Graphite Pencil KOH-I-NOOR 1860-3B — wood-cased 3B drawing pencil

KOH-I-NOOR 1860-3B is a wood-cased graphite pencil with a 3B grade core designed for sketching, shading and detailed artistic drawing. The soft 3B lead produces dark, smooth strokes that respond well to pressure variation and blending, making it suitable for tonal studies, quick sketches and expressive line work. The pencil's wood casing provides a stable hold and can be sharpened to a fine point for precision or a broader tip for softer shading.

Advantages

The 3B graphite delivers consistently dark marks and a smooth glide across paper, enabling rapid coverage and nuanced gradations. Its softness allows for efficient blending with a stump, tissue or finger without excessive dust, and it remains compatible with common erasers for selective corrections. The wood-cased construction offers durability during use and transport, while the balance between core softness and structural support supports both detailed lines and broader tonal areas.

Suitable for

• Sketching and quick studies
• Tonal shading and value rendering
• Figure drawing and life studies
• Illustration details and texture work
• Student assignments and design thumbnails

Key specifications

• Graphite grade: 3B (soft, dark lead)
• Casing: wood-cased pencil for manual sharpening
• Tip characteristics: suitable for fine points and broad shading
• Compatibility: works with erasers, blending stumps, tissues and fixatives
• Recommended surfaces: drawing paper, sketch pads, toned paper

How to use

Sharpen the wood casing to expose a point appropriate for your task. Use light pressure for fine lines and gradual build-up of tone, increasing pressure or using a broader tip for darker areas. For smooth transitions, apply the 3B graphite in directional strokes and blend with a stump, tissue or fingertip as needed. Erase selectively with a kneadable or vinyl eraser to lift highlights or refine edges. When storing, keep the pencil capped or in a holder to protect the point.

Usage recommendations

For best results combine the KOH-I-NOOR 3B pencil with a range of harder and softer graphite grades to expand tonal range; use heavier weight paper (≥120 g/m²) for extensive shading and consider fixing finished work with a workable spray fixative to reduce smudging.