Apsara Absolute Extra Dark & Strong Premium Pencil | Set of 2 (20 Pencils) with 2 Eraser & 2 Sharpner

O, my. If these pencils were any better, my review would not be fit for children! Luv these pencils! As I've gotten older, I've come to the conclusion that it's the quality of the little things that can make life so delightful. I got started on logic grid puzzles this year. My first pencils were USA Gold brand from Tennessee (very good pencils). Then, when I couldn't find them, I tried USA Titanium (don't recommend at all). I also tried Ticonderoga (very good pencils). Then I decided I wanted to treat myself, so I got these Apsara pencils and Black Beauty pencils. Both sharpen smoothly and easily to a nice sharp point. Both have easy to see dark lead. Both are easy to erase (although the USA Gold and Ticonderoga erase more completely). They also come with a very nice little sharpener (which I had not noted when I placed my order.) So, I heartily recommend these pencils. Treat yourself - life is short!

Is this the best pencil in the world? Well, I’ve heard of some $30 pencils that supposedly outrank these but in a “normal” pencil price range, I can’t imagine they get much better than this. The first word I wrote with them made me go, “Oooho! What is this fanciness?!” It felt like butter and I can finally see what I’m writing in my dimly lit room. I will never go back to cheapo pencils. Nope. I can’t wait to try the others from this brand too! For those saying they aren’t much darker than the cheap pencils, I don’t know what happened because the set I purchased certainly is. I have included a photo for reference. Update: After using this pencil for about week or two, I still love it for the darkness as well as the value for the money, but I do see what people are saying about it quickly losing sharpness. I find that I am sharpening my pencil frequently to keep it sharp. Other than that, it is fantastic, and still the best pencil I have personally ever owned.

Nice and dark

These are some of my absolute favorite wooden pencils to use. They sharpen well, hold up to damage, and write wonderfully and consistently. I have never had an off-centered lead or functional defect of any kind. Cosmetically, there seems to be a wide variation in quality. Sometimes a pack will be perfect, but sometimes the pencils have sloppy lines or messy stamping. I will still continue to buy them, but I wish there was more consistency.

love theses pencils they are hard and write nice and dark

These pencils are darker and smoother than others, making writing easier to read — especially my daughter’s homework. The eraser works well and wipes clean, though we wish it was attached to the pencil. Bonus: it comes with a sharpener too!

Super dark pencils. Nice that you get an eraser and sharpener. Perfect for the price. Very good quality. Strong, fits in your hand well. Must buy!!!

These pencils are awful. They require sharpening constantly. I mean seriously, after a few lines the point is worn down. The lead is very soft. They are NOT dark. The sharpener is a cheaper than a dollar store brand. The only good about this purchase was the eraser.