Blackwing pencils – The legendary pencils
Loved the world over for its quality, iconic shape, quality of graphite and replaceable eraser, it has inspired the creative work of many throughout the ages.
The legendary Blackwing is no mere pencil – it’s a creative tool chosen by some of the last century’s greatest minds, with an astounding legacy all its own. Loved the world over for its iconic shape, high-quality graphite and replaceable eraser, this humble pencil has a history that speaks volumes.
What makes Blackwing so special?
With roots stretching back to the 1930s, the original Blackwing 602 was the go-to pencil of artists, writers and designers for more than 60 years. Fans of the pencil included luminaries from a huge range of creative fields, from authors like John Steinbeck, Vladimir Nabakov and Truman Capote to musical icons including Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein and Quincy Jones.
The legendary cartoonist Chuck Jones used his Blackwing pencils to design Bugs Bunny and countless other Looney Tunes characters, while Disney animator Shamus Culhane asked to be buried with his beloved Blackwing 602.
In 1998, after several corporate acquisitions, the Blackwing was discontinued, but lovers of the iconic pencil would not let go without a fight. Such was their commitment to a humble pencil that fans began paying as much $40 on eBay for a single Blackwing 602, which eventually caught the attention of other pencil-makers.
Blackwing Reborn
In 2010, President and CEO of California Cedar Products Company and the Palomino brand, Charles Berolzheimer II, brought the beloved pencil back to life, re-introducing the Blackwing pencil to its keen fans. The Palomino Blackwing featured the original’s iconic rectangular eraser, and the 602’s “Half the pressure, twice the speed” motto emblazoned on the pencil’s hexagonal body.
Even with such discerning customers, the Palomino Blackwing was hailed as the rebirth of a classic, and the humble pencil continues to be the go-to for creative types from all over the world. Eventually, the Palomino brand was removed from the name, allowing the classic Blackwing to stand on its own.
But you don’t need to know the history to understand why so many people love their Blackwing pencils. Made with genuine incense cedar grown in California and Oregon, Blackwing pencils feel wonderful in your hand, and give off a captivating, woody scent that makes them a delight even before you’ve made a mark on the page.
The replaceable square eraser is a distinctive feature, but it’s the quality of their graphite cores that make Blackwing pencils so beloved by artists, writers, designers and more. Made from premium Japanese graphite, the cores are given extra strength by the addition of clay, as well as some wax to keep them smooth.
These days, Blackwing pencils offer a range of graphite cores to choose from, so you can pick the one best suited to your needs. The Blackwing 602 is the original, with a Firm graphite core best suited to writing and sketching. Blackwing Natural pencils have an Extra Firm core that helps it stay sharper for longer – perfect when precision is required, like in technical drawing, or when you’re taking notes and don’t have time to stop.
On the softer side, Blackwing Pearl pencils feature a Balanced graphite that’s the most versatile in the Blackwing range, so it can do just about anything. The most responsive of all is the Blackwing Matte, which features a Soft graphite core, allowing the pencil to dynamically reflect pressure more accurately. The Soft graphite is also the darkest of the range, with Extra Firm being the lightest.
Blackwing Volumes
In addition to the core range (pun fully intended), Blakwing releases seasonal special edition pencils they call Volumes. Each Volumes release pays tribute to a key part of our creative culture, from record stores and comic books to legendary artists, musicians, and even coffee. The Volumes releases are carefully considered, tell a beautiful story, and feature some of the most striking pencils you’ll ever see.
With impeccable craft and a decades-long legacy of inspiring creativity, the humble Blackwing pencil more than lives up to the hype. Experience the grace and quality of a Blackwing pencil for yourself, and you’ll understand why it’s so special immediately.
Available in limited quantity at Speak out Hydra.
Source of the story: milligram.com