Keep pencil leads from breaking during transportation?

Question

I sharpen my drawing pencils the "proper" way, with a knife. This leaves a large portion of exposed material (graphite, colored pencil, charcoal), usually 3/4 in. to 1.5 in. long.My issue is finding a way to keep the leads from breaking while I'm taking them from place to place. When I'm just working from home, I keep them point-up in a cup, or laying flat in a tray.Putting the pencils in a hard case hasn't helped exactly how I want, because I still feel the need to be overly gentle so that the tips don't get smashed into the side.Is there a more reliable way to get my pencils from place to place without sweating about breaking the leads and needing to resharpen them?If possible, I'd like to be able to transport them in a backpack, so long as I'm gentle about setting it down.

Answer 1

Hello, Great question as sharpening them the "proper" way is a bit of work as we both know. I suggest using the metal tin that a complete set of pencils come in (not necessarily those pencils) as it is designed exactly for what your trying to do. I use Staedtler pencils - made in Germany and widely available. Best, Jonathan G. www dot jonathanfineart dot com

Answer 2

Hi!

I used to have the same problem when it came to transporting my preciously crafted charcoal pencils to figure drawing sessions. I've found that using a small plastic tackle box with removable sections has allowed me to transport my pencils to different places without the charcoal breaking away from being smashed. I have also put some tissue paper within its confinement to dampen any movement that the pencils may experience when being transported.

Hope this helps!

:)