These 4B and 6B Tombow pencils have been among my all-time favorites, ever since I first discovered them years ago during a trip to a certain now-closed pencil shop in NYC. They have a wide core, which gives the graphite added stability and allows you to sharpen them to a longer tip than a pencil this soft could typically support.

Originally developed to help students learn handwriting and for calligraphy, I’ve found these pencils wonderful for everyday writing, and also beautiful to look at with their blue barrel, white and silver trim, and yellow or red end caps (depending on hardness).

Sold individually and by the dozen. Made in Vietnam.