Faber-Castell Pitt Charcoal Set x 24: A practical starter kit for expressive charcoal drawing

What it is and what it’s for

The Faber-Castell Pitt Charcoal Set x 24 items is a compact collection designed for anyone who prefers working in charcoal. It combines natural drawing charcoal sticks and pencils with both stick and pencil forms, offering a range of hardness to suit different techniques. Included are a paper wiper (blender) and a kneadable eraser, rounding out a practical kit for sketching, shading and bold line work. On the page, this set reads as a sensible option for getting into charcoal or expanding an existing toolkit without purchasing multiple separate items.

Why it makes sense on paper

If you value a straightforward, all-in-one approach, this set keeps essential tools close at hand. The mix of sticks and pencils supports broad tonal ranges—from soft, velvety blacks to firmer lines—so you can move from airy, light sketches to dense, expressive marks without swapping gear. The blender and kneadable eraser help you refine blends and highlights in a single session, which is handy when you want to test a concept quickly.

What stands out (and where it might not)

On balance, the kit is built for practicality. It saves you the effort of sourcing separate pieces and gives you a complete charcoal experience in one package. It isn’t a luxury or premium-brand showcase, but it does align with the needs of beginners and hobby artists who want reliable basics. A potential limitation is that, without knowing the exact hardness grades included, you may find the range more or less suited to your preferred technique—some artists prefer a heavier emphasis on soft charcoal for bold shadows, while others want more hard sticks for precise lines.

Who this is for

• Beginners who want a ready-to-go charcoal starter pack.
• Hobby artists looking to streamline tools for daily sketching.
• Students or instructors seeking a compact set to cover core techniques (tone, texture, blending). If you’re after ultra-light precision or a very broad tonal spectrum, you might want to check how the individual grades in this set align with your typical work.

Who it isn’t ideal for

If you already own a full range of charcoal grades or you prioritise high-end archival materials, this kit reads more as a practical, value-focused option than a premium collection. It may also feel limiting if you require a very specific mix of hardness levels that isn’t represented in the included 24 items.

When it makes sense to buy

• You’re starting out with charcoal and want everything in one place.
• You want a compact set that travels well for sketching sessions away from the studio.
• You value an integrated toolkit with both sticks and pencils plus a couple of essential accessories.

What to check before buying

• Confirm the range of hardness included and whether it covers your preferred shading and line work.
• Consider how you like to blend—whether you’ll rely more on the blender for smooth tones or prefer the eraser for highlights.
• Think about your working surface: some papers pair better with charcoal blends, ensure your choice aligns with your typical paper and sketchbook.

Practical use example

Imagine sketching a portrait in a cafe. You start with a light wash using a charcoal pencil, then deepen the shadows with softer sticks. A quick blend with the blender helps achieve a smooth midtone, while the kneaded eraser lifts highlights on the cheekbone for a more contrasted look. The included tools let you go from soft shading to sharper details in one sitting, without rummaging through drawers for supplies.

The buying decision

Is it worth it?

It’s worth considering if you’re after a compact, all-in-one charcoal starter kit that covers core techniques without investing in separate components. If you prioritise a broader range of very soft or very hard grades, you may want to verify the exact hardness distribution first.

FAQ (practical, non-technical)

• Do you get enough variety for tonal shading? The set provides a mix of sticks and pencils and a blender/eraser, which supports both broad shading and finer lines, but confirm the hardness range to match your usual style.
• Is it portable? Yes, a 24-item kit typically travels well and keeps essential tools together.
• Will it suit someone moving from graphite to charcoal? It offers a natural transition, combining pencils and sticks to explore the different textures charcoal can create.

Tech specs

• Contains natural drawing charcoal sticks and pencils across a range of hardness.
• Includes a paper wiper (blender) and kneadable eraser.
• All items are packaged in a single set for convenient access during drawing sessions.