Blackwing

Blackwing Vol. 17 Pencils

Single or Boxed?
Regular price $32.00
Blackwing 17 examines the mindful practice of gardening. Earth-toned color palette: olive green finish, dark brown ferrule and imprint, burgundy eraser. Features a Balanced graphite and a 10cm ruler stamped into the barrel to chart your plant growth.

Gardens have long been a place for meditative contemplation. They provide us with an escape from a world that constantly demands our attention.

Gardening has been proven to uplift spirits and lower stress and anxiety. It provides us with an opportunity for new growth, a meaningful routine, and a template for nurturing other aspects of our lives. Just as there are 17 essential nutrients for healthy plant growth, there are many essential “nutrients” for a fulfilling life. Keeping a garden allows us to tend to ourselves with love, happiness and purpose.
  • Iconic aluminum ferrule design in dark brown
  • Genuine Incense-cedar casing that sharpens evenly and easily
  • Specially formulated Japanese graphite that writes smoothly
  • Replacement erasers available separately
  • Sharpener sold separately
  • Sold as a a single pencil or a box of 12

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.