10 Best Charcoal Pencils 2025 in the United States

The Faber-Castel 24 Piece Pitt Charcoal Set is a comprehensive collection designed for artists who enjoy working with charcoal. This set offers a variety of natural and compressed charcoal pencils and sticks in different degrees of hardness (soft, medium, and hard), which is excellent for creating a range of textures and shades in your artwork. The inclusion of a kneadable eraser and blending stump adds to the set's versatility, allowing for detailed drawing and smooth blending of charcoal marks.

Housed in a sturdy metal case, this set is both portable and durable, ensuring that your tools are well-protected and organized. The high-quality materials used in Faber-Castel products are evident in this set, providing a professional-grade experience for both beginners and experienced artists. The set might be overwhelming for complete novices due to the variety of tools included. Additionally, the medium and hard charcoal sticks might be a bit brittle, which could pose a challenge during use.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Faber-Castel 24 Piece Pitt Charcoal Set is a valuable investment for those serious about their charcoal art.

The Faber-Castell Try It Box is an excellent choice for adults interested in exploring various dry art mediums. This 17-piece set includes a diverse range of drawing tools, featuring colored pencils, graphite pencils, charcoal pencils, and an India ink artist pen. One of the standout strengths of this set is its premium quality, as the brand has a longstanding reputation for producing high-quality art supplies. The pencils are made from wood sourced from sustainable forestry and are coated with environmentally friendly varnish, making them an eco-conscious choice.

Additionally, the leads are break-resistant and secure-all bonded, ensuring durability and ease of use, as they are less likely to break and easier to sharpen. This is a huge plus for those who may be heavy-handed or frequently sharpen their pencils. The pencils' casing is comfortable to hold, providing a good grip for extended drawing sessions. However, the set's primary weakness may be its focus on a higher-end market, making it a bit of an investment for beginners who are not yet committed to the hobby.

While it is marketed as an introductory set, the variety and quality of the tools might be overwhelming for those just starting. Additionally, some users might find the erasability of the charcoal pencils less than perfect, as this is a common challenge with charcoal mediums. In summary, the Faber-Castell Try It Box is best suited for aspiring or intermediate artists who are looking to invest in a high-quality, versatile set to explore different dry art techniques. Its eco-friendly materials, durability, and excellent performance make it a worthwhile purchase for serious hobbyists or those looking to improve their drawing skills.

The Staedtler Mars Lumograph Art Set is a versatile drawing kit that is well-suited for artists of all levels. It includes six graphite shading pencils and three charcoal pencils, offering a wide range of shades from soft gray to deep black. The variety in hardness, from 8B to HB for graphite and soft to hard for charcoal, allows for detailed and textured artwork.

The set also includes a blending stump, which helps in creating smooth transitions between shades, and a dual hole metal sharpener to keep the pencils sharp and ready for use. A kneadable eraser is also included, which is great for precise cleanup and creating fading effects. The pencils themselves are well-built with a standard grip, making them comfortable to use for extended periods.

Staedtler is a reputable brand known for high-quality art supplies. The set might be a bit overwhelming for absolute beginners due to the variety of pencil grades and tools included. Additionally, the price might be higher compared to basic sets, but the quality and range of tools provided could justify the investment for serious artists. The set's compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, whether you are working at home, in a studio, or on the go.