The Best Graphite Pencils of 2025, Picked by 5 Leading AIs
We gave 5 of the world's top AIs one mission: analyze thousands of reviews to rank the best graphite pencils for smooth, durable writing. After intense debates on lead quality, break resistance, and user feedback, here is their final verdict on the ultimate picks.
No.1 AI-Picked Product
We had 5 AI models rank their top 5 products. We tallied the scores. Here's the winner with the highest score.
Faber-Castell 9000 HB
The Faber-Castell 9000 HB was ranked #1 or #2 by 4 out of 5 AIs, achieving the highest total score of 20 out of 25 with appearances in all rankings and an average rank of 2. It won for its SV-bonded lead offering exceptional break resistance and ultra-smooth graphite laydown, delivering consistent dark lines and clean sharpening as highlighted in recent 2025 reviews. Users praise its precision for office tasks and shading, outperforming competitors in durability and low-smudge performance.
What Each AI's Top Pick:
"Balances smoothness with excellent point durability thanks to SV-bonded lead, delivers low-smudge writing, and sharpens cleanly in quality cedar; reviewers consistently praise its dependable grading and office-friendly performance. Unique hex barrel and eco-certified wood stand out, and recent users highlight reliable point retention and clean erasing versus cheaper #2s."
"Features exceptional lead consistency and break resistance with superior bonding technology, making it ideal for extended office use. Users consistently praise its smooth writing experience and excellent point retention, while the premium cedar wood allows for precise sharpening without splintering."
"Ranked number one for its legendary smooth graphite that reduces writing fatigue and its unique, highly functional rectangular eraser that is both extendable and replaceable. It offers an unparalleled combination of a luxurious writing experience and practical office utility, living up to its motto, 'Half the pressure, twice the speed'."
"Ranked #1 for its exceptional lead smoothness and durability, providing consistent shading and minimal breakage during office writing tasks, with easy sharpening due to the high-quality wood casing. Users in 2025 reviews praise its precision for note-taking and sketching, highlighting the break-resistant lead as a unique feature, though some note it requires a good sharpener for optimal point retention."
"Known for its ultra-smooth lead and excellent shading capabilities, the Faber-Castell 9000 is a top choice for office use. Users praise its durability and consistent performance, with many noting its easy sharpening and break-resistant lead."
The AI Graphite pencils Leaderboard
See the total score and rank each product received from every AI model
Faber-Castell 9000 HB
Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 HB
Blackwing 602
uni Hi-Uni HB
Tombow Mono 100 HB
Dixon Ticonderoga No. 2 HB
Prismacolor Premier Ebony
uni 9800 HB
General's Kimberly 525 2B
Staedtler Norica #2 HB
See Each AI's Full Top 5 Ranking
Here's exactly how each AI ranked the products. Click on each AI to see their complete, unedited reasoning.
GPT-5's Top 5 Rankings
Claude Sonnet 4's Top 5 Rankings
Gemini 2.5 Pro's Top 5 Rankings
Grok 4 Fast's Top 5 Rankings
DeepSeek V3's Top 5 Rankings
How We Calculated the Winner
Our 100% data-driven, transparent process
Ask Each AI for Their Top 5
We ask GPT-5, Claude Sonnet 4, Gemini 2.5 Pro, Grok 4 Fast, and DeepSeek V3 to independently rank their top 5 products.
Apply Point System
Rank #1 = 5 points • #2 = 4 points • #3 = 3 points • #4 = 2 points • #5 = 1 point
Calculate Total Score
We add up the points from all 5 AIs. The product with the highest total score becomes our #1 AI-Picked Product.
You Decide
We show you the data. You make the choice based on your priorities and needs. This is a 100% data-driven process—we don't change the results.
Our Process
Independent Analysis
We ask ChatGPT-4, Claude 3.5, Gemini, and Perplexity the same question separately. No AI sees another's answer.
Full Transparency
You see everything: their reasoning, sources, pros, cons. We don't hide disagreements or cherry-pick answers.
You Decide
We present the data. You make the choice based on your priorities, budget, and needs. Because you're absolutely right.
Updated Monthly
Product markets change. We re-run AI debates monthly to keep recommendations current.
Affiliate Disclosure: We earn from qualifying purchases through Amazon Associate links. This helps us maintain this free service. Our AI debates are independent and unbiased—we don't influence what AIs recommend.