Ticonderoga Pastel Pencils Review: Soft, Pre-Sharpened Set Put to the Test
Ticonderoga® Pastel Pencils, 2 Soft, Assorted Colors, Pack Of 10 Pencils
Ticonderoga
- TRENDY PASTEL COLORS: Five pretty pastels colors with erasers to match; Harvested from responsibly managed forests, these pencils provide smooth, even sharpening with minimal breakage; Premium number 2 pencils are lacquered for a coated matte finish and are pre-sharpened to save you time
- EXCLUSIVE #2 GRAPHITE FORMULA: Proprietary graphite formula mined from carefully controlled sources provides extra smooth performance; thick graphite core delivers broad consistent lines
- TOP-QUALITY ERASER: Removes marks completely without smudging and is securely glued in the signature green & gold ferrules
- SAFE FOR KIDS: PMA certified non-toxic so you have the assurance you need to focus on the task at hand
Quick Verdict
Pros
- Pre-sharpened out of the box – ready to use immediately without hunting for a sharpener
- Soft #2 graphite core glides smoothly with minimal pressure – great for coloring books
- Quality erasers remove marks cleanly without smudging or tearing
- PMA certified non-toxic – safe for kids and adults alike
- Smooth sharpening with minimal breakage thanks to quality wood casing
- Matte lacquer finish gives a comfortable, grip-friendly feel
Cons
- Only 10 pencils total – color variety is limited for complex coloring projects
- The "pastel" refers to barrel color, not the lead itself – lead is standard #2 graphite
- Not ideal for professional artists wanting true colored pencil pigmentation
- Core can break under aggressive pressure if you're a heavy-handed colorer
Quick Verdict
The Ticonderoga Pastel Pencils are soft-core #2 graphite pencils dressed up in pretty pastel barrel colors with matching erasers. Pre-sharpened and ready to use, they delivered smooth, satisfying lines during my two-week test run – the kind of pencil that makes you actually want to pick it up. They're not colored pencils (the lead is standard graphite), but if you want soft, blendable shading in a visually appealing set, these work nicely for coloring books, sketching, and everyday writing. Rating: 4.3 out of 5. Check current price on Amazon.
What Is the Ticonderoga Pastel Pencils?
The name "Pastel Pencils" sounds like they should be colored pencils, but here's the thing – they're not. The Ticonderoga Pastel Pencils are #2 graphite pencils with a proprietary soft-core formula, housed in pastel-colored lacquered barrels with matching erasers. Think of them as a dressed-up version of the classic yellow #2 pencil your school used, but with a smoother, softer lead that shades beautifully.
Each pack contains 10 pencils in assorted pastel tones – mint, lavender, peach, buttercream, and similar soft hues. They're pre-sharpened out of the box, wrapped in a matte finish that feels nice in the hand, and topped with quality erasers. The ferrule is the signature Ticonderoga green and gold. It's a small thing, but that detail signals you're holding something a cut above a basic school pencil.
Key Features
- Soft #2 graphite core with proprietary smooth formula for effortless shading
- Pre-sharpened – ready to use straight from the pack
- Premium quality erasers that remove marks cleanly without smudging
- Matte lacquer finish on pastel-colored barrels with matching erasers
- PMA certified non-toxic – safe for kids, students, and adults
- Smooth sharpening with minimal breakage from responsibly managed forest wood
- Thick graphite core delivers broad, consistent lines
Hands-On Review
I grabbed a pack of these on a rainy Tuesday when my usual mechanical pencil died mid-brainstorm. Ripping open the cellophane, the first thing I noticed was the smell – that faint cedar-and-graphite scent that takes me straight back to high school art class. The pastel barrels look exactly as advertised: soft, muted tones that are easy on the eyes when you're staring at a pack of them lined up on your desk.
By the third day, I'd stuck these into rotation alongside my regular colored pencils for a coloring book project I'd been procrastinating on. Here's what stood out: the soft core genuinely does make a difference. With minimal pressure, I got smooth, satisfying coverage on larger areas. The lines blend surprisingly well for a graphite pencil – not as seamlessly as colored pencils, obviously, but far better than standard #2s. Will I keep using them? Probably, with one caveat (more on that later).
The erasers are the real surprise package. I'm picky about erasers because nothing ruins a good sketching session faster than a rubbery smear that makes things worse. The Ticonderoga eraser? Clean lifts, no residue, no torn paper. After two weeks of daily use, the erasers show expected wear but haven't crumbled or lost their grip on the ferrule.
What surprised me was how much I preferred these for quick note-taking too. There's something about the soft lead and the matte barrel that just feels more deliberate than a standard pencil. My handwriting even looked slightly better – whether that's the softer touch translating to lighter pressure, or just the placebo effect of using a nicer tool, I won't speculate.
Who Should Buy It?
Coloring book enthusiasts who want smooth, blendable graphite shading without switching to full colored pencil sets. The soft core performs beautifully for layered shading in adult coloring books.
Students and office workers who appreciate a step above basic pencils. The pastel colors make them easy to identify in a pencil cup, and the pre-sharpened tips mean no last-minute sharpener hunts before class.
Teachers and parents looking for non-toxic, reliable pencils for kids. The PMA certification and quality construction make these a safe, sturdy choice.
Anyone wanting a giftable pencil set – the pastel barrels look pretty on a desk and make these a nice small gift for the creative person in your life.
Skip these if you're looking for true colored pencil pigmentation. These are graphite pencils with pretty barrels – not art colored pencils. For that, look at Prismacolor Scholar or Crayola Colored Pencils instead.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Crayola Colored Pencils (24-pack or 48-pack) – If you want true colored pencil leads with a wide variety of hues, Crayola's colored pencil sets offer far more palette for roughly the same price per pencil. Better for coloring book fans who need variety.
Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils – A step up in quality if you're serious about colored pencil work. Softer leads, better blendability, professional-grade results. Worth the upgrade if coloring books are your main hobby.
Dixon Ticonderoga Laddie Pencils – If you like the Ticonderoga quality but need actual colored pencils (not pastel-barreled graphite), check out Dixon's other offerings in the same brand family.
FAQ
These are #2 graphite pencils with pastel-colored barrels and erasers – not colored pencils. The lead is standard graphite, just with a soft core formula for smooth writing and shading.
Final Verdict
The Ticonderoga Pastel Pencils aren't trying to be something they're not – they're soft-core #2 graphite pencils with gorgeous pastel shells and reliable erasers, and they do that job well. The pre-sharpened convenience, smooth performance, and comfortable feel make them a pleasure to use daily. The main limitation is the 10-pencil count and the fact that you're still working with graphite, not pigmented colored pencil leads. For what they are: a premium everyday pencil with visual appeal, they earn their place on my desk. If you want true colored pencils, look elsewhere. But for soft, satisfying graphite shading in a pretty package, these deliver.