Faber-Castell - Black Edition - Colored Pencils: Review

Quick facts

• Brand: Faber-Castell
• Range: Black Edition
• Number of pencils: 100 (smaller sets also available)
• Price for 100-pack: around 40 to 50 euros
• Shape: Rounded triangular
• Single pencil purchase: No
• Number on pencil: Yes, but not visible from inside the box

Value for money: honestly good

Getting 100 colored pencils with decent pigmentation for 40 to 50 euros is hard to beat. They do not reach the level of Polychromos, Prismacolor or even Posca, but for a first set or to expand an existing palette, Black Edition get the job done.

I use them on both regular and mystery coloring books. You can feel the difference from premium pencils, especially with gradients and color depth, but for the price it is perfectly acceptable.

100 colors: plenty of shades, sometimes too similar

The 100-pencil box looks impressive at first. But looking more closely, some colors are very close to each other. There are many near-identical shades within the same color family, which can make the palette feel less varied than the number suggests.

In practice this is actually useful for smooth gradients, where having several close tones is an advantage. But if you want a highly varied palette with very distinct colors, you might feel slightly disappointed.

This is exactly why I use them as a complement: when none of my top 3 pencils match the shade I need, I open the Black Edition box and search through the 100.

The triangular shape: practical, but not my favourite

Black Edition pencils have a rounded triangular body, a classic Faber-Castell design choice. The undeniable benefit: they do not roll off the table. Handy when you set one down while reaching for the next color.

That said, I personally find the triangular shape less comfortable to hold than a classic round pencil. It is subjective, and many people love this ergonomic design. But after comparing with my Polychromos over long sessions, I clearly prefer the round shape.

The sharpener problem and the box

The triangular shape creates a practical issue: regular sharpeners are not always well suited to it. Forcing with a standard model risks breaking the core or damaging the body of the pencil. I recommend the Dahle sharpener, which handles this shape well and gives a clean result.

Another thing to know about the box: it is not fully closed, so handle it carefully to avoid pencils falling out. And the color numbers are not visible from outside the box, no matter how you arrange the pencils. The only real solution if you want easy access to the numbers is to transfer them into a compartmented pencil case with individual slots.

What I like

• Excellent value for money (40 to 50 euros for 100 pencils)
• 100 colors available, useful for completing a palette
• Triangular shape: does not roll off the table
• Decent pigmentation for the price
• Works on both regular and mystery coloring books
• Great entry point without a big investment

What to keep in mind

• Lower quality than Polychromos, Prismacolor and Posca
• Some colors too similar to each other in the 100-pack
• Triangular shape less comfortable for long sessions (depends on personal preference)
• Standard sharpeners not ideal, Dahle sharpener recommended
• Color numbers not visible from inside the original box
• Box not fully closed, handle with care
• No individual pencil purchase available

Example coloring made with Black Edition pencils

My final verdict

Faber-Castell Black Edition are not my favourite pencils, but they have a clear place in my collection. They were the first pencils I bought, and I still reach for them today when I need a shade my main pencils do not cover.

For someone just starting out who does not want to invest in premium right away, they are a great entry point. 100 pencils for 40 to 50 euros is accessible and lets you explore a wide range of colors. When you are ready to step up, the Polychromos are waiting.