Faber-Castell
German writing and art instruments maker dating to 1761
Pencils, pens, markers and premium art supplies from the world's oldest industrial pencil manufacturer still owned by the founding family.
About Faber-Castell
Faber-Castell traces its roots to 1761 when Kaspar Faber began making pencils in Stein near Nuremberg. Now led by the eighth generation of the Faber family, the company produces the Castell 9000 artist pencil, Pitt artist pens, premium Graf von Faber-Castell writing instruments and school products sold in over 120 countries from factories in Germany, Brazil and elsewhere.
Why consider Faber-Castell
- Oldest major pencil manufacturer with centuries of graphite expertise
- Castell 9000 and Pitt lines standard in art schools worldwide
- Sustainable forestry initiatives for cedar and wood-cased pencils
- Premium German writing instruments at varied price points
- Family-owned European heritage brand versus disposable stationery imports
Alternatives
Comparable non-European brands
Prismacolor
United StatesArtist colored pencils
Sharpie
United StatesPermanent markers
Pilot
JapanJapanese pen manufacturer
Copic
JapanProfessional illustration markers
European alternatives
Brand comparison
| Brand | Country | Positioning | Main category | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faber-Castell |  Germany | Heritage pencils and art | Writing and art supplies | Budget to luxury |
| Staedtler | Germany | German drafting and pencils | Writing supplies | Mid-range |
| Rotring | Germany | Technical drawing instruments | Writing supplies | Premium |
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Brand details
Product categories
Brand ownership
- Faber-Castell AG
- Faber-Castell family
- Faber-Castell
Market presence
- Stationery and art supply stores globally
- Faber-Castell flagship stores and outlets
- Online shop and Amazon distribution
- Art school and professional artist channels
- Corporate gifting and luxury pen retailers
Brand timeline
- 1761Kaspar Faber starts pencil craft in Stein
- 1839Lothar von Faber establishes quality standards and exports
- 1900Castell 9000 artist pencil introduced
- 1978Count Anton von Faber-Castell modernizes luxury line
- TodayGlobal stationery leader still family-owned in Germany