The problem with the General's 9xxb for me is that it is difficult to blend with graphite. However, the Staedtler 8b glides smoothly over graphite and is easily blended. Also, for anyone looking for an extremely dark value, try using a prismacolor nupastel black.
I'm a big fan of Staedtler's Lumograph and love their dark pencils. As for the difference between the 9xxb and Lumograph 8b, looks like I have another video to work on. Thanks!
Ben, I attempted to video a comparison yesterday of 9xxb and Lumo 8b with blending, etc. based on your comment. To me they are identical, except the 9xxb is darker. Not sure what blending issue you are having. Can you give specifics so I can duplicate? Thanks
+RixCanDoit When I first used the 9xxb on a drawing, I seemed to have a tough time getting it to go over graphite. I just did a test of my own and (to my surprise) they were more similar than I thought; however, the Lumo 8b moves easier and a little smoother for me, whereas the 9xxb feels more like a crayon. I believe that was the issue right there. I was attempting to use the 9xxb on hair (something which I am used to getting sharp and smooth like graphite). The Lumo 8b was seemingly easier to do that with. So it either comes down to the fact that I did not keep the 9xxb sharp enough, or that the Lumo 8b glides easier over paper/graphite and therefore is a better pencil for hair and certain techniques. Of course, this is just my personal experience; I am sure each pencil has it's place and uses.
+Ben Atkin Art Appreciate your comments on this. I really cannot tell the difference between the two. Guess it will have to go down as personal preference. They both sharpened well. They both went down smooth for me. I tried all kinds of tasks. The 9xxb is darker, and so I would expect the point not to hold as long as the 8b. But they pretty much were head to head. Perhaps different paper may make the differences more apparent? Dunno. But thanks for chipping in. :-)
+Ben Atkin Art, the reason Kimberly 9xxB won't go over graphite is that the 9xxB is not graphite/clay, like a normal graphite pencil, but a carbon-graphite/clay composite. Carbon (and charcoal, for that matter) requires something to grab onto, and it can't grab onto graphite, so it will glide right over any graphite-impregnated surface until it finds something to grab onto, like cellulose (paper). You experience less of a problem with Staedtler Mars Lumograph 8B because the 8B contains less carbon than the Kimberly 9xxB. Staedtler Mars Lumograph 7B and 8B and the General's Kimberly 9xxB are among the very few carbon-graphite composite pencils sold by major manufacturers. In testing performed in 2014-15, I found Staedtler Mars Lumograph 7B and 8B had darkness values of D16 and D18 respectively, while General's Kimberly 9xxB had a darkness of D21. In general, it is difficult for a graphite pencil to achieve darkness higher than about D18 (the highest D value for an all-graphite pencil in my study of some 400 pencils was a woodless pencil from a Chinese mfr. that achieved D24), so graphite artists wishing to achieve nearly true black (roughly D35) need to go to carbon or charcoal pencils or black pigments. Staedtler's German competitor, Faber-Castell, goes only to D16 in their graphite pencils, though many Japanese pencil companies, such as RixCanDoit's favorite Mitsubishi Hi-Uni, can go all the way to D20 or even D21 without resorting to carbon or charcoal. There are good reasons for *not* trying to offer a pencil at such high D value, but the explanation would take more space and time than I wish to devote here. Most artists working in both graphite and charcoal or carbon will lay down carbon first, then graphite, or carefully leave the area to be filled with carbon completely untouched by graphite. If you're interested in more information, message me, or see "Pearson's Graphite 2015," which contains dozens of hard numerical data on each of 379 pencils.
Just did a test with the Derwent 9B, Prismacolor 9B, Prismacolor Ebony, Faber Castell 8B, Primacolor 5B, Staedtler 6B and 5B, and the Faber Castell 6B and concluded that the darkest was the Prismacolor 9B. I wonder how the Mitsubishi 10B compares to it.
RixCanDoit Thanks mate, I think I'll stick with the Prismacolor 9B since I need the graphite shine to match my other pencils. Where do you buy the General's 9xxb at Jerrys?
RixCanDoit But that's because you work with Lumographs, I still use shiny Faber Castells in my workflow since I'm still fully stocked on them, which is why I used the shiny Prismacolor 9B, which of the shiny ones, is the darkest pencil I have available. Once my supply of Castells runs out, I'll fully convert to Lumographs, and when that happens I'll probably try the Generals or the Gioconda one. Thanks for the info man.
+andresisthename Not sure that matters. I use all kinds of pencils, not just Lumos. Also, Lumos are graphite only as well with the exception of the highest B's. It is common practice for those drawing photorealistic or higher to avoid shine on the darks. You can have any reason you like not to use a particular pencil, but it has only to do with personal choice, not because one uses Lumos or Derwents or ... Besides, shine is only from the darkest pencils unless you are pressing the graphite too hard onto the paper. So if you don't do that, you can use any drawing pencil you like with the 9xxb and have NO shine anywhere on the drawing.
I just got a Vintage Colibri Twist Mechanical Pencil and I have a old Clutch Pencil from Russia,,,,,,and Various Leads from Russia ..Love Them Best......
Have you ever tried Faber-Castell 9000 pencils, if you have I'd love a review of them. I'm not sure whether or not to go for a Staedtler Mars Lumograph set or a Faber-Catell 9000 set. It all depends on how dark their darkest pencils go.
+footiedavana The darkest pencils in the Faber-Castell 9000 set do not get as dark as the darkest in the Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 set. It appears that Staedtler is adding some carbon and/or charcoal within the graphite in their darkest pencils, which I consider a good thing. It is much like General's 9xxb pencil. Really black dark with no shine.
There are no erasers, as far as I've seen, that specializes in dark pencils. I use no special eraser for dark pencils. Dark pencils are going to leave behind 'ghosting' no matter what you use. So when it comes to dark pencils, beware of this before you lay down that mark.
+Andrei Santos Tasted? Hmmm, not sure it would go down well. As for 'tried', no I haven't. The reason is simple, the price is WAY TOO HIGH! When you have to pay nearly $5 per pencil, that's ridiculous. I am able to create nice graphite portraits at a fraction of the cost. So unless someone wants to donate one of these pencils for me to test, I think there won't be a video on it anytime soon.
seriosly i find pencil beter its 8b bianyo pencil its so smoth but you can stil see paper texure but i use short brush and it look like better than charcaol
this may be odd but may i request a pencil sharpening video. non electric those chew through my pencils, but manual cause any sharpener i have got with a set soon as i get point on the pencil it just falls off like wtf.
Thank you that worked out well. But I'm still not to sure on how to get a decent point on softer grades 4b or higher an u have an amazing one on that 9xx. An I'm using the same sharpener
+Maurice Joseph I'm not doing anything special. The 9xxb is a large diameter shaft and doesn't fit most sharpeners. I have recently gone to shaving off wood with xacto knife and then sharpening it in one of my regular sharpeners.
+RixCanDoit that I for the timely replies, so if I want to get a good point on say a normal 8b which sharpener would u recommend? or would u go the xcto knife route still ?
+Maurice Joseph I only use the knife to shave off wood on the 9xxb so it will fit the sharpeners. I just use any old sharpener on my bench. No special technique or anything. You just have to be careful with soft lead. Otherwise, sharpen with the knife and then make it a fine point (or whatever type of point you want) using sand paper.
16 is the darkest. Well, it would be if there were such a thing as 16. The higher the number, the darker the 'B' pencil. The highest B pencil I personally have seen is a 10b (graphite only). The darkest B overall I'd say is those that contain carbon, like the 9xxB or Staedtler Mars Lumograph 8B.
Well, if you can have a conversation with these two pencils, I'd say that the 2b would probably be nicer than the 2h. I'm told the personality of the 2h is a bit 'harder' than the 2b, as the 2b is softer and likely kinder. But seriously, they are all 'nice' as far as grades go. The 'h' pencils are HARD pencils and serve a purpose. The 'b' pencils are SOFT pencils and also serve a purpose. You simply need to know what you want to do and then use the correct grade pencil to do it.
And I may add that "soft nice" personalities sometimes aren't what's needed, and that there are occasions in which a "hard" less nicer girlfriend, like the 2h, is badly needed. So I recommend that the OP goes full bigamy and marry both the nice 2B, and the bitey 2H! And he will be a VERY happy man!
I have LOVED my Derwent Onyx but now that I have seen this, I might have to try something new for the darks.
I have a question why don't you write with darker pencils why do people use HB? personally I like 2b.
I always write with darker pencils. People use HB because they are the most commonly sold for writing. I use Blackwing pencils (Balanced lead).
The problem with the General's 9xxb for me is that it is difficult to blend with graphite. However, the Staedtler 8b glides smoothly over graphite and is easily blended. Also, for anyone looking for an extremely dark value, try using a prismacolor nupastel black.
I'm a big fan of Staedtler's Lumograph and love their dark pencils. As for the difference between the 9xxb and Lumograph 8b, looks like I have another video to work on. Thanks!
Ben, I attempted to video a comparison yesterday of 9xxb and Lumo 8b with blending, etc. based on your comment. To me they are identical, except the 9xxb is darker. Not sure what blending issue you are having. Can you give specifics so I can duplicate? Thanks
+RixCanDoit When I first used the 9xxb on a drawing, I seemed to have a tough time getting it to go over graphite. I just did a test of my own and (to my surprise) they were more similar than I thought; however, the Lumo 8b moves easier and a little smoother for me, whereas the 9xxb feels more like a crayon. I believe that was the issue right there. I was attempting to use the 9xxb on hair (something which I am used to getting sharp and smooth like graphite). The Lumo 8b was seemingly easier to do that with. So it either comes down to the fact that I did not keep the 9xxb sharp enough, or that the Lumo 8b glides easier over paper/graphite and therefore is a better pencil for hair and certain techniques. Of course, this is just my personal experience; I am sure each pencil has it's place and uses.
+Ben Atkin Art Appreciate your comments on this. I really cannot tell the difference between the two. Guess it will have to go down as personal preference. They both sharpened well. They both went down smooth for me. I tried all kinds of tasks. The 9xxb is darker, and so I would expect the point not to hold as long as the 8b. But they pretty much were head to head. Perhaps different paper may make the differences more apparent? Dunno. But thanks for chipping in. :-)
+Ben Atkin Art, the reason Kimberly 9xxB won't go over graphite is that the 9xxB is not graphite/clay, like a normal graphite pencil, but a carbon-graphite/clay composite. Carbon (and charcoal, for that matter) requires something to grab onto, and it can't grab onto graphite, so it will glide right over any graphite-impregnated surface until it finds something to grab onto, like cellulose (paper). You experience less of a problem with Staedtler Mars Lumograph 8B because the 8B contains less carbon than the Kimberly 9xxB. Staedtler Mars Lumograph 7B and 8B and the General's Kimberly 9xxB are among the very few carbon-graphite composite pencils sold by major manufacturers. In testing performed in 2014-15, I found Staedtler Mars Lumograph 7B and 8B had darkness values of D16 and D18 respectively, while General's Kimberly 9xxB had a darkness of D21. In general, it is difficult for a graphite pencil to achieve darkness higher than about D18 (the highest D value for an all-graphite pencil in my study of some 400 pencils was a woodless pencil from a Chinese mfr. that achieved D24), so graphite artists wishing to achieve nearly true black (roughly D35) need to go to carbon or charcoal pencils or black pigments. Staedtler's German competitor, Faber-Castell, goes only to D16 in their graphite pencils, though many Japanese pencil companies, such as RixCanDoit's favorite Mitsubishi Hi-Uni, can go all the way to D20 or even D21 without resorting to carbon or charcoal. There are good reasons for *not* trying to offer a pencil at such high D value, but the explanation would take more space and time than I wish to devote here. Most artists working in both graphite and charcoal or carbon will lay down carbon first, then graphite, or carefully leave the area to be filled with carbon completely untouched by graphite. If you're interested in more information, message me, or see "Pearson's Graphite 2015," which contains dozens of hard numerical data on each of 379 pencils.
Your videos are really helpful❤️thank you so much❤️
Just did a test with the Derwent 9B, Prismacolor 9B, Prismacolor Ebony, Faber Castell 8B, Primacolor 5B, Staedtler 6B and 5B, and the Faber Castell 6B and concluded that the darkest was the Prismacolor 9B. I wonder how the Mitsubishi 10B compares to it.
+andresisthename The 9xxb is. It has carbon mix in it like the Staedtler Lumo-Mars 8B. The Gioconda is not graphite.
RixCanDoit Thanks mate, I think I'll stick with the Prismacolor 9B since I need the graphite shine to match my other pencils. Where do you buy the General's 9xxb at Jerrys?
+andresisthename Don't recall. Amazon? As for 9xxb, I need the darkest darks for 'pop'. And personally, do not want shine on my darks.
RixCanDoit But that's because you work with Lumographs, I still use shiny Faber Castells in my workflow since I'm still fully stocked on them, which is why I used the shiny Prismacolor 9B, which of the shiny ones, is the darkest pencil I have available. Once my supply of Castells runs out, I'll fully convert to Lumographs, and when that happens I'll probably try the Generals or the Gioconda one. Thanks for the info man.
+andresisthename Not sure that matters. I use all kinds of pencils, not just Lumos. Also, Lumos are graphite only as well with the exception of the highest B's. It is common practice for those drawing photorealistic or higher to avoid shine on the darks. You can have any reason you like not to use a particular pencil, but it has only to do with personal choice, not because one uses Lumos or Derwents or ... Besides, shine is only from the darkest pencils unless you are pressing the graphite too hard onto the paper. So if you don't do that, you can use any drawing pencil you like with the 9xxb and have NO shine anywhere on the drawing.
I just got a Vintage Colibri Twist Mechanical Pencil and I have a old Clutch Pencil from Russia,,,,,,and Various Leads from Russia ..Love Them Best......
Nice!
Have you ever tried Faber-Castell 9000 pencils, if you have I'd love a review of them. I'm not sure whether or not to go for a Staedtler Mars Lumograph set or a Faber-Catell 9000 set. It all depends on how dark their darkest pencils go.
Staedtler Mars would be my pick.
+footiedavana The darkest pencils in the Faber-Castell 9000 set do not get as dark as the darkest in the Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 set. It appears that Staedtler is adding some carbon and/or charcoal within the graphite in their darkest pencils, which I consider a good thing. It is much like General's 9xxb pencil. Really black dark with no shine.
What eraser would you suggest for these dark pencils?
There are no erasers, as far as I've seen, that specializes in dark pencils. I use no special eraser for dark pencils. Dark pencils are going to leave behind 'ghosting' no matter what you use. So when it comes to dark pencils, beware of this before you lay down that mark.
@@RixCanDoit Thank you! I can stop looking!
Have you ever tasted Conté a Paris 6b? It's good, but the problem is its graphite. It breaks easily.
+Andrei Santos Tasted? Hmmm, not sure it would go down well. As for 'tried', no I haven't. The reason is simple, the price is WAY TOO HIGH! When you have to pay nearly $5 per pencil, that's ridiculous. I am able to create nice graphite portraits at a fraction of the cost. So unless someone wants to donate one of these pencils for me to test, I think there won't be a video on it anytime soon.
seriosly i find pencil beter its 8b bianyo pencil its so smoth but you can stil see paper texure but i use short brush and it look like better than charcaol
this may be odd but may i request a pencil sharpening video. non electric those chew through my pencils, but manual cause any sharpener i have got with a set soon as i get point on the pencil it just falls off like wtf.
check through my playlist. I have at least two videos on pencil sharpeners.
Thank you that worked out well. But I'm still not to sure on how to get a decent point on softer grades 4b or higher an u have an amazing one on that 9xx. An I'm using the same sharpener
+Maurice Joseph I'm not doing anything special. The 9xxb is a large diameter shaft and doesn't fit most sharpeners. I have recently gone to shaving off wood with xacto knife and then sharpening it in one of my regular sharpeners.
+RixCanDoit that I for the timely replies, so if I want to get a good point on say a normal 8b which sharpener would u recommend? or would u go the xcto knife route still ?
+Maurice Joseph I only use the knife to shave off wood on the 9xxb so it will fit the sharpeners. I just use any old sharpener on my bench. No special technique or anything. You just have to be careful with soft lead. Otherwise, sharpen with the knife and then make it a fine point (or whatever type of point you want) using sand paper.
which B pencil is the darkest pencil 6 or 8 or 4 or 2 or 16
16 is the darkest. Well, it would be if there were such a thing as 16. The higher the number, the darker the 'B' pencil. The highest B pencil I personally have seen is a 10b (graphite only). The darkest B overall I'd say is those that contain carbon, like the 9xxB or Staedtler Mars Lumograph 8B.
thnx
Tbh I thought your account pic was a drawing of Jack Nicholson
Usually is. What changed?
what is difference between 2b pencil &2h pencil.
which one is nice?
Well, if you can have a conversation with these two pencils, I'd say that the 2b would probably be nicer than the 2h. I'm told the personality of the 2h is a bit 'harder' than the 2b, as the 2b is softer and likely kinder. But seriously, they are all 'nice' as far as grades go. The 'h' pencils are HARD pencils and serve a purpose. The 'b' pencils are SOFT pencils and also serve a purpose. You simply need to know what you want to do and then use the correct grade pencil to do it.
And I may add that "soft nice" personalities sometimes aren't what's needed, and that there are occasions in which a "hard" less nicer girlfriend, like the 2h, is badly needed. So I recommend that the OP goes full bigamy and marry both the nice 2B, and the bitey 2H! And he will be a VERY happy man!
thnx
what website do you buy your pencils from
where can i buy only stadler 8b i just need that shade of darkens i don't want variety