I've had some of these Faber-Castell grip 2001 pencils for quite a while now, and I like them a lot. But recently I also found some with interesting designs and colours. My collection of these grew consistently, and I thought the time was right to review these lovely pencils!
The look of these pencils is what attracts me the most. The triangular profile is comfortable to hold, and the grip dots offer, well, grip! The wood they used for making them isn't my favorite though, it's very lightweight which is good, but the color isn't very nice. (except for the black dyed design version of course!) It looks very rough, though it actually isn't rough at all, in fact it sharpens really nice. But still, the wood is a minor setback for me!
The standard model does not have an eraser, though they are available with one (there is one in the pictures!)
I always buy the HB version, as this suits me perfectly. It's a good combination between blackness and point retention. This HB does seem to look a little lighter than standard pencils, but it doesn't bother me, as the lead writes very smooth!
The design versions in particular, are very nice. Especially the black dyed version, which looks very stealthy! The other design model I own, I believe it's called 'Bling' has a metallic laquer, and instead of the rubber dots, it has a diamond-like print on them. It looks nice, though it is a little more girly!
I bought them for 1 or 2 Euros per piece depending on which model, it isn't really cheap, but I think they are worth it, especially for this quality!
UPDATE! Oops I made some mistakes. I got an Email from a very nice guy over at Faber-Castell USA, he stated that the all-black design pencils are available in B lead degree. And, the pencils I referred to as 'bling' are actually called 'grip Sparkle' and they come in a variety of flashy colours!
 |
The written review might not be very easy to read, but like I said, the graphite is a little
lighter, and the light wasn't ideal when I made this picture (the sun isn't really shining bright in Belgium!)
|
I like the black dyed version very much, too. For a while there was a version with another look available in the UK, but I'm glad they switched back to the old look.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, and great photos! I don't think we can get the Design version in the US, but I like the GRIP 2001 very much. The "Jumbo" version (kids' pencil) is a better wood -- I'm almost positive that it's cedar. It has a B lead and writes very well if you can find them where you live.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cultpens.com/acatalog/Faber_Castell_Jumbo_Grip.html
(That site says it's HB, but all of the ones I've seen in the US are B.)
Yes, I think I've seen them somewhere before I think. If I ever come across one again, I'll definitely check it out!
DeleteHello Everyone,
DeleteI wanted to let you know that we are currently offering the Design GRIP Black Pencil in degree B. Here is the product page on our website www.fabercastell.com:
http://www.fabercastell.com/design/products/categories/pencils-sharpeners-erasers/DesignPencilsinBlackwithGripDots12box?page=1
If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at consumer@fabercastell.com. I will be happy to help you.
Best regards,
Renee Lamb
Faber-Castell USA
800-311-8684