Eberhard Faber | Microtomic 600 / 603 | 5B

The Microtomic was Eberhard Faber's premium American drawing pencil, evolved from the earlier Van Dyke (renamed Van Dyke Microtomic during a transition period and finally just Microtomic when it reached its dusk-grey form in 1953). "Microtomic" was the firm's name for its high-density graphite refining process, and the leads were prized for laying down exceptionally smooth, deep-black lines across a full professional range from 7B to 9H. It was sold as the hexagonal model 600 (a plain drawing pencil with no eraser) and the model 603, which carried an adjustable eraser in a ferrule like the famous Blackwing 602; both have long been discontinued and are now collector items.

This specimen: Microtomic 600 / 603 in grade 5B.