Why are there so many graphite pencils?
“H” indicates a harder pencil which leaves a fairly light mark. The higher the number, the harder the lead, the lighter the line.
“B” indicates a softer lead, which leaves a darker mark. The higher the number, the softer the lead & the darker the line.
This wide range allows for rich and realistic depth and perspective. 
AND… Just as important as your grade and type of graphite is the eraser to match it!
Erasers like the Art Gum crumble away with the removal of graphite, thus being very gentle. 
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Vinyl erasers are very tough and will even erase some pen. 
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Kneaded erasers are very versatile in shape and can be renewed by kneading them. (They don’t make a mess, so if you’re sketching someplace that might frown upon eraser shavings, kneaded erasers are pretty handy.)
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For small areas there are clickable erasers and electric erasers.
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For extra fine details, use an eraser pencil. These sharpen just like a regular pencil.
Love the descriptions of graphite and erasers. FYI: DaVinci brushed flour over graphite for smooth, lineless removal, or bread for course removal.
Love this! Thank you Etty! On Nov 29, 2016 2:04 PM, “ART CENTRAL Art Supply & Gallery” wrote:
> Art Central posted: “Why are there so many graphite pencils? “H” indicates > a harder pencil which leaves a fairly light mark. The higher the number, > the harder the lead, the lighter the line. “B” indicates a softer > lead, which leaves a darker mark. The higher the numb” >