STAEDTLER Noris Colour 185 CD36 coloured pencils (pack of 36)
Product description
What they are and why they’re handy
STAEDTLER Noris Colour 185 CD36 is a pack of 36 pre-sharpened coloured pencils in assorted shades. The headline appeal, on paper, is that they’re designed for everyday colouring rather than fussing about tools: you get a ready-to-use mix of colours and a format that’s easy to grip.
The pencils also have a hexagonal shape with a soft, non-slip surface. In practice, that matters more than it sounds when you’re doing longer sessions—hands stay more comfortable and the pencil is less likely to roll off the table. If you’re buying for sketching, school projects or general “grab-and-colour” creativity, this set fits that kind of use.
One more point worth noting is the sustainability angle: they’re made using upcycled wood, and the description mentions upcycled wood content from sustainably managed, certified forests. It’s not a technical spec you can test at home, but it’s still a credible reason to choose this range over more basic sets.
Key features you’ll notice while colouring
The 185 Noris Colour pencils are built around three practical ideas: colour that stands out, leads that hold up, and an easier grip.
- The pencils use rich leads meant for “brilliant colours”, which is what you want if you’re colouring within lines or trying to layer tones.
- They’re described as having high break resistance, so you’re less likely to be dealing with snapped tips during normal use.
- The hexagonal, non-slip design should help with control—especially if you tend to press a little when shading.
No product is magic, though. With coloured pencils, results still depend a lot on paper choice and how you apply pressure. Also, since these are assorted colours, the exact mix may not be your perfect palette for every project.
Where they sit in the buying decision (value vs ambitions)
This set reads as a solid mid-range everyday option: 36 colours, pre-sharpened, and designed to be durable enough for regular colouring rather than treating every pencil like a collectible.
If you’re after maximum blending finesse or very specific lightfast hues for advanced work, you may find yourself comparing against more specialised artist-grade ranges. This pack is more about getting creative quickly and keeping the experience frustration-free.
A helpful way to think about it: if your priority is variety and reliable, comfortable colouring, it makes sense. If your priority is highly technical colour behaviour on premium paper, it might feel a bit limited.
Who it’s for (and who should think twice)
It’s a good fit if you want a straightforward coloured pencil set with a lot of everyday colours, pre-sharpened for immediate use. It suits students, hobby colourists, and anyone who wants a dependable “workhorse” pack for cards, worksheets, colouring books and general sketching.
It might not be the best choice if you already know you need a particular colour range (for example, a very specific set of skin tones or exact greens and blues). Also, if you’re sensitive to the look or handling of hexagonal pencils versus round ones, you’ll want to consider whether the shape suits your style.
You also need to be aware that the packaging may vary, which isn’t a downside for the pencils themselves, but it does mean the presentation you receive could be slightly different from photos.
Getting the most from pre-sharpened pencils
Because the pencils are supplied pre-sharpened, you can start colouring straight away. A simple, practical approach is to begin with light layers first, then gradually increase pressure for deeper coverage. That tends to help avoid harsh lines and makes it easier to blend between shades.
As a quick micro-use example: imagine filling in a simple cartoon-style background—use one or two light colours to block in areas, then switch to darker shades for edges and shadows. The non-slip grip and hexagonal shape should make those repeated strokes feel more controlled, especially when you’re working for an hour or more.
If you do find you’re getting too much wear on the tips, sharpening technique matters. Even break-resistant leads can wear down, so don’t assume they’ll behave exactly the same as gel pens or wax crayons.
Tech summary
- Name: STAEDTLER Noris Colour 185 CD36 coloured pencils
- Type: Coloured pencil set
- Format: Hexagonal coloured pencils with rich leads
- Size: Pack of 36
- Capacity: 36 assorted colours
- Material: Upcycled wood (as described)
- Colour: Assorted colours
Should you buy it?
Worth considering if you want a pack of 36 pre-sharpened coloured pencils with a comfortable, non-slip hexagonal design and leads described as rich and break-resistant. It’s geared towards everyday creativity where durability and ease of use matter.
You may want to skip it if you’re chasing a very specific colour selection, or if hexagonal pencil handling isn’t your thing. Also, since results depend heavily on paper and technique, don’t expect identical outcomes on every surface.
Mini FAQ
Are these pencils ready to use straight away?
Yes—this pack is described as pre-sharpened, so you can start colouring without needing to sharpen first.
How durable are the leads?
They’re described as having high break resistance, which is aimed at reducing snapped tips during regular use.
Do the pencils come in all the colours I might want?
They’re sold as assorted colours in a pack of 36, but the exact mix isn’t guaranteed in the details provided—so it may not match your exact preferences.
Does the sustainability claim matter for everyday users?
If sustainability is part of your buying criteria, it’s a relevant factor here: the description mentions upcycled wood and content from sustainably managed, certified forests.
Will the packaging match what I see online?
The listing notes that packaging may vary, so the presentation could differ even if the pencil set is the same.