Faber-CastellPolychromos 36 Pencil Studio Set

After I ordered these, I read some reviews saying the pencils were hard. I'd only ever used Prismacolors before, and was looking to branch out because so few of those are lightfast. I'd decided to return them without using them and get something softer..... Then they arrived. I read the back of the box, and saw that *every color* in the 36 set is lightfast. So I thought, "I'll just open the box and look." So I opened the box, and the green box was so beautiful, and the pencils smelled amazing. So I thought, "I'll just try one," and put the purple down on paper. It was so smooth I was in love immediately. And that's how I ended up in love with these pencils. They're every bit as magical as Prismacolor used to be. I noticed right away that I could layer more and get more details with these pencils--they gave a lot more realism and precision to my drawings. They are also, as everyone says, significantly more durable than modern Prismacolors. I think will keep both these and softer pencils (but lightfast ones) in my drawing set. I like using softer ones for backgrounds.

Can we talk about how amazing these are? First time trying these and oh my goodness!! They are sooo delightful! I’d just about die of happiness if I got the entire set! Uh! Such a dream now lol! These blend so smoothly and easily! They smell good like fresh cut wood, they are heavy and pristine - the box isn’t cheap or cardboard flimsy box it’s high quality grade and even has magnets to hold it closed! I am so in love with these! I just got into Bible journaling and was trying to find the right mediums to write with, I’ve tried acrylic markers, oil pastels pencils, oil colored pencils, cheap colored pencils and average quality pencils, and then THESE! Just wow! I really aspire to get the entire set and pass down generations to come- I bet it’ll last that long too! Heck the pencil didn’t even need to be sharpened like normal pencils after writing for a little bit, these are just so amazing in so many different ways!

First of all let me start out by saying that although I am not a professional artist, I have several family members who are and I know the difference between top quality, artist quality art supplies and the, lack for a better word, cheap art supplies. I have fallen into the adult coloring world that is so popular now, but I have colored all my life. The only difference is where I used to buy kids coloring books and a huge box of Crayola Crayons, now I buy adult coloring books and colored pencils. Like a lot of other people, I started with Crayola colored pencils. Crayola makes the best "crayons" I thought well, they must make decent colored pencils. Well ignorance is bliss, so they say. I had always heard of the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils and how amazing they were. So, after doing some research I broke down and bought the 48 pc set. Wow! I couldn't believe how buttery smooth they were! I thought nothing could get better than these babies! I was already familiar with several of the brand names, Prismacolor, Faber Castell, Derwent, but I never realized just how many brands of colored pencils were out there, all claiming to be soft, blendable, smooth color lay down, etc. So I began my research into all the different brands, read reviews on all the different brands, talked to my dad (the artist in the family) about all the different brands and learned a lot. I already had the Prismas, so I now I was dying to try the FC Polychromos. So I went to our local art supply stores which are either Michael's and Hobby Lobby. I didn't want to splurge on a huge set quite yet, so I found a 6pc set of the Polychromos, I didn't want to buy only one or two of the colors, so, after looking at the open stick, realized that I would save a couple of bucks if I bought the 6pc. When I got them home, and started to color with them, I fell instantly and utterly in love with them. Now I knew what all the ruckus about, these are absolutely and utterly, the best colored pencil ever! No breakage, no barrel cracks, even after sharpening them. So, I immediately ordered the 36 pc Studio Set in a box. I like the box instead of the tin, it seems sturdier somehow. I haven't picked up my Prismas in over a week, except to move the tin! I am now saving up for the 120 pc set, maybe my husband will get it for me for Christmas?! I will still use and love my Prismas along with my other less expensive but good quality brands. I love the Staedtler Triangular pencils (72 pc) and my Michael's brand (Artist Loft), but I will reach for my Poly's the most. You ask yourself, "can I justify paying that much for colored pencils"? YES! Start saving and when you can, SPLURGE! They are worth every penny, and what others are saying is 100% true. These are the best pencils ever! 5+ stars!!!UPDATE: I have since purchased the 120 pc set of Polychromos. I have found that I reach for these more than any other pencil. No breakage, no shrinkage from usage and the color lay down is amazing!

High quality pencils

In my lifetime I have found reviews to be exaggerated to one degree or another, so I rarely rely on them 100%, but I do read them and pay attention. I am n old woman with failing eyesight and had convinced myself that I really didn't need to pay premium price for colored pencils. I'm really glad that I ignored my own advice this time. The price of this set was so good for Prime days I just couldn't resist.The first time I felt and saw a huge difference, and if my health holds out I will add to my set without hesitation next time.

Nice, vibrant colors. Expensive!! I like to use a sharpener I can control to keep lead from breaking. Very soft and pure colors.

These are my favorite colored pencils. I find them smoother than Prisma, although I like both.

These pencils are so smooth and beautiful. I’ve used coloring to help with the grief process so I spend an hour or more a day and my hand is never tired coloring.I’m so glad I splurged on this set. I’ve used other brands and there is such a big difference in quality.