the yellow Ticonderoga is pretty too? :)
hehehe... Absolutely and for that kind of money, nobody can complain, can one? But I almost always work with different hardnesses and the Dixon's only come in HB (Am I right? because I could not find any other) so I will stick to my brands.
And....... I ment it when I told you about my love for shiny pencils in flashy boxes! Hahaha!!! ^.^ ;)
I think the Dixons only come in HB and B so not a great choice of tones to choose from, don't get me started on shiny pencils and flashy boxes, I have way to many of them, I have a massive selection of pencils its embarrassing Haha:)
:D Me too! (There my precious... I would almost sleep with them but my husband won't let me :) ) And I tought so about the Dixon's. That's a shame. But they are still the best buy in HB's!! (and the ugliest, lol)
Hahaha.. I can barely breath I'm laughing so much!!!
In our part of the USA, it is not just the best, but the only brand we see with consistent quality. Other brands have poor wood, break tips, erasers smear, etc. We have filled Operation Christmas Child boxes for years. Pencils & paper among many other things. I won’t buy any other brand. A needy child is already accustomed to junk. They need something of quality, even in simple items.
Not all pencils are created equal. The Ticonderoga.. that’s a quality pencil. Good balance, strong, long lasting eraser and a graphite tip that isn’t easy to break even when it’s very sharp. It’s to pencils what the Zebra is to pens. I need a life.
Ordered mine from eBay, £2.25 inc postage for 12 pencils. Looking forward to trying them now
Sounds like they have gone up since i made this video, still a bargain for 12 pencil though, I hope you enjoy the Suzanne, Thanks for the comment.
Me too ...then I ordered another box LOL
Great video man. Someone gets it.
Just to let you know you can buy them from Amazon. £9.98 for a pack of 12. Interestingly Derwent Graphic Soft are 12 for £9.97. As I am an Amazon Prime Member I get free same day delivery.
Hi Smoothie, well I received my creative color pencils in a set of 24. Anticipation, well I'm sure you understand what it's like anyway. I have 9B -9H. The 9-5h are pretty hard, and somewhat damages the paper. You have to be careful how hard you press . Those one's would mainly be used in my opinion to outline something that I'm getting ready to draw. the B pencils are very smooth and they tend to glide on so I was pleased about that .But the rest aren't bad it's a very lightweight pencil unlike any other pencil I've used I guess I kind of prefer to the feel of the Derwent just because maybe that's what I've always used but I hope that helps you. Have a great day.
Hi Monica, thanks for letting me know, I hope you create lots of masterpieces with them, happy drawing!
Honest review......and I like that.
Hi smoothie, no I just ordered them. I should get them sometime next week and I'll have to let you know what I think it's a set of 24 and I got it at a great price so I thought what the heck why not.
Why not indeed! cant resist a bargain myself....especially art supplies. look forward to hearing your thoughts on the new pencils :)
I get the all black ones. Amazing pencils.
I buy pencils because of their looks, not because of quality. I'm a collector not an artist so I get the '24 carat pencils' [just kidding]... No, but I do get the nicer looking brands. So far I've conjured up £70's worth of pencils, and by the end of November, I will have around £150 of pencils. Sometime maybe ill be able to say 'destroy my pencils, destroy your salary'. Also, about gold you can say 'gold' pencils are 'faber castell goldfaber' pencils. Nice video anyway :D
I just bought a Tombow mono1000 2B, nice looking with very smooth dark graphite, but i bet you already know about these, really nice pencils!
mhm... im getting some of those too... its a shame they don't make large sets [like Mitsubishi pencil tin [10b-10h]]
I agree!
some people will not admit but cheapies will work wonders, in the art work that I do I use a 6b sometimes, and a HB and 2b most of the time. but I keep coming back to the standard no. 2 HB. I will definitely buy a bulk order of these seeing the comparison. I'm currently using a pro art HB pencil. thanks for the video :-)
You're welcome Travis, thanks for taking the time to view and comment.
They don't call em the Cadillac of Pencils for nothing...I'm always on the look out for Ticonderogas in the thrift store especially the ones stamped with U.S.A. on them...they are now made in China. Henry David Thoreau perfected the American pencil
Very nice review. Though I also thought the quality was similar, it seems to be that the Derwent carried more of a smudge. I'm not an artist, but a bit more smudge would seem advantageous for blending. Or is it the other way? But secondly, I thought that you had just a shade better resolution on your picture of the ball with the Derwent as well. Not a huge difference, but it seems to be there. But maybe that's because your hand is so accustomed to the feel of the Derwent in it. This isn't biased toward Derwents, mind...I've never so much as held one. But overall, I'd say that the Ticonderoga is coming pretty close. Well thought-through review.
Try the 2.5 that is a beautiful pencil
They are the official pencil of the American school system w the original intent of being used to fill out the scantron sheets used in the 3R’s testing which require you to make your marks “heavy and dark” :)
What's your opinion of the comfort of the Ticonderoga? I prefer round pencils, the Ticonderoga feel a little sharp around the edges.
Why am I not on eBay, because I already bought them
I always used the cheap ones but ticioandorga is expensive in Illinois for 10 $3 and for 24 $6 when the store brand is 99cent this year I away able to buy them and broke easily and were really weak in 1 week all 24 pencils broke
I mean when it comes down to it, isn't it just graphite and and eraser?
have you tried the palomino blackwing? They have a big reputation. It would be interesting to compare those two
+Holly Briggs I haven't try the blackwing yet, I have heard a lot of good things about them, I do intend to get some to try, thanks for the comment.
+Holly Briggs the palomino blackwings are made in Japan, where I live, and a few years back I bought a few boxes of both the black and the silver. My supplies were running low and decided to reorder some more and the price had jumped from basically $12 a box to $90 so I ordered 12 boxes of ticonderoga instead. Overall the ticon is a great pencil. The palomino silver, which is a 602 clone is over rated--I liked the softer black pencil better but at $90 a box it ain't worth it. Also don't forget lead clutch pencils.
I just ordered some from the uk, 30kg of them for £10 + shipping. It was recommended by a comic book artist, so that must tell something about them. Just worries me that 30 kg of pencils is quite almost a thick branch from a tree worth of wood.
I bought a bulk of them.
The Ticonderoga is probably not the best pencil in the world but they are possibly the best pencil in the world with a decent eraser attached all things considered.
I've used those, since they're common in America. If I remember correctly I always had problems with the eraser falling off. The whole metal bit would come off(not the actual eraser coming out)
+Mr. Red Bird I haven't had that happen (yet). maybe you had a bad batch? thanks for letting me know.
Ticonderoga pencils are the BEST I should know I use them everyday cause I live in Ticonderoga!
clay smith do you get free admission to the fort? I live a couple hours south. We used those pencils in school but also the yellow Faber Castells which were also cheap school pencils. Having used them for school work and tests for so many years I am reluctant to use them for art but seeing as they are that good I should get them another chance.
U we’re using a 2h derwent tho
Does the lead break when you sharpen it ?
They come in black as well
If you want the *real* best pencil, get the Blackwing 602 or Natural. They are a bit expensive, but they are really the best. Most of the Ticonderogas now are the "soft" kind, which are *super* light, making them hard to see. I can't even remember when I saw a 'regular' Ticonderoga.
I have got some, and yes they are really good!
No they are NOT the same the pencils made in china are the smoothest and Darker ones IDK why but is like that
Hello Smoothie. I've only used Derwent too. after I started to watch your videos I purchased some Creatacolor. I've never used these so what do you think of them, or have you heard these? Thanks
Hi Monica, I haven't used Creatorcolor before, I have seen a couple of reviews about them in the past, they seem to get a mixed response (as do most pencils) I would be interested to know how you get on with them, have you used them yet ?
The world's best pencil !!!!!! cool ! wow!
Yes these are great pencils just get the HB ones though. The B version is not as good of quality idk if they even make the B anymore though. I also always get the black version I just love the black coat could never stand the yellow of pencils. Black always made pencils look more polished to me. You can also get so much done with this pencil HB pencil is the workhorse pencil.
+NoblesseObliged I have only seen the black version for sale in the states, cant get them here in the UK nor the B grade, I burn through the derwent HB pencil that comes in the drawing sets in no time, so instead of buying more expensive derwents ,the Ticonderoga HB is a less expensive but just as good alternative, they really are superb pencils.
Agree on the color. Yellow is so yesterday! lol!
+RixCanDoit lol, nice one Rix!
Roald Dahl the famous children author only ever used these pencils to write his works
These are the world's best pencils. I've used them for years and I've had no issues with them
If you get your hands on the USA made ones on eBay, you will be even more delighted. These new Mexican ones are super scratchy compared to the old USA ones.
+Imran A. Mughal Thanks Imran, I will check them out, since I have been using the Mexican ones I have noticed they have been a little scratchy at times,
smoothie77 The problem comes from the graphite-clay mixture not being homogeneous throughout the "lead" portion of the pencil.
There is a saying and it goes: "If something sounds too good to be true then it is not true in most cases." That said I doubt you tested two different pencils and I also doubt the price you are telling us.
I'm new to your channel and do not know if you ever reviewed the Dixon Ticonderoga Black pencil ? It's an office pencil but I use it a lot in my pencil art.
Hi Gerard, I haven't use the Ticonderoga black pencils yet.
It's like a 2B version of the yellow Ticonderoga yellow No. 2 ..... definitely artist quality in my opinion.
I will see if i can find some, only ever seen the yellows ones here in the UK,
Hrrhmph!........I wish I'd seen this yesterday, having just purchased Mitsubishi-hi-uni pencil set. What do you think of these?
Mitsubishi-hi-uni are much better than Ticonderoga's
HI again Smoothie......Like yourself, and the other million of us, I have tried every type and range of pencil out there thinking that the next '' lead with legs '' will be the one to create my masterpiece. Suffice to say, it was never going to be the case! .......However, I do agree with you, the Ticonderoga ( sounding more like a rebel swamp mosquito than a pencil ) is as good as any of the other 758 that Iv'e tried? ......As you said Smoothie, how do they make them so cheap?.....Thanks for coming up with such a basic common sense pencil comparison.......................Bobby Harper
+Bobby Harper Haha... "lead with legs"..."rebel swamp mosquito" nice one Bobby, I'm trying new pencils all the time, although most pencils are all relatively cheap its nice to find one that's good quality and costs very little, as you probably realise I'm a Derwent graphic fan, I haven't found anything I like better ( considering the price to quality ratio) I haven't tried Caran D'ache or the Palamino black wing yet, they are very expensive, it would be interesting to test them along side the Ticonderoga.
Yes it’s true the quality did drop when they switched production to China, I will never buy them again , will only use the old USA made ones if I can find them.
The quality has definitely dropped on these pencils since they stopped production in the US.
I order 2 boxes of #3 pencils. I used to use them along time ago and loved them. But the new ones I got are terrible. The don't sharpen well. The lead is crumbly and tip breaks so easily and i barely push down to write. Very disappointed.
the ones made on mexico or the ones made in china?
@@無名-l3b I will have to check my boxes. Thanks fir the info.
Mine say Mexico. Is china ones better then?
Where did you buy the large fat pencil eraser from?
If you mean the Derwent eraser, have had it for ages , I think I got it from eBay but can't remember the sellers name.
They're had to find but the Ticonderonda #1 pencils are even better for drawing--darker and softer lead. Some art stores sell them.
Be sure to get the real wood type. The cheapest dixon pencils are now the bubble gum type. I hate those kind of pencils and I refuse to use them.
I like hi-polymer when you use it you see NOTHING on the paper!!!!!
I always used the cheap ones but ticioandorga is expensive in Illinois for 10 $3 and for 24 $6 when the store brand is 99cent this year I away able to buy them and broke easily and were really weak in 1 week all 24 pencils broke
arlene coria what were you doing to them? Were you purposely snapping them? I've had mine for months and the only snap was from a idiot who randomly snapped one, about a month ago.
I live in America to and those pencils are every were
Not really heard of these, I've heard a lot of people say the Palomino blackwing is the world's best pencil.
Never tried a blackwing, they are hard to get in the UK, but I will say that the Ticonderoga certainly isn't the worlds best pencil.
smoothie77 I've ordered 3 blackwing pencils imported from Japan, they're shamefully expensive so they better be worth it. I'm a pencil artist, i usually use Lyra Rembrandt graphite pencils which have always been good for me. I've bought the blackwings purely out of curiosity.
The high costs involved with buying Blackwing's is what puts me off buying a set, I do keep looking on ebay and various websites to see if i can pick some up at a reasonable price, I have heard good things about Lyra pencils, haven't tried them yet but they are on my "must try" list.
smoothie77 I really like both Lyra Rembrandt and Staedtler mars lumograph pencils, both German. I know you like Derwent but I'm not so keen, i really can't get away with them which is a shame as they're British and i want to love them. I also have another German graphite pencil made by Faber-Castell but I've not used them yet, I've heard very good things about them though.
The Germans do seem to make great pencils, I use Lumograph, and Faber Castell, I also use the Czech made Koh-i- Noor pencils and graphite, what don't you like about Derwent pencils?
Just bought a set of these from eBay from a uk seller, £1.95 delivered..
Nice one Steve, they are a bargain and really nice pencils to use, I use mine all the time, thanks for the comment.
wow! adam neely WAS right!
Ticonderoga are the best HANDS DOWN! They are smooth, sharpens easily and... smells good. :). I'd take anything over GTC though. Ugh.
but he did compare derwent 2H to the HB
The 2H pencil was just used for demonstration and the graphite used for the sketchbook test was a small stub of HB pencil that didn't look for the video so i use the 2H to show in the visual sense, i can assure you the test was done with 2 HB pencils.
oh ok thanks :)
No worries:) thanks for commenting.
Just bought two boxes for less than a fiver :-)
Best pencils in the world
Just bought one, thank you.. Now if you can sell me a bucket of talent I'll be ok..
I haven't seen any buckets of talent on eBay yet! Believe me I keep looking as could do with a couple for myself😀
I thought they were made in the USA. When I got home I saw Made in Mexico! I wanted to hurl. Never Again!!!
What is 99 p
its 99 English pence, which is about $1.30
do bear in mind brexit... now its probably around $1.80 or something
Ticonderoga pencils are WAY better!!! Don't @ me nerds lol
there is a very slightly difference
Beleave me, these pencils used to be good until they started making them in Mexico and China.
I still find then good more then outher brands
Can you send a tree and grass picture to me
Not anymore these pencils were outsourced to Mexico for production...epic fail!!!
TALK LOUDER
Sheldon M Its ASMR
Brilliant response :-)