Castell 9000 Graphite Pencils, metal box of 6 (HB to 8B)

Recognizable by its dark green hexagonal body, the Castell 9000 is an absolute classic in art materials. This metal box contains 6 degrees of hardness: HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B. This covers the entire useful palette for drawing: from light construction lines to the deepest blacks. Created in 1905, the Castell 9000 is manufactured in Germany according to 'Finest Artists' Quality' standards. The wood comes from sustainably managed forests. It is the pencil found in studios, art schools, and professional kits, a safe investment for a one-time purchase.

A complete gradient, from sketch to finished rendering:

• HB and B: setup, sketching, construction lines, writing.
• 2B and 4B: working with intermediate values, hatching, modeling, soft shadows.
• 6B and 8B: intense blacks, contrasts, accents, velvety areas.

Features:

• Unbreakable SV lead: the secure bonding process (Secural) ensures the lead is bonded to the casing along its entire length. It withstands drops and does not break when sharpened—no more wasted pencils.
• Intense matte finish: the Castell 9000 graphite lays down a deep, non-glossy material, even in the softer grades.
• California pink cedar wood: sharpens cleanly and without splintering, regardless of the sharpener used.
• Eco-friendly water-based varnish: pleasant to the touch finish, solvent-free.
• Metal box: protects the leads and fits easily into a pencil case, bag, or field notebook.

What do the letters H and B mean?
B (Black) indicates a soft lead that deposits a lot of graphite and produces a dark line. H (Hard) indicates a hard lead that produces a light and fine line. HB is the intermediate. The higher the number in front of the B, the softer and blacker the lead.

Which pencil should I choose to start a drawing?
Start with HB or 2B for the initial setup, then gradually darken with the softer grades. This box is designed specifically for this progression.