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.

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✏️🖤 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.

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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

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