10 Best Charcoal Pencils 2025 in the United States

The MARKART Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set offers a comprehensive solution for artists seeking versatile drawing tools. This set includes ten charcoal pencils with a variety of hardness levels: five soft, three medium, and two hard. This range allows for detailed work as well as broader strokes, making it suitable for sketching, shading, and blending.

The non-toxic, highly pigmented charcoal ensures smooth application and layering without cracking, and the pencils are designed to be break-resistant and easy to sharpen and erase, which is a great advantage for maintaining consistency in your artwork. The pencil casing is made of wood, providing a traditional feel and a contoured grip for comfortable handling.

One potential drawback is that the twist closure may not be as secure as other types, which could lead to accidental damage or loss of the pencil tips. Despite this, the set stands out for its quality and affordability, making it an excellent choice for both students and experienced artists. The brand MARKART holds a strong reputation, assuring users of the product's reliability. This set is a practical and thoughtful gift for any art enthusiast, suitable for classroom settings, portraits, still life drawings, and more.

The KALOUR White Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned artists looking to explore white charcoal techniques. It includes a versatile assortment of six pencils in soft, medium, and hard grades, making it adaptable for various drawing styles and mediums. The ability to blend with pastels and acrylics allows for creative flexibility, and the ergonomic design ensures comfort during use, which is essential for extended drawing sessions.

One of the standout features is that the pencils are non-toxic and eco-friendly, complying with safety standards, which is a significant advantage for younger users or those concerned about health implications. Their smooth texture minimizes scratching on paper, allowing for clean and precise application.

However, while these pencils excel in highlighting and detailing, some users might find that they don't provide the same depth of color as traditional charcoal pencils. This could limit their effectiveness for artists looking to create more dramatic contrasts in black-and-white sketches. Additionally, some users may prefer a broader range of hardness options or larger sets for more complex projects. The set’s appeal as a gift for budding artists or as a professional tool adds value, but it's essential to consider that not all artists may find a consistent use for white charcoal in their work.

The MARTCOLOR Charcoal Drawing Set is designed to cater to various artistic needs, making it suitable for both beginners and professional artists. With a total of 19 pieces, including 10 black charcoal pencils of varying hardness, 2 white charcoal pencils, charcoal sticks, blending stumps, erasers, and an art knife, it offers a comprehensive kit for drawing and sketching. One of the standout features is the quality of the materials used; the pencils are non-toxic, smooth to use, and easy to sharpen, ensuring a pleasant drawing experience.

The range of hardness in the black charcoal pencils allows artists to create a variety of effects, from soft shading to deep lines, which is a significant advantage for those looking to explore different techniques. The inclusion of white charcoal pencils is also a great feature for adding highlights and blending, providing versatility in artistic expression. Additionally, this set can make a thoughtful gift for artists of all ages, making it appealing for special occasions.

While the set excels in quality and variety, some users might find the need for a dedicated sharpener if they prefer a specific type for their charcoal pencils. This charcoal pencil set serves well for a diverse group of artists who value quality and versatility in their tools, making it a solid choice for anyone interested in exploring charcoal art.