Each limited edition of Graf von Faber-Castell's Pen of the Year commemorates a culture that has inspired and shaped the history of humankind. They are not only pens, but remarkable works of art.

The 2021 Pen of the Year celebrates the knights of medieval times. Noble, chivalrous and deeply loyal, their training took 14 years and covered swordsmanship, hunting, riding, martial arts, swimming and climbing. It even included dancing!

The 2021 Pen of the Year embodies the characteristics of the noble knight with a barrel constructed from Damascus steel. This is the material that medieval blacksmiths used to forge the knights' swords, and was created by the repeated welding and folding of different types of steel. This resulted in a hard but flexible blade with a uniquely iridescent surface.

The milled, brown-lacquered grip area is inspired by the leather strap on the sword's grip, and the matt, anthracite-grey cap is coated in PVD titanium and represents the fine structure of chain mail. The end of the cap is inscribed with the 'heraldic cross', a symbol of hope in medieval times. The end of the pen is decorated with a red faceted garnet with sunray cut, which symbolises light and truth.

Each pen is individually numbered: there are only 125 available worldwide. Supplied with a black rollerball refill in a stunning polished black wooden box, it comes complete with a brochure and certificate of authenticity.