The Faber-Castell 9000 Pencil Review

Welcome to another one of my extremely quick pencil reviews. The latest being the Faber-Castell 9000 - Woah, what a big number? must be a good pencil... read on.

This pencil is an interesting one. Made in Germany since 1905 or some such - I think they may be the oldest surviving manufacturer of pencils in the world. You can catch a documentary about the factory over in Germany on the BBC or on the Smithsonian Channel.

It has a really nice painted finish and a joy to sharpen. As a comparison, I think the wood feels a little denser than a Mitsubishi Hi-Uni. Just in case you didn't realise, that paint finish has 7 layers... 2 primer, 4 paint, and 1 lacquer.

One of the biggest points to get across here is that this pencil is priced below that of a Mars Lumograph but I think it writes better. Nipping at the heels of a pencil not far off three times the price.

It doesn't have a sexy end design, not as glossy as other higher-end pencils. It's not dipped in shiny stuff or a different shape. There is a slight embossment on the text on the barrel which is welcome and may make it harder wearing than the Lumograph. Time will tell.

That price you ask? Well right now in the year of our lord 2021 it's just £1.22 over at Cult Pens. Of the pencils I've reviewed in my little blog, I would say this represents that spot where value comes in.

She might not be much of a looker... green and gold? Hmm, I've got issues with that combo and the contrast it provides. But hey, it's not black.

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A Gentleman of the Enlightenment

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