STABILO CarbOthello chalk-pastel pencils — single pencil, 4.4 mm core, high pigmentation for dark papers

STABILO CarbOthello is a chalk-pastel style colouring pencil delivering dry, dusty, highly pigmented strokes that behave like pastel in a sharpenable pencil form.

CarbOthello brings the look and feel of chalk pastel into a compact, handy wooden pencil. Available in up to 60 shades, each pencil offers dense, luminous colour that sits beautifully on dark papers and delicate surfaces. The 4.4 mm core balances solidity and blendability, making it possible to achieve textured charcoal-like marks, layered opacity, and fine details after sharpening. Artists, students and hobbyists who want pastel effects without loose dust will appreciate its control and versatility.

How do CarbOthello pencils perform on different papers?

These pencils are formulated to show strong colour payoff across a variety of surfaces. On textured or pastel paper they lay down rich pigment and toothy texture; on smooth or dark papers the opacity and brilliance become especially visible. The dry, dusty stroke also blends well dry or partially aquarellable when water is introduced.

• Excellent opacity on dark and coloured papers
• High pigmentation preserves luminosity on textured surfaces
• Partially aquarellable cores allow soft washes when used sparingly with water
• Sharpenable to a fine point for detailed work

What blending and mixing techniques work best with CarbOthello?

CarbOthello is designed for dry blending like traditional pastel, but it also accepts limited water activation. You can layer multiple colours, feather them with a blending stump or fingertip, and use gentle washes on select tones for subtle transitions. The pencils' dryness gives predictable control for both broad strokes and fine cross-hatching.

• Dry mix colours directly on the paper for textured gradients
• Use a stump or soft brush to smooth and unite pigments
• Apply minimal water with a brush for selectively aquarelle effects
• Sharpen tips for crisp edges and precise highlights

How durable and user-friendly are these pencils?

The wooden shaft protects the 4.4 mm core from breakage while remaining easy to sharpen with standard sharpeners. The core's firmness strikes a balance between creamy pigment and structural strength, so it withstands regular use in studio or classroom settings. Because the pencils are dry and compact, they reduce loose dust compared with pan pastels or sticks.

• 4.4 mm lead resists breakage and sharpens cleanly
• Wooden casing shields the core during storage and transport
• Dry formulation minimizes loose pastel dust
• Available in up to 60 shades for flexible palettes

Which tools pair well with CarbOthello for best results?

Using complementary tools will extend what you can achieve with CarbOthello. Blending stumps, soft-bristled brushes, pastel papers with tooth, and a reliable sharpener will let you exploit both the pencil’s dusty texture and its capacity for detail. Fixatives can help protect finished pieces, especially when working with layered dry pigment.

• Blending stumps and tortillons for smooth transitions
• Soft brushes and minimal water for light aquarelle effects
• Pastel or textured paper to enhance pigment grip
• Suitable sharpener to preserve fine points

Who is this for: STABILO CarbOthello appeals to artists, art students, illustrators, and hobbyists who want the expressive look of chalk pastel with the control of a pencil. It suits anyone creating mixed-media pieces, portrait and figure details, sketch studies, or bold colour accents on dark backgrounds. Note: not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts.