A Captivating Package Featuring All 12 Hardness Grades in Order

FABER-CASTELL is known as the world's oldest existing writing instrument manufacturer, founded in 1761 by furniture maker Kaspar Faber in a suburb of Nuremberg, Germany. In 1851, it became the first company in the world to commercially release a pencil. The 'thickness, length, hardness, and shape' of this pencil remain the global standard to this day.

Faber-Castell has been managed by the Count family for generations, with the fourth generation, Lothar von Faber, leading the organization from 1839 to 1896. It was during his era that the pencil standard was defined and the hexagonal pencil was created.

He also pioneered the practice of engraving the company's then-current name, 'A.W.Faber,' onto the manufactured pencils, thus giving birth to the world's first branded writing instrument.

Lothar continuously studied pencil production techniques and also researched product packaging. One of his ideas was to offer pencils of different hardness grades in a single case. This was a novel concept for the time, and he also pursued the highest quality binding for the outer box, befitting a premium pencil.

The 'Polygrade,' born from this endeavor, maintained its unwavering position as the top product of the then A.W.Faber company for decades, until it was succeeded by the 'Castell 9000' pencil, which is now Faber-Castell's signature product.


The reissue of 'Polygrade,' revived for the modern era, is remarkably faithful to the original product. Opening the paper box, which echoes the packaging of the time, reveals a neat arrangement of 12 hardness grades of pencils with gleaming engravings.

Additionally, a booklet introducing the history of Faber-Castell and pencils is included, allowing one to experience the charm of a brand cultivated over many years.

It is available for pre-sale in limited quantities until Sunday, July 2, 2017, at Faber-Castell Tokyo Midtown and at the sales space within the 'Faber-Castell Academy at Itoya 2nd Term Student Exhibition' held at Ginza Itoya G.Itoya B1F Inspiration Hall.

Faber-Castell Polygrade
Production Quantity | World Limited Edition of 15,000 Sets
Contents | 12 hardness grades from BBBBB (very soft black) to HHHHH (very hard), booklet
Price | ¥3,780
Pre-sale Date | Until Sunday, July 2, 2017 (Faber-Castell Tokyo Midtown, Ginza Itoya)
Regular Sale Date | September 2017

Faber-Castell Tokyo Midtown
Address | 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Roppongi Tokyo Midtown

Ginza Itoya
Address | 2-7-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo