Best Metal Drawing Pencils of 2025

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Metal drawing pencils are a popular choice among artists and designers due to their durability, precision, and versatility. These pencils are made with a metal casing that provides a sturdy grip and protects the lead from breaking. They come in a variety of lead grades, from soft to hard, allowing artists to create a range of line weights and shading effects. Metal drawing pencils are also commonly used for technical drawing and drafting, as they can be sharpened to a fine point for precise lines and details. Overall, metal drawing pencils are a reliable and essential tool for any artist or designer.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SUN-STAR Metacil Metal Pencil Cover #TOP 1
SUN-STAR Metacil Metal Pencil
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matte Pencil Set Cover #TOP 2
Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matte Pencil Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils, Medium Cover #TOP 3
Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils, Medium
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Metal Drawing Pencils

#TOP 1

SUN-STAR Metacil Metal Pencil

S4541120
Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
SUN-STAR Metacil Metal Pencil Cover
SUN-STAR Stylish Metal Pencil Metacil Pencils for Artist Drawing, Sketching, Non-Sharpening, Black, Pencil Lead Color: Black 2H #4 (with Authentic Hologram Sticker United States Only)

The SUN-STAR Metal Pencil offers a unique writing experience with its octagonal design and durable alloy core. You’ll appreciate the convenience of not needing to sharpen it, allowing you to write continuously for about 10 miles. The all-metal construction provides a solid feel, enhancing your grip while adding a touch of elegance. Plus, you can easily erase mistakes using a regular rubber eraser, making it perfect for quick corrections. This pencil is also ideal for watercolor projects, as it won’t bleed through paper, ensuring your illustrations stay crisp and clean.

What We Like
No sharpening needed
Elegant metal design
Easily erasable
Ideal for watercolor use

Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matte Pencil Set

FC115207
Multiple color
1 Count (Pack of 6)
Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matte Pencil Set Cover
Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matte Pencil Set, Metal Tin of 6 Graphite Pencils, Sketching and Drawing Pencil Set (B, 4B, 6B, 8B, 10B, 12B)

The Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matte Pencil Set includes 6 black lead sketching pencils with a matte finish that reduces reflection, allowing for maximum depth effects. The set features 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B, 10B, and 12B pencils with a break-resistant lead that is easy to sharpen and has excellent point retention. The artist quality lead is made of finely ground graphite and clay for smooth, balanced laydown and is suitable for monochrome graphite work. The pencils are made with reforested wood from sustainable forests and carbon neutral production.

What We Like
Matte finish reduces reflection for maximum depth effects
Break-resistant lead that is easy to sharpen and has excellent point retention
Finely ground graphite and clay for smooth, balanced laydown

Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils, Medium

34214
Gray
Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils, Medium Cover
Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils, Medium, Metal Tin, 12 Count (34214)

Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils are designed with a hexagonal barrel for greater precision, and a strong core that sharpens to a fine, long-lasting point. The broad range of 20 degrees allows artists to choose the pencil that fits their concept, and the pencils are versatile for blending, illustrations, or shading. For best results, combine with other Derwent products such as the Derwent Sketching Paper Pads and Pencil Sharpener.

What We Like
Pencils have a hexagonal barrel for greater precision
20 broad range degrees to choose from
Strong core that sharpens to a fine, long-lasting point
#TOP 4

Derwent Sketching Pencils

700836
Multi
6 Count (Pack of 1)
Derwent Sketching Pencils Cover
Derwent Sketching Pencils, 4mm Core, Metal Tin, 6 Count (0700836)

Derwent Sketching Pencils are a versatile set of drawing pencils that offer a soft, extra-wide strip for quick sketches or more detailed artwork. With a 4mm core available in three different degrees (HB, 2B, and 4B), these pencils allow for subtle variations in tone and mood, making them great for creating dynamic and expressive drawings. The pencils also blend together beautifully, allowing for smooth transitions and shading effects. The metal tin that comes with the set keeps the pencils organized and easily accessible. Overall, Derwent Sketching Pencils are a reliable and convenient choice for artists of all levels.

What We Like
Versatile
Soft and wide strip
Blends beautifully

STAEDTLER Water-Soluble Tinted Graphite Pencils, Watercolor Artist Set, Pre-sharpened, 12 Colors in Metal Tin, 14610T M12

14610T M12ST
Multicolor
STAEDTLER Water-Soluble Tinted Graphite Pencils, Watercolor Artist Set, Pre-sharpened, 12 Colors in Metal Tin, 14610T M12 Cover
Staedtler Water-Soluble Tinted Graphite Pencils, Watercolor Artist Set, Pre-sharpened, 12 Colors in Metal Tin, 14610T M12

STAEDTLER Watercolor Pencils are a set of 12 high-quality watercolor pencils that are specially made for actually painting using colored graphite. With these pencils, you can sketch and paint using the same pencil, creating everything from charcoal effects to jewel-toned washes. The set comes in a nice sturdy metal box, making it the perfect travel watercolor set. No need to worry about squashing tubes! These simple yet versatile watercolor pencils make a lovely gift for your budding watercolor artist, whether that artist is you or someone else. Benefit from the best: everyone from beginners to professionals will love the quality of these artist pencils.

What We Like
12 colors in metal tin
Sketch and paint with same pencil
Pre-sharpened
Simple yet versatile
Sturdy metal box

Derwent Sketching Pencils

0700837
Gray
6 Count (Pack of 1)
Derwent Sketching Pencils Cover
Derwent Watersoluble Sketching Pencils, Metal Tin, 6 Count (0700837)

Derwent Sketch Pencils from the Drawing Pencils category are a versatile set of 6 pencils with a soft, extra wide graphite core that allows for detailed work. They blend beautifully together and can be used to create subtle variations in tone and mood. These pencils can be shaded on dry paper and then washed with water to create a watercolor effect. The durable metal tin includes a pencil sharpener for convenience. With a variety of sizes and colors, Derwent Sketch Pencils offer a wealth of drawing and sketching opportunities to users of all levels.

What We Like
Versatile set
Soft graphite core
Blend beautifully
#TOP 7

Artvorks 12 PCS Graphite Pencils

Artvorks
SP-1111
Artvorks 12 PCS Graphite Pencils Cover
Artvorks 12 PCS Drawing Pencils – Professional Graphite Sketch Pencils (8B-2H) in a Robust Metal Case – Ideal for Drawing, Sketching, Shading for Artists & Beginners

The Artvorks Graphite Pencil Set includes 12 essential pencil grades, ranging from 8B to 2H, giving you a full range of dark to light shades for your artwork. Made from high-quality wood, these pencils are easy to sharpen and resistant to breakage, ensuring you can create smooth and vibrant designs without interruption. The ergonomic hexagonal barrel design provides a comfortable grip, allowing for precise control while sketching. Additionally, the set comes in a sturdy metal case that keeps your pencils organized and makes them easy to carry, so you can take your creativity anywhere.

What We Like
Wide range of pencil grades
Durable and break-resistant
Comfortable ergonomic grip
Portable metal case
#TOP 8

SUN-STAR Metacil Retractable Pencil

S4542061
Mint Green
1 Count (Pack of 1)
SUN-STAR Metacil Retractable Pencil Cover
SUN-STAR Stylish Metal Pencil Metacil Retractable Click Pencils for Artist Drawing, Sketching, Non-Sharpening, Pencil Lead Color: Black H, Mint Green, S4542061 (Authentic Hologram for US and EU Only)

The SUN-STAR Retractable Pencil offers a unique writing experience with its no-sharpen design, allowing you to write continuously without interruptions. You can enjoy an impressive writing distance of up to 3.11 miles, making it ideal for extensive note-taking or detailed sketches. This pencil also features erasable marks that are water-resistant, perfect for artists who may work with watercolor. Additionally, its click mechanism provides easy lead advancement, making it a hassle-free choice for on-the-go creativity. Whether you're a student, artist, or professional, this pencil is designed for your convenience and efficiency.

What We Like
No sharpening needed
Long writing distance
Erasable and water-resistant
Easy lead advancement
#TOP 9

ARTEZA Professional Sketch Pencils Set

ARTZ-8106
Black
ARTEZA Professional Sketch Pencils Set Cover
ARTEZA Drawing Sketch Pencils Set of 12, Medium (6B - 4H), Drawing Pencils for Sketching, Artist Graphite Pencils for Drawing

ARTEZA Sketch Pencils is a set of 12 pre-sharpened professional sketch pencils that come in a protective metal tin gift box. These sketching pencils are perfect for artists of all levels and have a wide graphite hardness range from 6B to 4H. You can use them for fine detail illustrations, journaling, photorealistic drawings, sketching, blending, shading, smudging, and adding texture. These art pencils are extra break-resistant and offer superior long-lasting point strength. They are easy to sharpen and erase, making them convenient for uninterrupted creativity. ARTEZA Sketch Pencils are created by Arteza artists who are passionate about creating products that inspire.

What We Like
Wide graphite hardness range
Resilient and enduring
Professional sketch pencils
#TOP 10

Derwent Colored Drawing Pencils, 24 Count

0700672
Derwent Colored Drawing Pencils, 24 Count Cover
Derwent Colored Drawing Pencils, Metal Tin, 24 Count (0700672)

Derwent Colored Drawing Pencils are perfect for creating sweeping landscapes and detailed nature studies. These 8mm diameter pencils have soft, creamy round 5mm leads, allowing colors to be quickly and easily laid down in wide to thin applications. The rich, velvety finish on paper adds depth to your artwork. The metal tin includes 24 shades, with a choice of traditional sepia tones.

What We Like
Soft, creamy leads for easy color application
Produces rich, velvety finish on paper
Includes a metal tin of 24 shades
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our metal drawing pencil research, we found 24 metal drawing pencil products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 56,379 customer reviews through our big data system to write the metal drawing pencils list. We found that most customers choose metal drawing pencils with an average price of $11.85.

The metal drawing pencils are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of metal drawing pencils, including SUN-STAR, Faber-Castell, Derwent, STAEDTLER, Artvorks. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 66 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.