What makes Faber-Castell so special?

Besides being the world’s largest manufacturer of pens, pencils, office and art supplies, what exactly makes Faber-Castell such a great brand?

After all, Fiat cars are pretty common, but you don’t see too many people proclaiming their greatness. But then again, how often do you see someone using a Faber-Castell pen or fountain pen?

Its origins

Although some famous pen brands, like Société Bic, were founded as late as 1945, Faber-Castell harks back to the 18^th century as it was established by Kaspar Faber in 1761 in Nuremburg.

Originally a cabinet maker, Faber established a small workshop in 1761 where he produced pencils, which at the time, happened to be a typical business trade for a carpenter, contrary modern day assumption.

What made Faber so special however, is that he recognised that graphite pencils broke so easily, and unlike his competitors, he strove to great lengths to improve his pencils by mixing ground graphite with sulphur, anatomy and binding resins – giving him a clear edge over his competitors.

Interestingly however, the company remained small during his lifetime and did not expand until his great grandson,   Johann Lothar Freiherr von Faber, expanded the business into the Faber-Castell that we know today – late in the 19^th century.

It may also interest you to know that Faber-Castell is still owned by the Faber family today, no less than eight generations later.

Its pledge to the environment

As the plight of the environment has become more and more serious, Faber-Castell has created a plantation project not only in Brazil, but also Columbia, where it works to strive for its ecological and social objectives:

The experience it provides

So confident is Faber-Castell of its pens, that it invites people to the world famous Faber-Castell factory and Museum.

Here, guests are invited to enjoy a brief but in-depth look into the working factory of yesteryear and learn just how pens and pencils were produced in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

Anyone interested in taking a tour of the factory can find out more information here.

Its outstanding quality

Beyond any other measure, the most celebrated feature of any Faber-Castell product is of course the quality, workmanship and experience it injects into every single pen, pencil, brush or ruler.

Using only the highest grade materials, designed by the world’s best designers and produced by the world’s best craftsmen, Faber-Castell guarantees timeless quality over and over again.