The Makings of a Blackwing: Quality Materials and Craftsmanship
The Makings of a Blackwing
What is it about a Blackwing pencil that evokes such a spark of joy? Beyond the smooth, dark lines and the iconic rectangular eraser, the secret lies in the thoughtful selection of high-quality materials that give it form. Here we take a deep dive into what makes a Blackwing, a Blackwing.
The Foundation: Genuine Incense-cedar
Hold a Blackwing in your hand, and the first thing you might notice is the distinctive feel and the fragrant wood. Blackwing pencils are crafted from Incense-cedar, responsibly harvested from the forests of California and Oregon. This isn't just any wood; it's chosen for its exceptional properties and sustainability. Incense-cedar’s durability makes machining simple, leaving little to no imperfections. The wood sharpens beautifully and evenly, resisting splintering and providing a smooth, consistent sharpening experience. This careful selection of wood speaks to Blackwing's commitment to both performance and a pleasurable user experience.
The Shape: Practicality
The hexagonal shape of Blackwing pencils makes them ideal for everyday use, whether you are sketching, doing wood work, writing a to-do list, or journaling. The shape also ensure it stays in place on counters, desks, night stands, etc. so it won’t roll off!
The Core: Premium Graphite
The writing or drawing experience of a pencil hinges on its graphite core. Blackwing’s cores are made of a mixture of clay and wax that gives it a buttery smoothness, with four cores to choose from:
Each core is formulated for a specific feel and result. This attention to detail ensures that artists, writers, creatives, and anyone else that enjoys quality stationery can find the perfect Blackwing for their needs. Check out the Blackwing Graphite Guide for more details.
A Mark of Distinction: The Gold Imprint
Each Blackwing pencil features a gold foil imprint displaying the “Blackwing" name and model. This isn't a superficial detail—the application of this imprint speaks to the care and attention given to the final presentation of the pencil. While common pencils only have around 2-3 layers of lacquer, a single Blackwing contains up to 12 layers. This means each pencil has an exceptionally smooth exterior finish and allows our brass imprint die to apply cleanly. It's a subtle yet significant detail that reinforces the premium nature of the product and has become a recognizable hallmark of the Blackwing brand.
The Grip and Connection: The Ferrule
The distinctive flat ferrule, the metal band that connects the wood to the eraser, is more than just a functional piece. This is what makes a Blackwing widely recognizable. The glued-on application of the Blackwing ferrule ensures a sturdy build and clean look, while securing the eraser to prevent it from easily popping out. This seemingly small detail speaks to the overall quality and thoughtful engineering of a Blackwing pencil.
The Finishing Touch: The Eraser
Finally, the iconic rectangular eraser is a testament to Blackwing's commitment to functionality. Made from high-quality rubber, it erases cleanly and effectively without smudging, allowing you to refine your work with precision. Its unique shape also offers versatility, with edges for detail work and broader surfaces for larger corrections. Need more eraser or want a different color? The eraser is replaceable.
In every element, from the sustainably-sourced Incense-cedar to the carefully formulated graphite, the elegant gold imprint, the robust ferrule, and the dependable eraser, Blackwing pencils are a testament to the power of premium materials and thoughtful design. It's this dedication to the fundamentals that elevates the Blackwing experience, making it more than just a tool, but an essential for anyone who values craftsmanship and creativity.
Learn about Blackwing's history in our Wall Street Journal feature: