Pencil Faber-Castell CASTELL 9000

CASTELL 9000 is a classic pencil launched by Count Alexander von Faber-Castell in 1905. Known for a finely graduated range of hardness degrees and a smooth grey writing colour, this set contains 12 CASTELL 9000 pencils in grades 8B to 2H. The lead is fully bonded to the wood casing for extra break resistance, and the pencils have a hexagonal shape for a comfortable grip. The water-based coating is environmentally safe, and the CASTELL 9000 range is available as single pencils or in assorted sets.

Advantages

The CASTELL 9000 pencils offer a broad range of hardness from 8B to 2H within this art set, delivering consistent tonal control for both dark, high-contrast work and finer, lighter lines. SV bonding secures the graphite in the wood, reducing breakage during sharpening and use. The hexagonal body improves handling during extended sketching or drawing sessions, and the water-based coating minimises environmental impact while maintaining a reliable finish.

Suitable for

• Sketching and freehand drawing
• Technical and detailed illustration
• High-contrast artwork and shading
• Student practice and classroom use

Key specifications

• Brand: Faber-Castell
• Model: CASTELL 9000
• MPN: 119065
• EAN: 4005401190653
• Set contents: 12 pencils (grades 8B–2H)
• Colour: grey writing colour
• Body shape: hexagonal
• Coating: water-based, environmentally safe
• Lead bonding: SV bonded (extra break-resistant)

How to use

Select the pencil hardness appropriate for your task (softer grades such as 8B for deep shading, harder grades such as H for fine lines and technical detail). Sharpen with a suitable sharpener to maintain a clean point, hold the hexagonal barrel for a comfortable grip, and work with consistent pressure to achieve uniform strokes. Alternate grades within the set to build values and texture in drawings.

Recommendations

For long sketches or classroom use, keep a range of grades from this CASTELL 9000 set available to switch between broad shading and fine detail; store pencils horizontally to reduce warping and use a quality sharpener to protect the bonded lead.