Faber-Castell is one of the worlds largest manufacturers of art supplies. Founded in 1761 at Stein near Nuremberg by cabinet maker Kaspar Faber (1730 84), the enterprise has remained in the Faber family for eight generations. Faber-Castell are renowned for producing high-quality art products, with their ranges of pencils (Polychromos, Albrecht Durer and Pitt Pastel) and Pitt Artist Pens (used by Manga artists the world over) being particularly well known. Faber-Castell Polychromos artists colour pencils from Faber Castell are of the highest quality. Their soft waterproof waxy leads are smooth and resistant to smudging. The richly pigmented (3.8mm) leads are break resistant and can be sharpened to a very fine point; or can be used to cover extended areas completely with colour.