I just want some guidance on the premium brands I see on this subreddit. For context I'm an artist and I use graphite, been doing it forever but I haven't gone deep enough down this rabbit hole somehow. The brands I use are staedler (mars lumograph and also mars lumograph black) and faber castell (the pitt graphite matt specifically), and sometimes derwent. But a few brand names keep popping up here that I've heard are supposed to be the best, like blackwing and mitsubishi. I know its a little subjective but I just want to know the pros and cons and stuff. LIke if I get blackwings, am I going to notice a significant improvement in quality compared to staedler? Or should I try Tombow Mono 100s? Or "Caran d’Ache"? I found a reddit post where someone just says to buy this set of mitsubishis: https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Hi-Uni-Wooden-Pencil-Art/dp/B001HAOBDY
Also I desperately need recommendations on a long point pencil sharpener. Electric or not, any style. I just need results. The two step black wing pencil sharpener was a let down. I got an Afmat electric sharpener that can do long point but it doesn't actually come to a satisfying point. The best one so far is this cone "Aroma 5a Plus" that is a hand crank. Or maybe I can find one of these "lead pointer" things. One of the biggest challenges is sharpening the mars lumograph black pencils. They break more easily. And yes I also use xacto knives and sandpaper to sharpen pencils but I'm very uncoordinated. I can't seem to make my pencils sharp and incredible like I see people do in the instagram reels.
Here are articles on pencil brands I looked at:
https://www.toadhollowstudio.com/wp_blog/drawing-pencil-guide-and-faq/
https://www.theartgearguide.com/home/top-5-graphite-pencils
https://www.annabregmanportraits.co.uk/project/pencil-brands-review/
They don't mention blackwings though--are blackwings just not specifically meant to be for drawing or are they just really nice general use pencils? Thank you for your time. Sorry if this post is low effort or an often repeated question.