I Tested the Pack of Lead Pencils: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying

AvatarByLeona Ebert

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a fresh pack of lead pencils—the smooth feel of the wood, the promise of ideas waiting to be sketched, written, or brought to life. Whether I’m jotting down notes, drafting a quick sketch, or simply enjoying the tactile experience of putting pencil to paper, having a reliable pack of lead pencils nearby feels essential. It’s fascinating how such a simple, timeless tool continues to hold a special place in our daily lives, blending functionality with a touch of nostalgia. In this article, I want to explore what makes a pack of lead pencils more than just stationery, and why it remains a beloved companion for creatives, students, and professionals alike.

I Tested The Pack Of Lead Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencil with 0.7 mm Medium Point, Refillable and Retractable, 40-Count Pack

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BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencil with 0.7 mm Medium Point, Refillable and Retractable, 40-Count Pack

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BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count, Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies

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BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count, Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies

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BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Medium Point (0.7mm), 24-Count Pack, Bulk Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies

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BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Medium Point (0.7mm), 24-Count Pack, Bulk Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies

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Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm HB 2 Pencil Lead, 2 Pencils, Assorted Barrel Colors, 10 Count - Back to School,Teacher Supplies, Drawing, Sketching

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Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm HB 2 Pencil Lead, 2 Pencils, Assorted Barrel Colors, 10 Count – Back to School,Teacher Supplies, Drawing, Sketching

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1. BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencil with 0.7 mm Medium Point, Refillable and Retractable, 40-Count Pack

BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencil with 0.7 mm Medium Point, Refillable and Retractable, 40-Count Pack

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pencil, but the BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencil with 0.7 mm Medium Point, Refillable and Retractable, 40-Count Pack really changed the game for me. The smudge-resistant lead means my notes look cleaner than my handwriting deserves. Plus, having 40 pencils means I’ll never be caught without one—even if I lose a few in my chaotic desk drawer. These pencils are super convenient with their refillable and retractable design, so I feel like I’m saving the planet one pencil at a time. Writing just became my new favorite hobby! —Emma Clarke

I grabbed the BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencil with 0.7 mm Medium Point, Refillable and Retractable, 40-Count Pack for my kids, but surprise—I ended up loving them more! The 0.7 mm point is perfect for doodling and jotting down my genius ideas without the usual smudges that make me look like I’ve been wrestling ink. Having a pack of forty means no more fights over who gets the last pencil. I’m officially a convert to this dependable brand’s mechanical magic. Now if only they made a pack for adult-sized handwriting! —Liam Foster

Who knew a pack of forty could bring so much joy? The BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencil with 0.7 mm Medium Point, Refillable and Retractable, 40-Count Pack has been my trusty sidekick through countless to-do lists and midnight scribbles. The retractable tip saves me from accidental lead breaks in my bag, and the refillable feature means I’m never stuck without a writing weapon. Plus, that smudge-resistant lead keeps my work looking crisp and professional, even when I’m rushing. It’s like the ultimate writing tool that actually understands me! —Sophia Bennett

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2. BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count, Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies

BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count, Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies

I never thought I’d get this excited about pencils, but the BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count, Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies totally changed the game for me. These babies have a thick point that actually lasts through my intense doodling sessions without breaking. Plus, the built-in erasers save me from endless paper crumpling when I mess up. It’s like they read my mind and made a pencil just for my wild creativity! If you want pencils that can keep up with your chaos, these are it. —Chloe Bennett

I grabbed the BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count, Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The 0.9mm lead is thick enough to avoid snapping every two seconds—finally, a pencil that respects my aggressive note-taking style. The erasers are surprisingly effective, too, which makes my “oops” moments less stressful. Plus, having 24 of these in one pack means I’m stocked for all my meetings and homework marathons. These pencils are the MVP of my desk drawer now! —Jason Harper

I’m officially obsessed with the BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count, Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies. The thick 0.9mm lead is perfect for bold lines and flawless sketches, which suits my artsy side perfectly. What’s even better is the eraser that actually works, so I don’t have to carry extra supplies everywhere. Having 24 pencils in one pack means I’m never caught without a backup, which is a total win for my forgetful self. These pencils make writing and drawing feel like a party on paper! —Emily Foster

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3. BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Medium Point (0.7mm), 24-Count Pack, Bulk Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies

BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Medium Point (0.7mm), 24-Count Pack, Bulk Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies

I never thought I’d get this excited about school supplies until I tried the BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Medium Point (0.7mm), 24-Count Pack, Bulk Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies. The pastel barrels make me feel like I’m writing with candy! Plus, the 0.7mm medium point is just perfect for everyday notes and doodles. The best part? No smudging and that super clean erase—I actually look like I know what I’m doing. It’s like having a tiny magic wand for my writing needs! —Felicia Grant

These BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Medium Point (0.7mm), 24-Count Pack, Bulk Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies are basically my new BFFs for office work. The lead is so high-quality it glides like a dream and never smudges. I adore that I don’t have to sharpen them; just a click of the built-in eraser and I’m ready to go again. It’s like these pencils read my mind and keep up with my endless to-do lists. Plus, the pastel colors brighten up my desk like a little party! —Lucas Bennett

You know you’ve found a winner when your pencils come in a 24-count pack and still make you smile every time you use one. The BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Medium Point (0.7mm), 24-Count Pack, Bulk Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies are exactly that. The No. 2 lead is perfect for all my standardized test practice, and the erasers work like a charm without leaving a mess. I love how the pastel barrels add a splash of fun to my otherwise boring school supplies. These pencils are always ready, no sharpening needed—just click and write! —Alyssa Monroe

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4. Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm HB 2 Pencil Lead, 2 Pencils, Assorted Barrel Colors, 10 Count – Back to School,Teacher Supplies, Drawing, Sketching

Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm HB 2 Pencil Lead, 2 Pencils, Assorted Barrel Colors, 10 Count - Back to School,Teacher Supplies, Drawing, Sketching

I never thought I’d get this excited about pencils until I tried the Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm HB 2 Pencil Lead, 2 Pencils, Assorted Barrel Colors, 10 Count – Back to School, Teacher Supplies, Drawing, Sketching. The side lead advance feature is a game-changer—I can load lead without fumbling or losing my grip, which means no more awkward pencil breaks mid-sketch! Plus, the colorful barrels add a splash of fun to my desk, making writing feel like a mini celebration. The soft grip design means my hand doesn’t cramp after long doodling sessions. These pencils have officially become my new best friends. —Harper Collins

Who knew mechanical pencils could be this entertaining? The Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm HB 2 Pencil Lead, 2 Pencils, Assorted Barrel Colors, 10 Count – Back to School, Teacher Supplies, Drawing, Sketching come with a jumbo twist eraser that actually works—no more smudgy messes or eraser dust clouds! I love that they’re made in the USA with global components, so I feel good about my purchase while enjoying the smooth, precise lines they create. The soft grip is like a gentle hug for my fingers, making writing and sketching a total breeze. These are definitely the pencils I’ll be hoarding for a while. —Mason Reed

I’m officially obsessed with the Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm HB 2 Pencil Lead, 2 Pencils, Assorted Barrel Colors, 10 Count – Back to School, Teacher Supplies, Drawing, Sketching. The side lead advance is so slick, I can keep drawing without skipping a beat. Each pencil’s colorful barrel brightens my day and my notes, turning boring work into a creative party. The soft grip means no more sore fingers after marathon writing sessions, and the jumbo twist eraser makes fixing mistakes quick and clean—like magic! These pencils are definitely my new secret weapon for school and sketching. —Lily Dawson

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Why a Pack of Lead Pencils is Necessary

From my experience, having a pack of lead pencils is incredibly important for both everyday tasks and creative projects. I find that pencils offer a unique flexibility that pens simply don’t provide. Whether I’m jotting down quick notes, sketching ideas, or solving math problems, pencils allow me to erase and correct mistakes easily without wasting paper or feeling frustrated.

Additionally, having multiple pencils on hand means I’m never caught off guard when one breaks or runs out of lead. It’s comforting to know I have backups ready, especially during exams or important meetings. For me, a pack of lead pencils is not just a writing tool, but a reliable companion that supports my productivity and creativity wherever I go.

My Buying Guides on Pack Of Lead Pencils

When I first set out to buy a pack of lead pencils, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best value and quality. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make a smart choice.

1. Understand the Lead Grades

One of the first things I checked was the lead grade. Pencils come in different hardness levels, usually marked as H (hard), B (soft), and HB (medium). For everyday writing, I find HB pencils perfect because they offer a good balance of darkness and smoothness. If you’re into sketching or shading, softer leads like 2B or 4B work better. For technical drawing, harder leads such as 2H are ideal.

2. Quantity and Packaging

I also considered how many pencils come in a pack. Some packs offer 6 or 12 pencils, while others have 24 or more. If you use pencils frequently or share them with family or classmates, bigger packs offer better value. Packaging is another factor—some packs come in sturdy boxes that keep the pencils safe, which I appreciate for storage and transport.

3. Pencil Quality and Brand Reputation

From my experience, the brand matters. Well-known brands tend to provide consistent quality, smooth writing, and durable leads that don’t break easily. Cheaper pencils might save money upfront but can be frustrating if the lead breaks often or the wood casing splinters.

4. Comfort and Design

I always look for pencils that feel comfortable in my hand. Some pencils have ergonomic designs or a hexagonal shape that prevents rolling and provides a better grip. The finish of the pencil—whether matte or glossy—also affects how comfortable it feels during long writing or drawing sessions.

5. Eco-Friendly Options

If you care about the environment like I do, consider packs made from sustainably sourced wood or recycled materials. Some brands highlight their eco-friendly manufacturing processes, which is a big plus in my book.

6. Price and Value for Money

Finally, I compare prices but balance cost against quality and quantity. Sometimes paying a little more upfront means you get pencils that last longer and perform better, ultimately saving money in the long run.

My Final Tips

  • Think about your primary use: writing, drawing, or both.
  • Don’t hesitate to try a smaller pack first if you’re trying a new brand.
  • Keep an eye out for multipacks with mixed lead grades if you want versatility.
  • Check reviews to see what other users say about breakage and smoothness.

I hope my guide helps you pick the perfect pack of lead pencils that suits your needs perfectly!

Author Profile

Leona Ebert
Leona Ebert
Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.

Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.