Blackwing Pencils: A Comprehensive Guide

The legend of the Blackwing exceeds the reputation of any other pencil. Its exceptional balance of softness, darkness, and sharpness, set off by an elegant ferrule and replaceable eraser, makes it instantly recognizable.

Celebrated authors, musicians, and artists declared that they could not work without the original Blackwing after it was discontinued in 1998. The revived family of Blackwing Pencils and companion products produced by California Cedar Products Company live up to the Blackwing name both in terms of quality and in their undeniable panache.

Read on to learn why Blackwing Pencils stand out and discover which one would be best for you.

Table of Contents

Blackwing Characteristics

Form Factor

Blackwings are known for their flat ferrules.

Blackwings have a distinctive, premium look unlike any other pencil. The Matte, Pearl, and 602 models are finished with black, white, or gray lacquer. The Natural version has a clear finish that highlights the wooden barrel’s innate texture. The Blackwing logo and pencil name is imprinted on the side in gold lettering. You can feel that the letters are pressed into the wood—there’s no fear of paint rubbing off here.

Blackwings have unique eraser clips and erasers. They’re also longer than typical pencils.

Their iconic ferrules and erasers are what really make Blackwings stand out. Ferrules are the metal connectors that hold erasers on the end of a pencil. Blackwing ferrules are long, flat, and hold refillable erasers with an integrated clip that lets you extend the eraser as it wears down. The ferrules themselves are gold colored, while the erasers are black for the Matte, white for the Pearl, pink for the 602, and gray for the Natural. Blackwing Colors do not come with ferrules or erasers, but have shiny, silver-colored end caps for improved weight and balance.

Finally, we should note that Blackwings are longer than typical pencils, so they don’t fit in standard pen cases. All of the cases in our Extra Long Pencil Cases category can accommodate Blackwings.

Graphite

Blackwing graphite ranges from soft to extra firm.

Unlike most brands that use European or American lead grades to describe their pencils, Blackwing characterizes their graphite with these terms:

Soft: The softest and darkest of Blackwing graphite, this lead closely resembles 3B lead. The Blackwing Matte uses this graphite.
Balanced: Blackwing's balanced graphite falls between soft and firm. It can be found in the Blackwing Pearl.
Firm: The Blackwing 602 uses firm graphite, ideal for writing. It writes more smoothly than a typical pencil and is most similar to B lead.
Extra Firm: This is the hardest graphite Blackwing offers, and is the most similar to a #2 or HB pencil. You can find it in Blackwing Natural Pencils.

Materials

A Blackwing Pencil has a pleasant smell thanks to its incense cedar body.

All Blackwing Pencils are made from California incense cedar. This gives them a mild, pleasant smell that persists for a long time. Their cores are made in Japan to a formulation that is smoother and softer than most pencil leads, yet still allows them to keep a good point.

Standard Blackwing Pencils

Blackwing Matte Pencils

The Blackwing Matte has a soft and dark graphite.

The Blackwing Matte is especially good for art.

The first of the new Blackwings to be produced, Blackwing Matte Pencils are also the softest and darkest. Their buttery cores feel similar to a 4B lead and are especially good for art. They can make light marks when used with a gentle touch, but are typically quite dark. Unlike some soft pencils, Blackwings do not crumble with use. They are very consistent and sharpen to a fine point. They feature a matte black body with a gold-colored ferrule and black eraser.

Graphite: Soft

Blackwing Pearl Pencils

Blackwing Pearls stay sharp longer than the Mattes.

Blackwing Pearls have a good balance of hardness and darkness.

The Blackwing Pearl is a bit harder than the regular Blackwing, but still soft and dark. We place its lead at around a 3B grade. It stays sharp longer, so people who enjoy smooth pencils but don’t want to sharpen them as often prefer the Pearl. Its balance of darkness and hardness also makes it great for people who want to use the same pencil to write and draw with. The Blackwing Pearl has a fittingly pearlescent white finish with a gold ferrule and white eraser.

Graphite: Balanced

Blackwing 602 Pencils

The Blackwing 602 is closest to the original Blackwing.

The Blackwing 602 is especially good for writing.

The firm 602 is ideal for writing. It is smoother than a typical writing pencil and resembles a B lead. This is the pencil that is closest to the original Eberhard Faber Blackwing. In tribute, it reprises the slogan “Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed” on the barrel. The Blackwing 602 has a pearlescent gray finish with a gold ferrule and pink eraser.

Graphite: Firm

Blackwing Natural Pencils

The Blackwing Natural offers the hardest graphite found in the standard Blackwing lineup.

The Blackwing Natural is also ideal for writing.

The newest addition to the Blackwing standard lineup, the Natural Pencils offer the hardest graphite in Extra Firm, which is close to HB lead. Although they're the hardest Blackwing pencil, they're still smooth, which makes writing with them a pleasant experience. They are unpainted and have a clear matte finish, letting you appreciate the natural color and pattern of the wood.

Graphite: Extra Firm

Other Blackwing Pencils

Blackwing Colors Colored Pencils

Blackwing Colors have extra smooth wax cores.

Blackwing Colors are great for coloring.

Blackwing Colors expand the Blackwing lineup into the world of colored pencils. They boast extra-smooth wax cores that do not feel too “waxy” or become crumbly with use. Like graphite Blackwing pencils, Blackwing Colors are made from California incense cedar with Japanese wax cores. They are designed for easy coloring and perform best on mildly textured paper, making them an excellent choice for use with adult coloring books. Crafters also appreciate their good performance on black paper.

Blackwing Gift Sets

Blackwing Box Sets

Blackwing Box Sets are made of luxurious materials and filled with Blackwing Pencils.

A Blackwing Box Set is a lovely present for a fellow writer or pencil enthusiast—it’s also a great way to treat yourself! The beautiful boxes are made of different materials, and the French Wood and Rustic boxes even include Two-Step Long Point Sharpeners. Some Box Sets are also available with mixed pencils, which include equal numbers of each Blackwing type.

Box Type	Number of Pencils	Pencil Types
French Wood Box	24	Mixed
Piano Box	12	602, Matte, Natural, Pearl, Mixed
Rustic Box	12	602, Matte, Natural, Pearl, Mixed

Blackwing Starting Point Set

The Blackwing Starting Point Set includes one of each Blackwing Pencil as well as handy accessories.

Those who have never tried a Blackwing Pencil before can get a taste of these exceptional writing instruments with the Starting Point Set. It includes one of each Blackwing Pencil type, plus a One-Step Sharpener and an extra pack of black eraser refills.

Blackwing Volumes

Blackwing produces limited edition pencils known as the Volumes series. These quarterly releases celebrate cultural icons through their unique designs, including both their appearances and lead formulations. Keep reading to learn more about each special edition to date, listed from latest to earliest.

2023

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 192 Pencils

Blackwing Vol. 192 Pencils reference the enduring lyrics of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

When John Lennon and Paul McCartney first formed their songwriting partnership in the 1960s, no one could have predicted the immeasurable influence they would have on their craft. Blackwing Vol. 192 Pencils feature different Lennon-McCartney lyrics stamped in foil, while the converging color prism design represents the union of two powerful songwriting forces.

Graphite: Extra Firm

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2022

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 7 Pencils

Blackwing Vol. 7 Pencils aren’t just a tribute to animation: using the included viewfinder turns them into an actual animation!

From whistling mice and rascally rabbits to pocket-sized monsters and talking sponges, animation has given life to countless memorable characters. As a storytelling medium, animation is virtually limitless, bound only by the creators’ imaginations. Blackwing Vol. 7 Pencils are not just a tribute to animation and the incredible stories it has allowed us to share: they are animations! By lining up a set of six pencils using the colored guide dots and viewing the designs through the included viewfinder, you'll be treated to a seven-frame “picket fence” animation of Chuck Jones' iconic Wile E. Coyote.

Graphite: Balanced

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Blackwing Volumes Vol. 55 Pencils

Blackwing Vol. 55 Pencils depict the Fibonacci Sequence on their barrels.

The Golden Ratio has captivated ancient poets and mathematicians as well as Classical composers and modern architects. One of the best-known examples of the ratio is the Rule of Thirds in photography. Another is the Fibonacci sequence in mathematics, where each number is the sum of the previous two numbers in the sequence. As the sequence progresses, the ratios between the numbers get closer and closer to the Golden Ratio. Blackwing Vol. 55 Pencils are a tribute to the Golden Ratio, depicting the Fibonacci sequence with ten alternating stripes of increasing size.

Graphite: Balanced

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Blackwing Volumes Vol. 200 Pencils

Blackwing Vol. 200 Pencils have metallic copper finishes inspired by classic coffee roasting machines.

During the 1950s and 1960s, American coffeehouses became synonymous with creativity, intellectualism, and the Beat Generation. Creative icons recited poetry and discussed anti-materialism over cups of black coffee. One such coffeehouse was Caffè Lena of Sarasota Springs, New York, which has hosted countless members of the American creative counterculture over the decades. The Vol. 200 Pencils are a tribute to coffeehouses like Caffè Lena and the creative culture they fostered. Their metallic copper finishes are inspired by classic coffee roasting machines, and the volume number is taken from the temperature at which the seeds of the coffee plant are transformed into the roasted beans we know and love.

Graphite: Firm

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Blackwing Volumes Vol. 93 Pencils

Blackwing Vol. 93 Pencils are emblazoned with Corita Kent’s most iconic work.

Corita Kent was a 20th-century educator, artist, and social justice advocate who believed in the value of art as a tool for dialogue, reflection, and change. She taught her students to slow down and examine the small details of the world around them. She strove to create meaningful works that inspired people to reflect on the values of peace, love, and justice. The Vol. 93 Pencils are inspired by one of Kent's most iconic works: the “rainbow swash” painted on the side of a natural gas storage container in Boston that is still visible from Interstate 93.

Graphite: Soft

2021

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 651 Pencils

Blackwing Vol. 651 Pencils are inspired by Bruce Lee and his iconic striped jumpsuit from his final, unfinished film.

Bruce Lee needs no introduction as one of the most iconic and influential martial artists of all time, but he was also a philosopher who sought to learn as much as he could from as many cultures and schools of thought as possible. Vol. 651 Pencils memorialize Lee’s eclectic philosophies, both in combat and in life. The black and yellow pattern is inspired by his striped jumpsuit in The Game of Death. The volume number references 651 South Weller Street, the location of Lee's first formal martial arts school.

Graphite: Extra Firm

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Blackwing Volumes Vol. 64 Pencils

Blackwing Vol. 64 are a tribute to the storytelling art of comic books.

Swiss teacher and artist Rodolphe Töpffer published the first comic book in 1837. comics evolved from a niche novelty to a respected medium of art and storytelling, deftly blurring the lines between pop culture and fine art. A tribute to two centuries of comic creators and their work, these Vol. 64 Pencils feature a colorful halftone pattern inspired by the iconic printing style that has become synonymous with comic book art. The name is a reference to the 64-color palette that some of the earliest comics were limited to. Replacement erasers are available in cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—the primary colors of printing.

Graphite: Firm

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 223 Pencils

Blackwing Vol. 223 Pencils are inspired by the imagery in the lyrics of Woody Guthrie's “This Land Is Your Land.”

In 1940, Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land Is Your Land,” a song about the inequality he had witnessed in his travels through the United States. A tribute to Guthrie and his optimism, Vol. 223 Pencils feature a design inspired by the lyrics of “This Land Is Your Land.” On each pencil, you'll find a “ribbon of highway,” an “endless skyway”, and a “golden valley.” The matte black ferrule and earth-toned eraser are a nod to the many miles Guthrie traveled.

Graphite: Balanced

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Blackwing Volumes Vol. 6 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 6 Pencils are a tribute to neon signs.

More than a hundred years after French engineer Georges Claude installed the first neon sign above a Parisian barbershop in 1912, neon lights still illuminate the drive and perseverance of the small businesses that make up "Main Street"—the bookstores, boutiques, and cafes that give cities their souls, and make small towns feel like home. Paying tribute to independent businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit, the Blackwing Vol. 6 comes in two vibrant designs inspired by the iconic neon “Open” sign. Six of the pencils feature a neon blue barrel with a neon red eraser, and six feature a neon red barrel with a neon blue eraser. The pencils are accented with black ferrules and imprints. The number 6 is a nod to the six Noble Gases which give neon lights their distinct colors.

Graphite: Soft

2020

Blackwing Volumes Vol. XIX Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. XIX Pencils celebrate the 19th Ammendment, which gave women the right to vote.

On August 18, 1920, the women of the United States won the right to vote with the ratification of the the Nineteenth Amendment. Its passage was a groundbreaking moment in the history of democracy. These Blackwing Vol. XIX Pencils celebrate the amendment’s 100th anniversary and the ongoing fight to protect voting rights in the United States and around the world. They are inspired by the women’s suffrage flag, featuring a purple barrel, yellow stars, and a white-striped silver ferrule. The 36 stars represent the 36 states that voted to ratify the 19th Amendment. Matching purple replacement erasers are available.

Graphite: Firm

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 3 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 3 Pencils are dedicated to Ravi Shankar.

When Ravi Shankar agreed to teach George Harrison of the Beatles the sitar, Indian music and culture rose in popularity worldwide. A tribute to Ravi Shankar on his 100th birthday, the Vol. 3 Pencils feature a turmeric-yellow finish with a floral pattern inspired by one of Shankar's famous sitars. The pattern prominently features the ॐ (om), a sacred Sanskrit symbol with three components that correlate to the waking, dreaming, and unconscious states of being. For every pack sold, Blackwing will donate a portion of the proceeds to support the Ravi Shankar Foundation and their mission to “preserve the diversity of cultures and richness of their arts.” Matching turmeric yellow replacement erasers are available.

Graphite: Extra Firm

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Blackwing Volumes Vol. 840 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 840 Pencils feature a glossy sea green finish.

Duke Kahanamoku, the original Big Kahuna, is credited with the explosion in popularity of surfing. As a tribute to Duke's legacy, the Blackwing Vol. 840 Pencils feature a glossy sea green finish with gold accents in the shape of California’s 840-mile Golden Coast. Each pencil is capped with a large, light gray eraser, like foam on the edge of a cresting wave.

Graphite: Balanced

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 155 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 155 Pencils are dedicated to the graduates of the Bauhaus school.

Featuring an iconic Bauhaus motif of simple shapes and colors, the Blackwing Vol. 155 Pencils are dedicated to the graduates of the Bauhaus school and their passion for beauty, practicality, and craftsmanship that left an indelible mark on the world of art and design. German architect Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus design school with the belief that “there is no essential difference between the artist and the artisan.” His school sought to tear down the perceived walls separating art and design. Only 155 students ever graduated from the Bauhaus in its 24 years of operation, but those students went on to immeasurably impact the way the modern world would look.

Graphite: Soft

2019

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 42 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 42 is dedicated to Jackie Robinson and everyone else who inspires people to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles in their way.

The Vol. 42 Pencils are dedicated to Jackie Robinson and everyone else who inspires people to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles in their way. Inspired by Robinson's uniform, each pencil features a bright white finish, a metallic gray ferrule, a blue imprint and eraser, and a red 42—Robinson's jersey number with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was the first African American in over 60 years to play for a Major League Baseball team, but faced racism from fans, rivals, and even fellow teammates. His response was always to work harder and prove that he belonged.

Graphite: Balanced

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Blackwing Volumes Vol. 10 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 10 is a tribute to the legacy of the ten days Nellie Bly spent investigating the Women’s Lunatic Asylum in New York.

Reporter Nellie Bly went undercover in 1887 to investigate the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell Island in New York. The harsh conditions and cruel treatment of the patients were hidden from the public until Bly published her series of articles, “The Days in a Madhouse.” Her work led to the reform of New York's hospitals, brought greater understanding to mental illness, and set a standard for investigative journalism to uncover the truth and keep citizens informed. Blackwing’s Vol. 10 Pencils are a tribute to the legacy of the ten days she spent on Blackwell Island. Each pencil features a matte gray finish with dark writing on the barrel, inspired by the look of newsprint.

Graphite: Extra Firm

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 811 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 811 honors libraries and the illuminating hope they provide.

In 2010, Maya Angelou compared libraries to “a rainbow in the clouds”—no matter how much clouds block out the light, you can always find the illumination of hope in a library. The Blackwing Vol. 811 honors libraries and the illuminating hope they provide. Its emerald gradient finish and gold ferrule is reminiscent of the iconic green lamps that light the pages of books in libraries around the world. It even glows in the dark for extra “illumination.” The name 811 is a reference to the sectin of the Dewey Decimal System dedicated to American English Poetry, where many of Maya Angelou’s greatest works can be found.

Graphite: Firm

2018

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 4 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 4 is a tribute to the 2020 Mars rover mission.

The Blackwing Vol. 4 is a tribute to the 2020 NASA Mars rover mission and all great technological achievements that started with someone putting a pencil to paper. The first concepts for the rover’s robotic arm and zoom camera were drawn with Blackwing pencils at Motiv Space Systems, a fitting illustration of the pencil’s ability to help us reach for the stars. When it lands, these instruments will help the rover search for signs of life and test technology that may allow for future human expeditions. The Blackwing Vol. 4 features a rust-colored body and sand-textured finish inspired by the red planet itself. It is completed with Blackwing’s first-ever bronze ferrule, a cream eraser and imprint, and a soft graphite core.

Graphite: Soft

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 33 1/3 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 33 1/3 celebrates the richness of the analog experience.

The Blackwing Vol. 33 1/3 celebrates vinyl records and the richness of the analog experience. First introduced in the 1800s, vinyl's uncompressed, honest sound and the physical ritual of playing a record forge a connection between musician, music, and listener that is unmatched by newer musical media. The Vol. 33 1/3 features a matte black body, ferrule, and eraser. The body is accented with glossy black foil banding near the grip, which represent the grooves on a vinyl record. Its name references one of the most common playback speeds for vinyl records. The Blackwing Vol. 33 1/3 contains a balanced graphite core.

Graphite: Balanced

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 10001 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 10001 honors innovative math educator Tetsuya Miyamoto.

The Blackwing Vol. 10001 honors math educator Tetsuya Miyamoto, who practices “The Art of Teaching Without Teaching," and all creative educational methods. Miyamoto Sensei's most famous teaching tool is the KenKen® puzzle, which inspires his students to apply problem solving and logic in creative ways. The Blackwing Vol. 10001 features a red-stained barrel that allows the grain of the wood to show through, gold ferrule and imprint, black eraser, and firm graphite core. The pencil’s unusual five-sided shape represents a play on the word gōkaku which means “passed” (in the sense of passing a test) in Japanese, and gokakukei the Japanese word for “pentagon.” Its name references one of Miyamoto Sensei’s favorite equations and is a palindrome in both Arabic numerals and Kanji.

Graphite: Firm

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 54 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 54 pays tribute to the Surrealist movement.

Designed using the collaborative exercise known as “Exquisite Corpse,” the Blackwing Vol. 54 pays tribute to the Surrealist movement and all creative exercises that force us to look beyond our own perspectives. Seeking to unleash the power of the unconscious mind, Surrealist poets and artists looked for ways to produce works unhindered by reason. The Blackwing Vol. 54 is named for the address where the Exquisite Corpse method was first invented. Each element of the pencil’s design was chosen independently by a different contributor, resulting in a rose barrel, teal imprint, silver ferrule, and blue eraser, paired with an extra firm graphite core.

Graphite: Extra Firm

2017

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 16.2 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 16.2 honors mathematician Ada Lovelace.

The Blackwing Vol. 16.2 honors Ada Lovelace, a brilliant mathematician and visionary who recognized the potential of the calculating machines of the mid-19th century to develop into powerful computers. Her notes on Charles Babbage's theorized Analytical Engine include what many consider to be the world's first computer program. The Blackwing Vol. 16.2 references the Analytical Engine’s storage capacity of 16.2 kB, a tiny fraction of the storage of modern smartphones. Its matte white finish, black ferrule, and white eraser are inspired by the simple styling of the early personal computers that realized Ada’s vision. Each pencil is stamped with the initials AAL in binary.

Graphite: Firm

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 1 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 1 celebrates country music artist Guy Clark.

The Blackwing Vol. 1 celebrates country music artist Guy Clark, whose powerful debut album “Old No. 1” is regarded as one of the most influential ever recorded. The rich storytelling and poetic authenticity of his music helped establish the outlaw country genre, breaking free of the polished formulas of the mainstream Nashville sound. The pencil features the round barrel preferred by Guy, with a matte gray washcoat that lets the wood grain show through. Its blue-gray eraser is inspired by the color of Guy’s signature denim shirts. The Blackwing 1 is finished with a silver ferrule.

Graphite: Balanced

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 73 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 73 pays tribute to Lake Tahoe.

The blue finish and raised texture of the Blackwing Vol. 73 pay tribute to Lake Tahoe and the fight to preserve its natural beauty. When the lake began to lose its stunning clarity due to pollution, aggressive conservation efforts brought it back to a visible depth of 73 feet—a significant improvement over its low of 66 feet. The raised ripples on the pencil’s surface reflect Lake Tahoe’s topography, while its silver ferrule and white eraser complement its Tahoe blue body. The Blackwing 73 has soft lead.

Graphite: Soft

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 205 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 205 commemorates Zhang Qian’s 13 year expedition, and the path which later became the Silk Road.

The Blackwing Vol. 205 commemorates the 13-year expedition of imperial Chinese diplomat Zhang Qian that laid the groundwork for the Silk Road. This trade route allowed an unprecedented exchange of goods and cultural ideas between East and West for over a thousand years. The pencils feature a swirling body print inspired by jade, one of the most valuable goods traded through the Silk Road. In a first for the Volumes series, they come in two colors: green and white. The name of the pencils comes from the molecular weight of jadeite, the most sought-after form of jade. Each Blackwing Vol. 205 pencil has a black eraser and gold ferrule.

Graphite: Firm

2016

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 530 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 530 celebrates “striking gold.”

Eureka! The Blackwing Vol. 530 celebrates the moment of discovery. Its gold barrel and shiny, black-striped gold ferrule are inspired by both the historic discovery of gold that set off the California Gold Rush and the eureka moments that bring clarity to the creative process. The pencil is named for Sutter’s Mill, also known as California Historical Site No. 530, where gold was first found in the state. The Blackwing Vol. 530 has a black eraser and extra-firm graphite.

Graphite: Extra Firm

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 344 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 344 pays tribute to photographer Dorothea Lange.

The Blackwing Vol. 344 has a maroon barrel, black eraser, and dramatic red ferrule that pays tribute to photographer Dorothea Lange and the 80th anniversary of her historic Depression-era photograph “Migrant Mother.” The pencil’s coloring is inspired by how a Blackwing 602 would look in a darkroom and the number indicates the Library of Congress LOT that contains several Dorothea Lange photographs.

Graphite: Firm

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 56 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 56 features baseball-inspired pinstripes.

Blackwing Vol. 56 honors baseball legend Joe DiMaggio on the 75th anniversary of his astounding 56 game hitting streak. It features a white barrel with blue pinstripes and a navy eraser, evoking the uniform of the New York Yankees. Its gold ferrule and lettering reference the Commissioner’s Trophy won by the Yankees in 1941.

Graphite: Firm

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 24 Pencils

The all-black Blackwing Vol. 24 honors John Steinbeck.

No other writer has such a strong association with the original Blackwing, so it’s fitting that the Blackwing Vol. 24 celebrates John Steinbeck. It was designed with input from Steinbeck’s son to be the author’s ideal pencil. It has a custom extra firm graphite core that is ideal for long writing sessions and sharpens to a fine, strong point without sacrificing much darkness. This all-black pencil’s name references Steinbeck’s practice of working with 24 sharpened pencils at a time to reduce distractions from sharpening.

Graphite: Extra Firm

2015

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 1138 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 1138 displays the entire film “A Trip to the Moon” on its barrel.

The Blackwing Vol. 1138 memorializes the groundbreaking film, “A Trip to the Moon.” Not only was it the first science fiction film ever made, but its length, elaborate costumes, and storyline set the tone for narrative films of all genres. To properly represent filmmaker Georges Méliès’ triumph, compressed the whole movie into strips of color and applied that design to the barrel of the pencil through an intricate process called roll-on printing. The pencil’s silver ferrule and black eraser suit the lunar theme, and it features the same soft graphite as the regular Blackwing. Its name refers to the frequent appearance of the number 1138 in science fiction.

Graphite: Soft

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 211 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 211 is named for the length of the John Muir Trail.

Naturalist John Muir is known as the “Father of the National Parks.” The Blackwing Vol. 211 honors the outsize impact he had on the United State’s treatment of its wild environment—most famously through the founding of Yosemite National Park. The number 211 marks the length in miles of the John Muir Trail, which passes through the park. The pencil has a subtle, natural finish and brown eraser that conjure up the image of the woods. Its firm core is intended to last during long outdoor sketching sessions.

Graphite: Firm

Blackwing Volumes Vol. 725 Pencils

The Blackwing Vol. 725 features a Bob Dylan-inspired gradient.

Blackwing launched their limited edition pencils with a tribute to the Newport Folk Festival® and its impact on music and culture. The Blackwing Vol. 725 specifically memorializes the day Bob Dylan “went electric” on the 25th day of the 7th month at the festival. The pencil’s barrel recalls the sunburst finish of his Fender Stratocaster guitar with an ombre color scheme of yellow, red, and black, a gold-colored ferrule, and a black eraser.

Graphite: Balanced

Blackwing Special Editions

Blackwing occasionally releases other limited edition pencils outside of the Volumes series. You can learn more about these pencils below.

Blackwing Eras Pencils

Blackwing Eras Pencils are inspired by the design of Blackwing pencils from the mid-20th century.

From the 1930s to the 1990s, Blackwing pencils built a cult following among writers and musicians. These special edition Eras Pencils are inspired by the design of Blackwing pencils from the mid-20th century. They feature dark gray barrels with the classic “Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed” logo printed in gold foil.

Graphite: Extra Firm

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Writing Samples & Test Results

We tested all of the standard Blackwing graphite pencils as well as the colored pencils on their erasability and tendency to smudge. Swatches were created on Maruman Mnemosyne paper. To erase the pencil marks, we used the Sakura Sumo Grip.

Blackwing Graphite Pencils

	Eraser Test (Block)	Smudge Test (Block)	Eraser Test (Loops)	Smudge Test (Loops)

Blackwing Colored Pencils

Name	Eraser Test (Block)	Smudge Test (Block)	Eraser Test (Loops)	Smudge Test (Loops)

Blackwing Notebooks

The Blackwing Slate is the ultimate companion to Blackwing pencils.

The Blackwing Slate come in three different sheet styles: lined, dot grid, and blank.

The simple design of the Blackwing Slate makes it an ideal companion for sophisticated Blackwing pencils. It was made for everyday carry, with a portable A5 size that still allows for extensive writing. Its firm cover is paired with a soft, dual-sewn spine, ribbon bookmark, and built-in pencil loop that comes equipped with a Blackwing pencil. The Slate's water-resistant leatherette cover feel pleasantly supple and feature thoughtfully rounded corners. Its high-quality, 100 gsm ivory pages were specifically chosen for their excellent performance with Blackwing pencils. The notebook has a durable sewn binding and opens flat for comfortable writing. It is available with a black or white cover and dot grid, lined, or blank paper.

Blackwing Accessories

Blackwing Handheld Erasers

The Blackwing Handheld Eraser is made of a soft material that removes graphite cleanly and easily.

This Handheld Eraser emulates the iconic shape of the eraser found on a Blackwing Pencil. Its durable aluminum holder includes a clip that allows you to extend the eraser as it’s used up. The eraser itself is made of a soft material that removes mistakes cleanly and easily. Eraser refills are also available.

Blackwing Pencil Sharpeners

Blackwing offers several different sharpener types. The Two-Step and One-Step sharpeners are shown above.

Made in partnership with German pencil sharpener manufacturer KUM, the Two-Step Long Point Pencil Sharpener uses a two-step process to shave off the pencil’s wood casing and sharpen the exposed lead to a long point. There’s even an automatic brake to prevent over-sharpening. For a compact option, try the One-Step Sharpener. It creates a shorter and slightly concave pencil tip. Both sharpeners use rust resistant, high carbon steel blades that are replaceable.

Writers who do most of their work at a desk will appreciate the Desktop Sharpener: Just insert your pencil and turn the crank to sharpen your pencil quickly and efficiently.

Pencil enthusiasts who want to customize their pencils can try the Høvel, a miniature woodworking plane that lets you tailor the shape and sharpness of your pencil tip.

Blackwing Pencil Eraser Refills

Blackwing Pencil Eraser Refills let you customize your pencils.

Blackwing Eraser Refills come in six colors, so you can easily “hack” your Blackwing with an eraser in your favorite color. Using different colors also helps you tell your pencils apart if your friends or family also use Blackwings. To replace the eraser, simply pull out the eraser clip, remove the eraser, and place the new one in the clip. Squeeze the clip together before putting it back into the ferrule for a more secure fit.

Blackwing Pencil Extenders

The Blackwing Pencil Extender allows you to use a pencil down to the last centimeters of graphite.

The Blackwing Pencil Extender allows you to use a pencil down to the last centimeters of graphite. It adds a few extra inches to a pencil stub and makes it more comfortable to hold in the hand. To install the extender, remove the eraser and eraser clip from the back of a pencil. Slide the eraser clip on the rubber end of the extender, then push the clipped extender into the ferrule.

Blackwing Point Guard Pencil Caps

Blackwing Point Guard Pencil Caps protect the tips of your pencils.

Protect your pencil tip with the Blackwing Point Guard Pencil Cap. This high-quality machined aluminum cap is specifically designed to compliment the shape and style of Blackwing pencils. However, it is also compatible with most ordinary wooden pencils. It adds about 1.5 cm to the overall length of the pencil when used.

Blackwing History

The original Blackwing was introduced in the 1930s by Eberhard Faber, a well-known pencil manufacturer (if the name reminds you of Faber-Castell, you’re not wrong—the two companies have historical family ties).

Although it was released during the Great Depression, the Blackwing was as much a premium pencil then as it is now. Its appearance was unusual yet attractive, and it was undeniably high quality. Its slogan boasted that it provided “Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed.” Famous writers, artists, and composers seemed to agree. It popped up in the hands of Truman Capote, Igor Stranvisky, and Quincy Jones, among others. Author John Steinbeck and animator Chuck Jones specifically mentioned how much they preferred it.

Despite this popularity, the Blackwing never sold well. Competition from cheaper, mass-market pencils shrank its small customer base even further over time. When the machine that made the custom Blackwing ferrules broke, demand was so low that it did not make sense to repair it. Eberhard Faber discontinued the Blackwing in 1998.

Dedicated Blackwing users quickly stockpiled all the pencils they could find. The internet was also growing at that time, which allowed Blackwing fans to not only share pencil stories but buy and sell the rapidly depleting stock online—sometimes for more than $40 per pencil.

In the meantime, a company called California Cedar Products came out with a pencil under the Palomino brand that reminded some users of the original Blackwing. Inspired by the comparison, California Cedar acquired the Blackwing trademark and produced a pencil that married the original Blackwing’s look and feel with a softer lead and black barrel. They followed that up with the Blackwing 602, which more closely imitated the original, and went on to produce the Pearl, Volumes, and Colors editions.

Fittingly for a product so tied to the arts, a portion of all sales of Blackwing Pencils benefits the Blackwing Foundation. This nonprofit funds arts and music education at the K-12 level.

More Resources

Conclusion

Artists, writers, and ordinary pencil users enjoy the Blackwing and its exceptionally smooth performance. Have you tried the Blackwing? Let us know how you use it in the comments below!

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The Starting Point Set is perfect for anyone interested in experiencing Blackwing for the first time.

If you're new to Blackwing, the best place to start is this Starting Point Set. It features one of each of Blackwing’s four standard pencils, letting you see for yourself which ones you like best, as well as replacement erasers and a sharpener. It comes in a stealthy black box that makes it perfect for gifting.

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Blackwing Pencils
Name	Graphite Hardness	Core Type	Best For	Add to Cart
Blackwing 602 Pencils	Firm	Graphite	Writing	Add to Cart
Blackwing Colors Colored Pencils	N/A	Color	Coloring	Add to Cart
Blackwing Matte Pencils	Soft	Graphite	Drawing	Add to Cart
Blackwing Natural Pencils	Extra Firm	Graphite	Writing	Add to Cart
Blackwing Pearl Pencils	Balanced	Graphite	Drawing, Writing	Add to Cart
Blackwing Gift Sets
Name	Pencil Types	Core Type	Items Included	Add to Cart
Blackwing French Wood Box	Mixed	Graphite	24 pencils, One-Step Long Point Pencil Sharpener	Add to Cart
Blackwing Piano Box	602, Matte, Natural, Pearl, Mixed	Graphite	12 pencils	Add Items to Cart
Blackwing Rustic Box	602, Matte, Natural, Pearl, Mixed	Graphite	12 pencils, One-Step Long Point Pencil Sharpener	Add Items to Cart
Blackwing Starting Point Set	602, Matte, Natural, Pearl	Graphite	4 pencils, Black Replacement Eraser, Two-Step Long Point Pencil Sharpener	Add to Cart

Blackwing Notebooks
Name	Colors	Sheet Styles	Add to Cart
Blackwing Slate Notebook	Black, White	Blank, Dot Grid, Lined	Add Items to Cart
Blackwing Accessories
Name	Colors	Material	Add to Cart
Blackwing Desktop Sharpener	Black	Metal, Plastic	Add to Cart
Blackwing Handheld Eraser	Black	Aluminum, Soft vinyl plastic	Add Items to Cart
Blackwing Høvel Pencil Sharpener	Black	Aluminum, Wood	Add to Cart
Blackwing One-Step Long Point Pencil Sharpener	Black	Aluminum, Steel	Add to Cart
Blackwing Pencil Eraser Refills	Black, Blue, Cream, Green, Grey, Orange, Pink, Red, White, Yellow	Dust-free thermoplastic rubber	Add Items to Cart
Blackwing Pencil Extender	Black	Aluminum, Rubber	Add to Cart
Blackwing Point Guard Pencil Cap	Black, Gold, Silver	Aluminum	Add Items to Cart
Blackwing Two-Step Long Point Pencil Sharpener	Black, Grey, White	Plastic, High-carbon steel	Add Items to Cart