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The Faber-Castell Black Edition colour pencils are admired for their sleek black casing, intense hues and a lead that’s famously pleasant to work with. But the number of pencils alone isn’t enough to tell you whether a set truly suits your needs. Detailed drawing, adult colouring, illustration or creative projects on the go: each use case demands its own compromises.
Before you buy a box of colour pencils, take a moment to avoid three common pitfalls.
A set of 72 pencils might seem more appealing than a box of 12 or 24. Yet a broad palette doesn’t replace good layering and blending technique. For beginners, a compact assortment is often easier to store and handle. On the other hand, for advanced illustration, having plenty of shades can reduce the need to mix your own colours.
The strength of a lead depends on its design, but also on the pressure you apply, the quality of your sharpener and any knocks during transport. A reinforced lead can reduce breakage, but it won’t make it impossible. So check the product specifications, the lead diameter and the type of storage included.
Intense pigments won’t look the same on thin, textured or tinted paper. Similarly, a metal tin protects pencils well, while a roll-up case makes them easier to carry. The right set is the one that fits your workspace, whether you’re drawing on the train, in class or at a workshop.
Go for pigmented colour pencils that offer smooth, even application. The Black Edition range is said to have rich, intense pigments, with good results on both light and dark paper, depending on the version. To judge their performance, focus on how well they produce flat washes, gradients and successive layers.
A lead that glides easily lets you work on shadows and transitions without pressing too hard. This is especially welcome for adult colouring pencils, decorative drawing and illustrations that need several layers.
The specifications for Black Edition sets mention leads designed to resist breakage. The 100-piece set features a 3.3 mm lead with SV bonding, while the Black Edition sets of 12, 24 and 36 pieces also boast a reinforced design.
For precision work, see how well the point holds up after several uses. A sharpener suited to colour pencils helps you keep a fine point without removing too much wood. The ergonomic triangular shape, found on some versions, can also give you a more stable grip during long sessions.
The packaging directly affects your comfort when using the pencils:
In the UK, also think about the space on your desk and how often you travel. A set of 24 pencils can be plenty for regular sketching, while a larger assortment is better suited to projects that demand many shades.
Why this choice suits this profile: With 12 pencils, you can start drawing or colouring without stockpiling shades you won’t use. The metal tin fits easily on a desk, in a school bag or among your occasional creative supplies.
The set stops you buying shades that will go unused, and provides closed storage that protects the tips.
12 pencils, pigments described as intense, smooth application and break-resistant lead.
Why this choice suits this profile: The 24 colours give you more room for shading, colouring and everyday illustrations, without taking up as much space as a large set.
The number of shades is still easy to manage, and the specifications mention application suited to layering and blending.
24 wooden pencils, rich pigments, break-resistant leads and compact box.
Why this choice suits this profile: If you draw often or travel regularly, you get 72 colours, a triangular body and a roll-up case to keep your materials organised.
The roll-up case reduces the risk of pencils scattering and makes it easier to choose shades during long sessions.
72 colours, including 6 fluorescent and 6 metallic shades according to the specifications, SuperSoft leads and roll-up storage.
Why this choice suits this profile: This range is aimed at illustrators and artists looking for professional oil-based colour pencils, ideal for layering, gradients and detailed studio work.
The specifications clearly state the oil-based nature of the lead, its 3.8 mm diameter and SV bonding, rather than relying on a vague promise.
36 shades, 3.8 mm oil-based lead, pigments described as lightfast and studio set.
We’ve put together a comprehensive, real-time updated list of products that meet these demanding selection criteria and European safety standards.
To keep your illustration pencils in good condition, store them in their box or case, away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight. Sharpen them with a suitable tool and avoid forcing the lead if it catches. On dark paper, start with light layers so you can control the saturation more easily. To blend colours, layer several shades rather than pressing hard straight away.
Colour pencils don’t need any installation. Children under 3 years old should not have access to them because of small parts and sharp points. Adult supervision is recommended for younger children.
Yes, their smooth application and pigments described as intense can work well for colouring, detailed patterns and gradients. The number of colours you choose depends mainly on the variety you want and the storage space you have.
Use a clean sharpener that matches the pencil’s diameter. Turn the pencil gently rather than forcing it in. An electric sharpener like the Tenwin with mains adapter accepts pencils from 6 to 12 mm according to its specifications, but it isn’t designed for waxy pencils.
It depends on how often you use them, how long you keep the points and how many layers you apply. A break-resistant lead can reduce waste, but storage, paper and your sharpening technique also play a big part.