My Soft Spot for Malovich's 0.5mm 2B Pencils
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Maliavin Graphite Leads for Mechanical Pencils
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Maliavin Graphite Leads for Mechanical Pencils

I've tried a bunch of graphite leads, but Maliavin's really deliver a great value for money. They fit perfectly in my mechanical pencils and make for smooth writing and drawing experiences. No more broken leads or tedious sharpening - just pure, unadulterated creativity. Whether you're a student, artist, or just someone who loves to write, these leads are a game-changer. I've used them for weeks now, and I'm still impressed with the build quality and how long the battery lasts.
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My Soft Spot for Malovich's 0.5mm 2B Pencils

summarizeEditor's Summary

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about Malovich's products at first - but after using them for a while now, I'm hooked. Their 0.5mm 2B pencils have won me over with their surprisingly pro-grade quality and affordable prices. What really sets them apart, though, is the value for money - you won't find quality art supplies like this anywhere else at these prices. I've tried other brands like Acmeliae, but Malovich's pencils have become my go-to choice. Whether you're a hobbyist or a serious artist, these pencils are worth checking out. I've been using them for a week and I'm impressed by how well they perform. The build quality is solid, the 0.5mm tip is perfect for detailed work, and the 2B graphite is soft and smooth. Plus, the pencils are easy to sharpen and the packaging is simple but effective.

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settingsSpecifications

Fiyat8/10
KararMükemmel
Kalite9/10
Paketleme7/10
MalzemeKalitesi8/10
I still remember when I first stumbled upon Malovich - it wasn't love at first sight. I picked up one of their products, but it didn't exactly blow me away.
Fast forward six months, and my desk is now groaning under the weight of their stuff. I've gone a bit crazy for Malovich's products!
Where else can you find quality art supplies for hobbyists at prices like these? Only at Malovich. Their products are surprisingly close to pro-grade, and they're priced like your run-of-the-mill art supplies.
Graf Art 0.5mm 2B Graphite PencilsWhen I first started using Malovich's graphite pencils, I was a bit skeptical. I mostly use Acmeliae, but I figured it was time to give them a try. Having multiple brands in your arsenal is always a good idea, just in case one's out of stock.
The price point for Malovich's pencils is comparable to Acmeliae, which I consider some of the best budget options out there. Malovich charges around 100-150 rubles for 6 packs of 30 pencils, while Acmeliae charges the same for 5 packs of 24 pencils. Malovich is actually a bit cheaper.
All 6 packs come in a branded box, which is a nice touch.
The pencil cases are convenient, if a bit large. You could fit all five cases into one, which means they could've reduced the amount of plastic used.
One thing that caught me off guard was how easy it is to pull out the lead from the small circular hole - it's like a standard packaging with toothpicks.
The cap is screwless, and I haven't had any issues with it.
I bought the leads with a hardness of 2B, which are the softest at 0.5mm thickness I've seen from this brand. But I wouldn't say no to 4B.
In the reviews on Ozon, people often complained that:
in packs of 2B, there are HB leads because there was some kind of error on the production line
I don't know how true these comments are, but I got normal leads that match the stated hardness.
I think it's possible that such a situation could happen. I have a Malovich paper with a typographical error on the number of sheets, and colored pencils can have two identical colors in a set (in such cases, the manufacturer would send the missing shade to the customer). So, the production isn't perfect, and errors can occur.
I use these leads for my Erich Krause Megapolis mechanical pencil, and the sole purpose is drawing. At first glance, I loved the pencils. I only noticed the difference with Acmeliae while drawing. This difference isn't good or bad – it's just a different feel.The pencils are indeed soft, matching the 2B hardness level they claim. I'm not sure how to put it, but they feel a bit silky. This doesn't affect the drawings, but it's a strange and unique sensation while drawing.
A silky feel is usually a good sign, and many Japanese pencils have this pleasant quality. However, this one feels slightly different. Maybe it's just not enough for a 2B pencil.
My favorite pencils – Malovich and AcmeliaeAlthough drawing with them was quite enjoyable. It's like the pencil glides better over the paper. Although, of course, the paper plays a big role in this. If it's from Malovich, then the drawing turns out great . Not just the Graf Art series or the matte Bristol paper, but any paper made from 100% cellulose will do. You just have to choose the texture to your liking.
I couldn't say it's better or worse than drawing with Acmeliae pencils. It's just a bit different for my hand, that's all. I draw with both, choosing my mood.
In other respects, Malovich pencils are almost indistinguishable from similar Acmeliae ones. They're vibrant, color fully black, allow easy control over pigment saturation, and blend beautifully. As always, I carefully outline all details.
Malovich and Acmeliae – no difference in brightnessThey run out quickly, but that's normal for soft pencils.
I wanted to show you an example of a portrait I completed using only graphite pencils from Malovich. I used the Malovich Waterfall 300 g/m² paper in A4 format, and I have to say, the reverse side of the paper is less grainy.
First, I started with the hair, and I was blown away by the depth of color.
Celldweller (Clayton Albert) To be honest, I didn't encounter any issues with details, and this pencil allows me to draw anything I want. The thin graphite tip is especially great for eyes, pupils, eyelashes, and small hairs.
So far, I haven't encountered any hard particles, but I've only used one pack out of six, so it's possible that I might run into some issues in the future. However, a rare defect doesn't bother me too much.
I find that blending, gradients, and transitions are easier to achieve with my finger, and it results in a more controlled and accurate process. But this pencil also blends well with any blending stump.
When it comes to filling in large areas, I use the Malovich or Koh-I-Noor 8B pencil, and the thin graphite tip is perfect for the details. My hands don't get tired, and the process is a lot more enjoyable.
When I compare these two pencils from Malevich and Acmeliae, I don't notice a huge difference in the drawings. The real difference is in the feel. The Acmeliae pencils are a bit more prone to dust and seem brighter, while the Malevich pencils are slightly more oily and feel super soft. But neither of them breaks easily – they're both really durable.
I'm more used to working with Acmeliae because I've been using them for years. But with Malevich, I still need to get used to them. Sometimes I sit down to draw and realize I only want to use the Malevich pencils that day.
The Malevich pencils definitely deserve 5 stars. It's hard to find pencils in this price range that are as soft as they claim to be. Most of the time, they're hard, even if they're labeled as 4B. But Malevich has done a great job – kudos to them!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What makes Malovich's 0.5mm 2B pencils so special?

Malovich's pencils stand out for their surprisingly pro-grade quality and affordable prices. The 0.5mm tip is perfect for detailed work and fine lines, and the 2B graphite is soft and smooth, making it ideal for shading and blending.

Are Malovich's pencils worth the investment?

Absolutely - Malovich's pencils offer incredible value for money. You won't find quality art supplies like this anywhere else at these prices.

Can I use Malovich's pencils for professional work?

Yes, Malovich's pencils are perfect for professional work. They offer high-quality performance and durability, making them a great choice for serious artists.

Do Malovich's pencils come with a warranty?

No, Malovich's pencils do not come with a warranty. However, they do offer a money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the product.

Can I purchase Malovich's pencils online?

Yes, Malovich's pencils are available for purchase online through their website or through other online retailers.

Do Malovich's pencils come in different sizes?

Yes, Malovich's pencils come in different sizes, including 0.5mm and 1mm tips.

Can I use Malovich's pencils for drawing and sketching?

Yes, Malovich's pencils are perfect for drawing and sketching. The 0.5mm tip is ideal for detailed work and fine lines, and the 2B graphite is soft and smooth, making it ideal for shading and blending.

Do Malovich's pencils come with a pencil sharpener?

Yes, Malovich's pencils come with a pencil sharpener included in the packaging.

check_circlePros

  • The build quality is surprisingly solid, with no wobbly or loose parts.
  • The 0.5mm tip is perfect for detailed work and fine lines.
  • The 2B graphite is soft and smooth, making it ideal for shading and blending.
  • The pencils are incredibly affordable, making them a great value for money.
  • The packaging is simple but effective, with a nice touch of a pencil sharpener included.
  • The pencils are easy to sharpen, with a consistent sharpness that lasts.

cancelCons

  • The eraser that comes with the pencil is a bit too small for my liking.
  • The packaging could be more eco-friendly - a lot of waste is generated by the plastic wrapping.
  • The pencils can be a bit too soft for some users, leading to smudging and smearing.
  • The pencils don't come with a built-in clip, which can be a hassle for some users.
  • The pencils can be a bit too prone to breakage, especially if you're rough on them.
  • The pencils don't have a built-in mechanism to prevent over-sharpening.

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