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Best Wooden Pencils for Writing: Blackwing to Hi-Uni

By · Published · 6 min read

Compiled from 7 sources; we haven't tested these products ourselves yet. How we research

Quick answer

On published specs, the best wooden pencils for writing are the Mitsubishi uni 9800 for everyday notes, the Blackwing 602 for a firm dark line with an eraser, the Hi-Uni for the widest Japanese grade range, and the Ticonderoga No. 2 for a cheap eraser-tipped classic. Pick HB or B for notes, 2B for a darker, softer feel.

On this page9 sections
Seven wooden pencils drawn to scale, from the green uni 9800 and three Blackwings to the maroon Hi-Uni, yellow Ticonderoga and Derwent Graphic
Drawn to scale · 1 mm = 1.2 px · unsharpened lengths

Products compared

  1. Green uni 9800 pencil drawn to scale at about 176 mm, sharpened, with an inset of the pointNo. 1Mitsubishi uni 9800 wood-cased pencil$Read the guide →
  2. Gunmetal grey Blackwing 602 pencil with its flat ferrule and pink eraser, drawn to scaleNo. 2Blackwing 602$Read the guide →
  3. Pearl white Blackwing Pearl pencil with gold ferrule and white eraser, drawn to scale at 20.5 cmNo. 3Blackwing Pearl$Read the guide →
  4. Matte black Blackwing Matte pencil with its gold ferrule and black eraser, drawn to scaleNo. 4Blackwing Matte$Read the guide →
  5. Maroon hexagonal uni Hi-Uni pencil with a gold ring and black end, drawn in proportion, with its 22 grades insetNo. 5Mitsubishi Hi-Uni wood-cased pencil$Read the guide →
  6. Yellow hexagonal Ticonderoga #2 HB pencil with its green-and-yellow ferrule, drawn to scaleNo. 6Ticonderoga No. 2 HB wood-cased pencil, yellow$Read the guide →
  7. Derwent Graphic Medium 12 tin, 198 × 118 mm, open with twelve black hexagonal pencils from 6B to 4HNo. 7Derwent Graphic graphite pencil$Read the guide →
ProductBrand originMade inPrice range
Mitsubishi uni 9800 wood-cased pencil (2H–2B, box of 12)uniJapanJapan*Price range: $under $5 per pencil
Blackwing 602 (firm core, box of 12)BlackwingUnited StatesJapan*Price range: $under $5 per pencil
Blackwing Pearl (balanced core, box of 12)BlackwingUnited StatesJapan*Price range: $under $5 per pencil
Blackwing Matte (soft core, box of 12)BlackwingUnited StatesJapan*Price range: $under $5 per pencil
Mitsubishi Hi-Uni wood-cased pencil (10B–10H)uniJapanJapan*Price range: $under $5 per pencil
Ticonderoga No. 2 HB wood-cased pencil, yellowTiconderogaUnited StatesChina*Price range: $under $5 per pencil
Derwent Graphic graphite pencil (13B–9H; Medium tin 34214)DerwentUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom*Price range: $under $5 per pencil
Notes on these facts
  • Mitsubishi uni 9800 wood-cased pencil (2H–2B, box of 12): Made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.. Made in Japan: Bungu, a Japanese stationery retailer, lists the 9800 as made in Japan. Mitsubishi Pencil's product page doesn't state the country of manufacture. Source. Released: Mitsubishi Pencil's price-history page marks the #9800 at September 1946 (Showa 21); its 2014 release says the 9800 was launched in 1946.
  • Blackwing 602 (firm core, box of 12): Made by California Cedar Products Company (Cal Cedar), Stockton, California. Made in Japan: Blackwing's description of its 2026 factory film, quoted by Kottke, says the graphite is formulated in Kofu, Japan, the pencils are pressed and lacquered at a woodworking facility in Tokyo, and they are imprinted, fitted with the ferrule, checked and hand-packed at Blackwing's headquarters in Stockton, California. Blackwing's FAQ names California and Oregon incense-cedar and Japanese graphite; The Journal Shop's FAQ says the pencils are crafted in Japan. Blackwing's product page doesn't state a country of origin. Source. Released: Year Cal Cedar launched the current 602; the Eberhard Faber original was made from 1934 to 1998 (Wikipedia).
  • Blackwing Pearl (balanced core, box of 12): Made by California Cedar Products Company (Cal Cedar), Stockton, California. Made in Japan: Tacto Studio lists the Pearl as made in Japan, and the Amazon US listing names "Made in Japan" among its features. Blackwing's own pages say its pencils use California incense-cedar and premium Japanese graphite but don't name the factory country. Source. Released: Cal Cedar's April 18, 2013 post introduced the Blackwing Pearl and gave May 2, 2013 as its official debut at Pencils.com and other dealers; The Pen Addict reviewed it on May 23, 2013.
  • Blackwing Matte (soft core, box of 12): Made by California Cedar Products Company (Cal Cedar), Stockton, California. Made in Japan: Blackwing's own FAQ says its pencils use genuine incense-cedar from California and Oregon and premium Japanese graphite, but doesn't name the factory country. Tacto Studio and Boston General Store list the Matte as made in Japan, and The Journal Shop's Blackwing FAQ says the pencils are crafted in Japan. One retailer (Jenni Bick) says "Made in U.S.A.", which may refer to the final imprinting and packing that coverage of Blackwing's factory film places in Stockton, California. Source. Released: Cal Cedar's September 26, 2011 post marks October 1 as the first anniversary of the Palomino Blackwing. Blackwing's blog of February 3, 2020 gave the black pencil the Matte name and dropped Palomino from all pencils.
  • Mitsubishi Hi-Uni wood-cased pencil (10B–10H): Made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.. Made in Japan: Hunter Paper Co. lists the single Hi-Uni pencil and the Art Set as made in Japan, and STL Art Supply and The Journal Shop say the same; we found no retailer listing another country. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product pages don't state it. Source.
  • Ticonderoga No. 2 HB wood-cased pencil, yellow: Made by Dixon Ticonderoga Company (USA), part of F.I.L.A. Group (Italy). Made in China: Stop & Shop lists China for the 24-count unsharpened pack and Giant lists China for the 18-count sharpened pack; a distributor listed China for the 30-count 13830. Some 12-count listings (13882 at Monk Office, 13806 on eBay) gave Mexico when we first checked. F.I.L.A.'s Italian site lists production sites for Dixon in Appleton, Wisconsin and Tultitlán, Mexico, so origin can vary by pack. Ticonderoga's product pages don't state it; check the box. Source.
  • Derwent Graphic graphite pencil (13B–9H; Medium tin 34214): Made by ACCO UK Ltd.. Made in United Kingdom: Derwent says it has made pencils in the Lake District, UK, since 1916, and a 2010 PencilTalk review shows a Graphic HB stamped England. Derwent's Graphic page doesn't state a country for current pencils, so check the barrel. Source.
  • Price bands are typical US retail, checked October 2026. Conversions to US dollars are approximate, at October 2026 rates (US$1 = ¥158 = ₩1,330 = NT$32.5 = CN¥6.7 = SEK 9.9 = DKK 6.7 = ₺49.6 = C$1.41 = A$1.43 = CZK 21.7; €1 = US$1.12; £1 = US$1.32; CHF 1 = US$1.21).

Key takeaways

  • The uni 9800 has been Mitsubishi Pencil's office pencil since September 1946, in six grades from 2H to 2B at ¥660 (about US$4.20) a dozen.
  • Blackwing's four core pencils run Matte (soft, about 3B), Pearl (balanced, about 2B), 602 (firm) and Natural (extra firm), all 20.5 cm with a replaceable eraser.
  • The Hi-Uni comes in 22 grades from 10B to 10H at ¥1,980 (about US$13) a dozen; Derwent Graphic in 24 grades from 13B to 9H.
  • Ticonderoga's No. 2 is 190 mm long with a 7.1 mm barrel and a latex-free eraser; current US listings give China as its origin.
  • Every pick is in our $ band (under $5 per pencil); a Blackwing costs more per pencil than a Ticonderoga but stays in the band.

What are the best wooden pencils for writing?

On published specs, the best wooden pencils for writing are the Mitsubishi uni 9800 for everyday notes, the Blackwing 602 for a firm, dark line with an eraser, the Hi-Uni for the widest Japanese grade range, and the Ticonderoga No. 2 as the cheap eraser-tipped classic. The uni 9800 leads for everyday notes because it’s a cheap cedar pencil in six writing grades, on sale since 1946. Our drawing pencils guide covers the soft artist grades.

  • Best everyday pencil: uni 9800. Why it’s here: a cedar pencil in six grades for about ¥55 (about US$0.30) each in Japan, on sale since 1946, far cheaper than the premium picks.
  • Best premium writer: Blackwing 602. Why it’s here: the premium pick with an eraser, a firm core under a flat gold ferrule with a replaceable eraser, Eberhard Faber’s 1934 design revived in 2011.
  • Softer Blackwings: Pearl (about 2B) and Matte (about 3B). Why they’re here: softer than the 602, for a darker line that needs more sharpening.
  • Widest Japanese range: Hi-Uni. Why it’s here: 22 grades from 10B to 10H, the most of the Japanese pencils, in a maroon barrel.
  • Best cheap classic: Ticonderoga No. 2. Why it’s here: the cheap eraser-tipped classic, a yellow HB since 1913, at a few cents a pencil.
  • Best British option: Derwent Graphic. Why it’s here: the most grades here (24, 13B to 9H), made in the Lake District.

How did we choose these picks?

We compiled these picks from published sources, not hands-on testing: makers’ grade lists and specs, retailer listings, US availability and price band. We kept pencils sold singly or by the dozen in writing grades, HB to 2B, from makers that publish their specs; all seven sit in our $ band.

How do the pencils compare?

All seven sit in our $ band (under $5 per pencil), from a few cents for a Ticonderoga to about a dollar for a Hi-Uni or Blackwing. Lengths are unsharpened figures from the makers or retailers in each guide.

Pencil Writing grades Length Eraser Made in Band
uni 9800 2H, H, F, HB, B, 2B About 176 mm (6.9 in) No Japan $ (under $5)
Blackwing 602 Firm (between HB and B) 205 mm (8 in) Yes, replaceable Japan $
Blackwing Pearl Balanced (about 2B) 205 mm (8 in) Yes, replaceable Japan $
Blackwing Matte Soft (about 3B) 205 mm (8 in) Yes, replaceable Japan $
Hi-Uni 10B to 10H (22) About 176 mm (6.9 in) No Japan $
Ticonderoga No. 2 HB (also No. 1, 2.5, 3, 4) 190 mm (7.5 in) Yes China $
Derwent Graphic 13B to 9H (24) About 176 mm (6.9 in) No United Kingdom $

Which grade should you write with?

HB for most notes, B or 2B if you press lightly or want a darker page. Our pencil grades guide explains the scale; in short, Mitsubishi’s HB core is about 7 parts graphite to 3 parts clay, and each step toward B adds graphite for a darker, softer line. Blackwing avoids the scale and ranks its own four cores from soft to extra firm; its Japanese store equates the Pearl to about 2B and the Matte to about 3B.

Softer cores wear faster, so a Matte needs the sharpener more often than a 602 or a 9800 HB. For exams or forms read by machine, HB or No. 2 is the safe choice.

Does the eraser matter?

Only if you use it: the Blackwings and Ticonderoga have one, the Japanese and British pencils do not. Blackwing’s flat ferrule holds a replaceable eraser sold in packs, and the Ticonderoga’s latex-free eraser is the one most US students grew up with. Mitsubishi and Derwent leave the end bare, which some writers prefer because the pencil balances better; our erasers guide covers the block erasers to pair with them.

Where are these pencils made?

Japan for the Mitsubishi and Blackwing pencils, England for Derwent, and China for the current Ticonderoga. Blackwing says its core pencils are crafted in Japan, Mitsubishi Pencil makes the 9800 and Hi-Uni in Japan, Derwent has made pencils in the Lake District since 1916, and Dixon Ticonderoga’s US listings give China as the country of origin.

Frequently asked questions

What pencil grade is best for writing?

HB or B. HB is the US No. 2, dark enough to read and hard enough to hold a point; B and 2B feel softer and darker but need sharpening sooner. Mitsubishi gives its HB core as about 7 parts graphite to 3 parts clay.

Is the Blackwing 602 good for writing?

Yes. It is the firm grade of Blackwing's four core pencils, so it holds a point longer than the Pearl or Matte while writing darker than a typical HB. It has a replaceable eraser and costs more per pencil than an office pencil, though still within our $ band.

What is the difference between the uni 9800 and the Hi-Uni?

Both are Mitsubishi Pencil cedar pencils. The 9800 is the green office pencil from 1946 in six grades at about ¥55 (about US$0.30) each; the Hi-Uni from 1966 is the top grade in 22 degrees from 10B to 10H at ¥165 (about US$1.00) each.

Which wooden pencil has the best eraser?

The Blackwings carry a flat, replaceable eraser in a gold ferrule; the Ticonderoga has a latex-free eraser in its green-and-yellow ferrule. The uni 9800, Hi-Uni and Derwent Graphic have no eraser, so pair them with a block eraser.

Are Blackwing pencils made in Japan?

Yes. Blackwing, a brand of California Cedar Products, says its core pencils are crafted in Japan. The uni 9800 and Hi-Uni are made in Japan by Mitsubishi Pencil, the Derwent Graphic in England, and current US listings give China for the Ticonderoga No. 2.

How long is a standard wooden pencil?

About 175 to 190 mm unsharpened: Mitsubishi lists the 9800 at about 176 mm, Target lists the Ticonderoga at 7.5 in (190 mm), and retailers list the Blackwings at 20.5 cm (8 in) because of the eraser ferrule.

Which pencil is best for students?

The Ticonderoga No. 2 in the US and the uni 9800 in Japan: both HB, both cheap by the dozen. For a student who draws, the Hi-Uni or Derwent Graphic adds the soft grades.

Sources (7)

  1. 三菱鉛筆: 9800 (since September 1946; 2H–2B; ¥660 per dozen)
  2. 三菱鉛筆: ハイユニ (22 grades 10B–10H, ¥1,980 per dozen; launched 1966)
  3. Blackwing: 602 (firm graphite, replaceable eraser; the four core grades)
  4. Blackwing: Pearl (balanced graphite)
  5. Blackwing: Matte (soft graphite)
  6. Dixon Ticonderoga: #2 HB Pencils (9/32 in diameter, latex-free eraser; 1913)
  7. Derwent: Graphic Pencils (24 grades 13B–9H; Medium tin 34214; made in the Lake District)

Plain-text version for AI agents: best-wooden-pencils-for-writing.md · Spotted an error? See how we check facts.