Just some random observations for context: Comparing the darkness of graphite to black ink, I find that pencil begins to look as dark as ink at around a hardne

Just some random observations for context: Comparing the darkness of graphite to black ink, I find that pencil begins to look as dark as ink at around a hardness of 7B. I personally can't write cursive with a woodcased pencil softer than 4B. Even then I have to renew the point every half dozen words. Mitsubishi Hi-Uni have probably the overall highest quality for woodcased graphite pencils. That's considering the case wood, the finish, the consistency between pencils, the lack of grit in the graphite, etc. Other brands may offer something you prefer in a particular case. Faber-Castell 9000 tend to be lighter by grade than other brands. Their harder grades are reputed to be firmer and smoother than usual. Staedtler Mars Lumograph have added carbon in the mix to reduce glare, making the graphite look blacker. The softer grades are a bit darker than other brands. I have found quality and darkness to be rather inconsistent, though.