Blackwing

Blackwing Vol. 11 Pencils

Variant
Regular price $2.67
The Blackwing 11 is a tribute to Bill Russell and his undeniable legacy on and off the basketball court. The number 11 foil stamped on each pencil represents the number of championships he won, more than any player in NBA history. The design features a green and black color way with his iconic #6 wrapped around the barrel along with a black ferrule, green eraser, and our soft graphite core.

Bill Russell won eleven championships in thirteen seasons as the heart of the greatest dynasty in basketball history. He was a dynamic champion on the court whose impact forever changed the game. Off the court, his presence was even more impactful as he endeavored to fight for equality and social justice.

Bill Russell revolutionized the way basketball was played. A dominant defender and rebounder, he transformed blocking shots into an art form, turning defense into a fast-break weapon. His unselfish style of play redefined what it meant to be a star, prioritizing teamwork and strategy over individual stats. For Russell, the game was about more than personal glory. It was about the principles that made winning meaningful.

A fearless advocate for equality, he was a vocal leader off the court, standing with civil rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Muhammad Ali.
  • Iconic aluminum ferrule design in black
  • Genuine Incense-cedar casing that sharpens evenly and easily
  • Specially formulated Japanese graphite that writes smoothly
  • Replacement erasers available separately
  • Sold as a a single pencil or a box of 12
  • Limited Edition! Once they're gone, they're gone
  • Imprint: Gold
  • Graphite: Soft

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.