Ideal for artists, illustrations, musicians, woodworkers and anyone who prefer a soft, dark line, the Blackwing Matte is the softest of the four core Blackwing models. Each pencil features a timeless matte finish and iconic square Blackwing ferrule.
Blackwing Matte pencils come in a 12-pack gift box that also doubles as a pencil cup. The Blackwing Matte has the soft same graphite formulation as the since renamed "Blackwing Palomino." Features a Graphite Identification Stamp indicating its "SOFT" graphite core. Like all Blackwing pencils, it offers an incredibly smooth writing experience, exceptional point retention, and that satisfying glide across the page.
Soft graphite core
Set of 12 pencils
Gift box that also doubles as a pencil cup
Iconic aluminum ferrule design
Genuine Incense-cedar casing that sharpens evenly and easily
Specially formulated Japanese graphite that writes smoothly
Replacement erasers available separately
All Blackwing pencil products conform to ASTM D-4236.
Blackwing pencils are a renowned product in the pencil world, with a rich history that stretches back nearly a century. They were first introduced in the 1930s, became unavailable in the 1990s and early 2000s, and then made a comeback in 2010. Originally produced by the Eberhard Faber Pencil Company in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Blackwing earned a reputation for being the smoothest and darkest pencils available. Their unique square, replaceable erasers also became a coveted feature.
However, in the 1990s, as office-supply companies struggled, Blackwing was discontinued. Despite that, demand for the pencils never faded. Over time, the price of remaining Blackwing pencils surged, with artists paying up to $40 per pencil for the old stock. Professional animators, in particular, had a strong attachment to Blackwing, seeing it as a vital tool for their work.
The revival of Blackwing came thanks to CalCedar, a leading American supplier of pencil wood based on the West Coast. Known for providing incense cedar wood to pencil manufacturers, CalCedar had already found success with their Palomino pencil brand. They acquired the rights to Blackwing's name and design, then set out to recreate the beloved pencil.
Today's Blackwing pencils rank among the best worldwide. Made in Japan with a proprietary graphite formula and an American incense cedar body, they are both luxurious and dependable. Artists and writers everywhere can relax knowing that Blackwing has been back since 2010 and will be around for the long term.
Additionally, Blackwing releases four limited edition pencils annually, called Volumes. These special editions are made in small batches, and once they're gone, they're gone. Each edition features a unique design and model number, celebrating cultural icons and events.
