Caran d'Ache: Swiss Precision in Every Stroke

Everyone knows Caran d’Ache. Some can name every pen (and have quite a few in their personal collection). Others may simply recognize the hexagonal logo and the red-and-white detailing. Caran d’Ache holds over a hundred years under its belt, yet nothing about the brand feels dated. This iconic Swiss brand continues to shapeshift as the years go by, while maintaining what has always made it special. We have carried Caran d’Ache in our store for as long as we can remember. They are not one of the brands that come and go; Caran d’Ache is built to last, and their agile approach ensures that they will never go out of style.

We aren’t just talking about luxury pens here. Caran d’Ache began as a pencil manufacturer, a practice they continue today. They also offer leather goods, ink, and even desk accessories such as their desk pencil sharpener, which is a true showstopper.

Caran d’Ache not only has something for everyone, but it continues to surprise those already invested in the brand. Let’s run through our favourite items from Caran d’Ache, which just might jump to the top of your wishlist. But first, some history.

Swiss Made for Over 100 Years

Caran d’Ache started in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1915, and they are one of the last remaining brands that control every stage of production. They complete every step, from design to production to packaging, in-house. That precision and care for every point of detail is how Caran d’Ache has built a loyal following over the years. When you buy one of their products, you know that no labour was outsourced or completed elsewhere. You can trust that every aspect of your pen was approved and completed by a dedicated team of artisans under Caran d’Ache’s roof. Specifically, in their workshop in Geneva, they have artisans representing 90 different crafts under one roof. Caran d’Ache also remains a family company, currently being run by the fourth generation that has been involved since the 1930s.

At Laywine’s, we always gravitate towards the family businesses, the craft done by hand, the innovation that rests at the centre of our favourite brands. Caran d’Ache is a prime example of a brand that is passionate, ethically run, and always creative.

The brand was originally named Fabrique Genevoise de Crayons, and was renamed Caran d’Ache in 1924. Caran d’Ache means pencil in Russian, and the root of the word comes from the Turkish “kara-tash” which means black stone – also known as graphite. Caran d’Ache’s hexagonal emblem is meant to resemble the end of a pencil, and hexagons appear frequently in their designs, paying homage to their roots in wooden graphite pencils. Caran d’Ache started by producing art supplies and high-quality writing instruments. Functionally, the hexagonal shape means the pen is easy to hold, it won’t roll off your desk, and in editions such as the Ecridor, there are 6 faces to be engraved and designed as individual canvases.

You will see “Swiss Made” stamped on Caran d’Ache products. What does that mean? That comes from the passion we were just talking about! Other brands may have started in one country or city, but as they’ve grown, production has shifted, and their origins are just that – origins. Caran d’Ache stands out in that regard. Not only were they created in Geneva, but that is where they continue to work, and they’re proud of it. There’s a certain reputation that comes along with Swiss craftsmanship, and Caran d’Ache lives up to that expectation. “Swiss Made” reflects their promise that they will honour their home and continue producing the highest quality one can find.

Even if you think there is nothing here for you, we promise you that is not true. Caran d’Ache attracts any kind of writer or artist, and they are constantly coming out with new collaborations and editions that will surely, eventually, catch your eye.

The Starting Lineup

849

Everyone will agree that the best place to start with Caran d’Ache is the 849 series. The 849 series is available as ballpoints, rollerballs, mechanical pencils, and fountain pens. The ballpoint is the most iconic, and you can bet most pen users have at least one or two in their stash.

The 849 is a slim, hexagonal, lightweight body with a smooth click mechanism. This pen fits in any pen loop, is the perfect companion for any travel journal, and it comes in a variety of colours, including primary colours and fluorescent shades. Caran d’Ache also releases special editions of the 849, sometimes just in the ballpoint, others in a set of the ballpoint and mechanical pencil. We currently have another Paul Smith collaboration at our store, which includes two new editions of the 849, as well as a pocket notebook, coloured pencils, and an Ecridor!

But the thing that makes the 849 really special is the refill. The Goliath ballpoint refill is the best refill on the market. It can write 8000m (600 A4 pages) before running out. No other refill has that longevity. And you can believe us when we preach the quality of the Goliath refill, because they are not just in the 849s, but in Caran d’Ache’s premium ballpoints as well. Just think, how many Bics will you throw in a landfill when you could just use one Goliath?

Ecridor

The next step up is the Ecridor series. Inspired by the Art Deco period, which is when Caran d’Ache committed to the iconic hexagonal design, the Ecridor is the emblematic model from this brand. With a variety of innovative designs, gold or palladium-plated bodies, and guilloched (engraved) patterns on the 6 sides of the hexagonal body, each Ecridor is its own work of art. Some even have dedicated space for your own engraving! And just like the 849s, their Ecridor ballpoints also take Goliath refills. Available in the whole range of writing instruments.

Léman

The Léman series veers away from geometric shapes and towards smooth, curving lines intended to evoke a different emotion in the writer. This series is inspired by Lake Geneva, as the word léman is the French word for Geneva (Lac Léman). The designs of this series are each intended to represent a different element of the lake: sailboats crossing the lake, morning light reflecting off the water’s surface, the city’s energy reflected in the ripping tides.

Each pen in the Léman series is balanced beautifully. Its weight allows your hand to glide along the page, being guided by the pen itself. And the fountain pens are outfitted with gold nibs, of course. While the Léman may look a bit different from the iconic hexagonal designs, it is still very Caran d’Ache. Inspired by the place they have called home since 1915, each piece carries more weight than what is in your hand.

Varius

The Varius series takes Caran d’Ache’s creativity to the next level, as each edition sports a different material. Whether it’s the chainmail body on the Ivanhoe, the high-tech rubber of the Rubracer, or the newest Varius Lights that incorporates silver-plated palladium-coated brass and an onyx cabochon on the push button – safe to say the Varius series is unlike anything else in your collection. And once again, Caran d’Ache does not simply create new designs for aesthetics, and aesthetics alone. The Varius series is inspired by other art forms that also breathe expert craftsmanship, such as jewelry and watchmaking.

Other Offerings

Ink

Caran d’Ache offers a wide range of inks available as bottles or standard international cartridges. The bottles are designed to be slightly slanted, so the ink pools in the corner, allowing you to get the very last drop.

Coloured Pencils

This wouldn’t be a complete Caran d’Ache overview without talking about what made them so legendary. Their coloured pencils are always a joy to write with, and more functional than any other box of art supplies. Notably, their Luminance 6901 Coloured Pencils Wooden Case of 100 is a giant of a set. 100 coloured pencils, 9 repeats for frequent use, 2 blender pencils, and 1 full blender – these 112 pencils would provide the greatest foundation for any visual artist. Their wax-based leads provide a smooth writing experience, and 80 shades carry the highest LFI rating, meaning you will get archival quality from your creations. Not to mention the oak case and removable trays would bring attention to any studio.

Why We Love Caran d'Ache

Caran d’Ache is a staple. When someone walks into our shop for the first time and is looking for an everyday writer, we point them to the 849s. When someone is looking for their next high-end pen, we may recommend the Léman or the newest Varius. A Caran d’Ache collection is not stagnant; it continues to grow as you do.

One of the biggest reasons we love Caran d’Ache is simple: the colours! This brand does not shy away from amazing pops of colour. From the bright Swiss red on their packaging to the extraordinary selection of colour in their coloured pencil sets, this brand is for those who are tired of neutrals everywhere they look. Nothing about Caran d’Ache feels boring, stuffy, or out of style.

Finally, these products are made to last. As mentioned, Caran d’Ache is one of the last companies to control every stage of production. Every detail is checked and checked again, and nothing leaves Geneva until it is perfect. These pens, pencils, inks, and accessories are built to be strong, precise, and functional.

Caran d’Ache’s message is simple: pick up some coloured pencils, and remind yourself of your childhood wonder; we are never too old to draw, to experiment with colour, to play.