Uni Mitsubishi Hi-Uni 5B Pencil – Box of 12 | Extra Soft Graphite for Bold Sketching & Deep Shadow Rendering

Uni Mitsubishi Hi-Uni 5B Pencil – Box of 12

Dark, dramatic, and deeply expressive — the Uni Hi-Uni 5B is for artists who work with conviction. Softer and richer than 4B, the 5B grade delivers an intensely dark graphite tone that responds to the gentlest stroke, making it the preferred choice for bold gestural drawing, dramatic portrait shadows, large-scale tonal studies, and charcoal-like effects without the mess. Crafted in Japan by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., the Hi-Uni 5B brings world-class smoothness to one of the most expressive grades in the entire pencil range.

✦ Key Features

• 5B Extra Soft Grade – Intensely Dark & Expressive: Softer and darker than 4B, the 5B deposits a dramatically rich graphite tone with the lightest touch — ideal for the deepest shadows, bold gestural marks, and large-scale tonal work
• Ultra-Smooth Graphite Core: Hi-Uni’s proprietary graphite formula delivers a luxuriously smooth, velvety stroke even at this extra-soft grade — far superior to the gritty, uneven feel of lesser soft pencils
• Exceptional Blendability: The extra-soft graphite blends and smudges with extraordinary ease using a stump, tortillon, or fingertip — enabling seamless transitions from near-black to delicate mid-tone in a single sweep
• Break-Resistant Lead: Advanced core-bonding technology keeps the soft graphite core firmly centered in the casing, dramatically reducing tip breakage during bold, heavy strokes
• Premium Japanese Cedar Casing: Sharpens cleanly to a fine point; fine-grain cedar ensures a smooth, consistent sharpening experience and a satisfying, premium studio feel
• Box of 12: Presented in the iconic Hi-Uni gold-foil box — a complete professional set ready for the studio, life drawing class, or location sketching

✦ Specifications

• Brand: Uni Mitsubishi (Japan)
• Model: Hi-Uni
• Grade: 5B
• Quantity: 12 pencils per box
• Best For: Deep shadow rendering, bold gestural sketching, dramatic portrait work, large tonal studies, charcoal-style effects
• Origin: Made in Japan

✦ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between 5B and 4B in the Hi-Uni range?
A: Both are extra-soft grades, but 5B is one step softer and darker than 4B. It deposits a noticeably richer, deeper tone with even less pressure. Artists reach for 5B when they need the absolute darkest shadows in a drawing, or when working on large-scale pieces where bold, sweeping tonal marks are needed quickly and expressively.

Q: Is 5B suitable for detailed linework?
A: The 5B is best used for broad tonal areas, deep shadows, and expressive gestural marks rather than fine detail lines. Most artists pair it with harder grades — using H or HB for structural linework and 5B for the richest darks. This multi-grade approach creates a full, dynamic tonal range with maximum contrast.

Q: How quickly does a 5B tip wear down?
A: Extra-soft grades like 5B wear down faster than harder grades due to the lower graphite density. However, the Hi-Uni’s break-resistant core ensures the tip wears gradually rather than snapping. Many artists embrace a slightly worn 5B tip for broader, more painterly shading strokes — it becomes a feature rather than a flaw.

Q: Does the 5B smudge easily?
A: Yes — and deliberately so. The extra-soft graphite smudges very readily, which is ideal for blending smooth tonal gradients and creating atmospheric, painterly effects. Always rest your hand on a clean sheet of paper while working, and protect finished artwork with a fixative spray.

Q: How does the Hi-Uni 5B compare to Faber-Castell 9000 5B or Staedtler Mars Lumograph 5B?
A: The Hi-Uni 5B is consistently rated as the smoothest and most consistent extra-soft pencil in its class. Professional illustrators and fine artists regularly cite it as superior to both the Faber-Castell 9000 and Staedtler Mars Lumograph at 5B — delivering a richer, more uniform tone with a noticeably more luxurious feel on paper.

Q: How many pencils come in the box?
A: Each box contains 12 Hi-Uni 5B pencils in Mitsubishi’s signature gold-foil presentation box.