Spend more on your pencils. Go to an art supply house and figure out what you like. There are all types of pencils with various hardness. Look for a solid graphite that is lacquer coated. You may like this one.
I have pencils here that are approaching 30 years old. I got them to draw technical manual illustrations when that was how it was still done in the technical manual publishing world. It was one of the courses I took to explore realism in drawing. Don't just run down to the corner store or Staples or what have you. Those days are gone. Close the lid on that casket.

Once you know what you like, find them cheaper online.