black warrior HB2 lead not dark anymore, what happened?

The basic components of a pencil are the lead (actually graphite), the wood & paint, eraser holder, and the eraser. People who took pride in their craft started pencil companies and created a reputation based on their choice of these components, and their execution of certain other quality characteristics like centering the lead so sharpening is symmetrical, etc. Unfortunately some of these companies have been sold to corporations who reduce the quality of I all but keep the price up. For a period they show much improved profits and often sell he purchased company for more than they paid based on this artificial profitability which eventually diminishes as users of the product catch on that there favorite product is no longer what it use to be. With pencils companies, like Papermate, so it seems, have done just that. The lead is poor quality and inconsistent, the wood is thinner and no longer good quality cedar, the brass holding he eraser is no longer brass, and the eraser is also of poorer quality. Since these are only pencils, the bean counters at corporate I guess think they can pull it off. For some of us who enjoy using a good pencil, we notice. At least there are forums such as this where we can voice our discontent.

Do these come pre sharpened ?

Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't, but don't let that stop you from buying a Paper Mate product. It's a good pedigree and even if you buy pre-sharpened pencils you'll have to keep on sharpening them as needed. Just get a good sharpener. Good luck!

I'm a beginning writer and are these worth trying for my new series

If you can, try to find some older USA made ones. The cedar wood was fantastic and the graphite was buttery smooth. I could write for an entire day with no problems. When they moved production to Mexico it just wasn't the same. Eventually you might want to try out Blackwing Pencils, but those are expensive.

Desertcart Logo

Deliver to EGYPT

For best experience Get the App

DOWNLOAD THE APP

WE SOURCE ITEMS FROM

UAE
UK
India
USA
Japan
KOREA

Customer Services

About Us

Customer Support

Description

🖤 Elevate your everyday writing game with the Black Warrior – where style meets performance.

COMFORTABLE GRIP - Round barrel design fits naturally in your hand for extended writing sessions.
LATEX FREE ERASER - Smudge-resistant, quick-fix eraser keeps your work clean and sharp.
SMOOTH BOLD WRITING - Medium-soft #2 HB lead glides effortlessly for flawless notes and sketches.
DURABLE CRAFTSMANSHIP - Premium California cedar wood ensures strength and longevity under pressure.
SOPHISTICATED MATTE BLACK - Sleek, modern finish that elevates your desk aesthetic and professional vibe.

Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior Pencils are a pack of 12 high-quality, medium-soft #2 HB wooden pencils crafted from 100% recycled California cedar. Featuring a sleek matte black finish and a latex-free eraser, these pencils combine durability, smooth writing, and a sophisticated look perfect for professionals and students alike.

Common Questions

Are the products genuine and authentic?+

Yes, all products are sourced directly from authorized retailers in the US, UK, UAE and India. We maintain strict quality control processes and verify each product before shipping. All items come with applicable manufacturer warranties and are covered by our standard return policy.

How long does delivery take and is it reliable?+

Delivery times vary by destination country, typically ranging from 3-9 business days. Each order is fully trackable through our system. We handle all customs clearance and use reliable courier partners for last-mile delivery. You'll receive regular updates about your order status via email and our app.

What is Desertcart? Is it safe to order from?+

Desertcart is an international e-commerce platform operating since 2014. We securely process thousands of orders globally each day. Every product goes through our quality verification process before delivery, and we provide end-to-end order tracking, 24/7 customer support, and a comprehensive returns policy to ensure a safe shopping experience.

How is product pricing calculated?+

Our prices include the product cost, international shipping, import duties, customs clearance, and local delivery charges. We handle all customs and import procedures, ensuring there are no hidden fees upon delivery. PRO members receive additional benefits including free shipping.

E£ 810

Duties & taxes incl.

EGYPTstore

Free Returns

30 daysfor PRO membership users

15 dayswithout membership

Secure Transaction

ChatGPT - opens in a new tab Perplexity - opens in a new tab Claude - opens in a new tab Grok - opens in a new tab Google AI - opens in a new tab

Trustpilot

TrustScore 4.5 | 7,300+ reviews

Farhan Q.

The delivery time was excellent, and the packaging was secure.

2 months ago

Anjali K.

The product quality is outstanding. Exactly what I needed for my work.

1 month ago

View all Trustpilot reviews

Manufacturer	Paper Mate
Brand	Paper Mate
Item Weight	2 ounces
Product Dimensions	1.9 x 0.7 x 7.6 inches
Item model number	2254
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Color	Black
Closure	Twist
Grip Type	Smooth
Pencil Lead Degree (Hardness)	HB
Material Type	Wood
Total Recycled Content Percentage	100
Number of Items	12
Size	1 Count (Pack of 12)
Point Type	Fine
Line Size	0.7mm
Ink Color	Black
Manufacturer Part Number	2254

Paper Mate® Mirado® Black Warrior® Pencils, No. 2, Medium Soft Lead, Box of 12

Details

Description

Specifications

Have a Question? See What Others Asked

Common Questions