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 Finland

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

✏️🖤 Write Bold, Erase Clean, Look Sharp.

VALUE PACK OF 12 - Stay stocked and ready with a dozen pencils—because running out is not an option.
UNMATCHED DURABILITY - Crafted from premium wood to withstand daily use without breaking your flow.
BOLD 2 LEAD PRECISION - Perfectly balanced HB lead ensures your writing stands out—ideal for tests and notes alike.
SMUDGE FREE CONFIDENCE - Latex-free eraser keeps your work clean and professional, no smudges, no mess.
SOPHISTICATED MATTE BLACK - Elevate your desk aesthetic with a sleek, matte black finish that commands attention.

The Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior Pencils deliver professional-grade performance with durable wood construction, bold HB #2 lead for clear writing, and a latex-free smudge-resistant eraser. Packaged in a sleek matte black barrel, this 12-count set is designed for those who demand reliability and style in every stroke.

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.

€ 30.38

Duties & taxes incl.

Finlandstore

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

Meera L.

Smooth transaction and product arrived in perfect condition.

3 weeks ago

Vikram D.

The MOLLE sheath is of exceptional quality. Very happy with my purchase.

2 weeks ago

View all Trustpilot reviews

Manufacturer	Paper Mate
Brand	Paper Mate
Model Number	2254
Colour	black
Closure	Twist
Pencil Lead Degree (Hardness)	HB
Material	Wood/Graphite/Rubber/Paint
Total Recycled Content	100
Number of Items	1
Size	12 count (Pack of 1)
Point Type	Fine
Ink Colour	Black
Manufacturer Part Number	2254
Manufacturer	Paper Mate
Country of Origin	USA

Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior Pencils, Black, HB #2, 12 Count

Details

Description

Specifications

Have a Question? See What Others Asked

Common Questions