The darkest "pencil" is not a specific brand or model, but rather any graphite pencil with a high "B" rating, typically 6B to 8B. These pencils have the softest graphite cores, leaving the darkest marks on paper. The Nero Black pencil is also known for its dark mark.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Understanding Pencil Grades
Pencil grades are indicated by a combination of letters and numbers:
- H: Indicates hardness. Harder pencils create lighter, finer lines and are less prone to smudging.
- B: Indicates blackness or softness. Softer pencils create darker, broader lines and are more prone to smudging.
- HB: A mid-range grade, offering a balance between hardness and darkness.
- F: Stands for "fine point," falls between HB and H in hardness.
The numbers associated with the letters indicate the degree of hardness or softness. For example, a 2H pencil is harder than an H pencil, and a 6B pencil is softer and darker than a 2B pencil.
Darkest Graphite Pencils
Typically, a 6B, 7B, or 8B graphite pencil will give you the darkest mark achievable with a standard graphite pencil. The higher the "B" number, the softer the lead and the darker the mark.
Nero Black Pencils
The Nero Black pencil is also a popular choice for achieving dark marks. It's specifically formulated to produce very dark, rich blacks.
Mechanical Pencils
For mechanical pencils, the same grading system applies to the leads. Look for 6B or 8B leads for the darkest lines.
Key Considerations
- Paper type: The type of paper you use can also affect the darkness of the mark. Smoother papers tend to produce darker lines.
- Pressure: Applying more pressure will generally result in a darker line, regardless of the pencil grade. However, excessive pressure can damage the paper.
In conclusion, there isn't one definitive "darkest pencil in the world." Instead, you should focus on choosing graphite pencils graded 6B to 8B, or explore specialized pencils like the Nero Black, to achieve the darkest lines possible.
