BLACKWING FAQ & SHIPPING GUIDE

Answers to frequently asked questions about Blackwing products, the Blackwing Volumes program and our shipping & returns policy

PRODUCTS

What is the difference between the Blackwing models?

Blackwing Matte – Soft. Dark lines. Excellent shading ability.

Blackwing 602 – Firm. Lighter graphite. Great for notes, lists, and outlining

Pearl – Balanced. Graphite is a blend of that found in the Matte and 602. Firm point, dark graphite. Versatile.

Natural - Extra-Firm. The graphite is ideal for extended writing sessions and detailed line work.

A detailed breakdown of our four cores is available here.

Volumes - Different releases contain a different selection of our four cores. These are limited edition pencils release every quarter that celebrate the people, places and events that have defined our creative culture. Please refer to this chart to see all of our Volumes releases and their respective cores here.

What type of wood do you use?

Blackwing pencils are made out of Genuine Incense-cedar from California and Oregon. Incense-cedar features a fine, straight grain that sharpens quickly and evenly, giving the pencil a smooth, sharp point (and it smells great too!).

What type of graphite do you use?

We use premium Japanese graphite in all of our pencils. Japanese graphite is darker and smoother than other graphites thanks to the unique combination of graphite, wax and clay. Plus, our relationship with our graphite manufacturer means we can get our graphites formulated to our exact specifications.

What does the 602 mean?

The number 602 originally referred to the pencil's model number. The Blackwing 602 was introduced after the Van Dyke 601 and before the Microtomic 603.

How do I use the One-Step Long Point Sharpener?

The One Step Sharpener creates a long, curved point using a single step process. To create your point, simply insert the pencil and turn clockwise, applying steady, even pressure.

If you're having trouble, check out our more detailed video here.

How do I use the Two-Step Long Point Sharpener?

Our long point sharpener is a two step sharpening process. Step one sharpens the wood, and step two sharpens the graphite. First, insert the pencil into the hole labeled "1" and turn clockwise until the pencil spins freely. Then, insert the pencil into the hole labeled "2" and turn clockwise until the pencil is sharp.

A video tutorial on how to use our Two-Step Long Point Sharpener is available here.

Do you offer replacement sharpener blades?

Yes! The Two-Step Sharpener comes with two replacement blades in the shaving compartment. Replacement blades for the One-Step Sharpener can be purchased here.

How do I remove the eraser?

Remove the handy eraser clip from the pencil, replace or extend the eraser and then return the clip to its nest.

How do I use the Blackwing Pencil Extender?

The Blackwing Pencil Extender slides into the clip of the existing Blackwing ferrule and will work with any Blackwing pencil model.

1. Remove the eraser from your Blackwing pencil.

2. Insert the wide end of the Blackwing Pencil Extender into the clip and reinsert the clip into the ferrule.

Watch a tutorial on how to use the Blackwing Pencil Extender here.

How do I use the Blackwing Høvel?

Create your custom point by holding the Høvel at both ends with your dominant hand and shaving directly away from yourself until you’ve reached your desired point. You can also sharpen directly into the wooden base. Adjust the angle of the Høvel and the depth of the blade to achieve a variety of different points.

Use this tutorial on how to use this unique sharpener.

VOLUMES

What is the Volumes program?

Volumes is our quarterly limited edition pencil program. Every quarter, we release a new design into the wild and, once it's sold out, we'll never make it again. You can subscribe to Volumes to make sure you don't miss out.

Please refer to our Volumes Subscriber FAQ for more info on our Blackwing Volumes subscription program.

When will my favorite edition be back in stock?

If it's out of stock, that means it's gone for good :(

When do new editions come out?

We release new editions quarterly. Typically, these release dates fall in March, June, September and December.

How can I subscribe?

You can subscribe to Volumes here.

Please refer to our Volumes Subscriber FAQ for more info on our Blackwing Volumes subscription program.

LIMITED-EDITIONS

What are differences between Limited Edition Blackwing pencils?

Volumes - Limited edition pencils celebrating stories of people, places, and events that inspire a creative lifestyle. Available in the Volumes subscription.

Labs - Small batch pencils offering a fun look at our design process. Not available via subscription.

Collaborations - Partnerships with likeminded artists, brands, and groups. Available through Blackwing and partner website. Not available via subscription.

Bespoke Blackwing - Customized Blackwing pencils from the ground up. Not available via subscription. Only available through the partner. Learn more about Bespoke Blackwing pencils here.

Learn more about all of our Limited Editions here.

 

Where can I buy Limited Editions?

Blackwing Volumes and Blackwing Eras are available through our website and at select retail stores (check your local Blackwing retailer for availability). Blackwing Labs are small-batch and available exclusively through our website for a limited-time. Blackwing Collaborations are available through our website and from our collaboration partners. Bespoke Blackwing projects are not available on website and are sold exclusively through our partners.

Will Limited Editions ever be remade?

Blackwing Volumes, Blackwing Labs, and Blackwing Eras pencils are limited products that will not be remade. Once they're sold out, they're gone for good. Blackwing Collaboration pencils and Bespoke Blackwing projects may be reproduced at the discretion of us and the collaboration partner.

SHIPPING & RETURNS

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply, and will be added at checkout. We also have retailers all over the world who stock our products. Please keep in mind, for any international orders, we are not responsible for any additional duties or fees that may be added.

*Please note: Unfortunately, we are currently unable to ship our products to Mexico. In addition, we cannot ship to Moscow because packages are unable to be shipped to private addresses.

 

How long will it take to get my order?

It depends on where you are. Orders processed here will take 5-7 business days to arrive. Overseas deliveries can take anywhere from 7-16 days. Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.

What shipping carriers do you use?

We use all major carriers, and local courier partners. You’ll be asked to select a delivery method during checkout.

Can I return my product?

We always aim to make sure our customers love our products, but if you do need to return an order, we’re happy to help. Just email us directly at info@blackwing602.com.

If you aren’t satisfied with your purchase, a return may be initiated within 30 days of the date your received your items. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

RETURN GUIDELINES

  • You must start your return within 30 days of receiving your order.
  • Once we receive your return request, we will review it and be in touch within two business days.
  • If the product you received was damaged, we will send a replacement at no additional cost.
  • If you received the incorrect item, we will send the correct item at no additional cost.
  • If you ordered the wrong item, we will send you a new invoice for the correct item.
  • If you no longer want the item you may send it back to us at your cost. Items must be unused to be eligible for a return.
  • Returns are not accepted beyond 30 days.
  • Subscription shipments cannot be returned.

ROUTE SHIPPING PROTECTION

What is Route?

Route Protect is a package protection solution that helps cover you in the event that your order gets lost, stolen, or damaged while in transit. We’ve partnered with Route to offer added assurance that you’re supported, no matter what. Route Protect is automatically applied to your order at checkout for an additional fee.

Download the Route App to visually track all of your online orders in one place and easily file a claim with the Route team. Use the Route App to track your order and get real-time shipping updates for every part of your delivery. Download here.

If you purchased Route Protection and want to file a claim you can file here.

 

How does Route Shipment Protection work?

If your Route protected order ends up lost, damaged, or stolen, Route’s expert support team will help ensure that your order gets replaced or refunded as preferred. Claims will be reviewed for approval within 1-2 business days from filing.  

Need to file a claim?  File here

Can I opt-out of Route Shipment Protection?

Route Protect is automatically applied to your cart for an additional fee. You may opt-out by deselecting the Route Protection in your cart before initiating checkout. By removing or deselecting Route shipping protection, Blackwing is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged orders.

Where is my order?

Once your order has been fulfilled by our team, a shipping confirmation with a tracking number will be emailed to you. You can download Route’s mobile app for iOS or Android to visually track your package and receive real-time notifications on its estimated delivery.

How does Route refund/replace orders?

Refunds: When refunding an item, Route covers the subtotal of the order. Shipping costs, taxes, and the cost of Route protection are not included.

Replacements: Route will reorder the items, depending on in-stock availability. Unavailable items will be refunded. Route will cover the cost of any reorders including shipping, taxes, and the Route Shipping Protection.

What if my order never arrives or is stolen?

Route Protect covers both. To protect your order against loss or theft, make sure Route Protect is added in your cart.

If your order has not arrived, please file a claim with Route here. 

What if my order arrives damaged?

Route Protect covers damage as well. To protect your order against damage that occurred during shipping, make sure Route is added to your order.

If your order arrives damaged, please take photos of the item and the packaging it arrived in to include in your claim when filing.

You can file a claim with Route here.

If your order has defects or you suspect it was damaged during manufacturing, please reach out to us directly at info@blackwing602.com.

How do I file a claim if my Route protected order is lost, stolen, or damaged?

If you insured your order with Route Protect at checkout, you will receive a confirmation email from Route with a link to file a shipping issue.

You can also file a shipping issue on Route’s app or via on the Route website. To file a claim, you will need your store order number OR Route ID number and the email address that was attached to the order.

Download the Route App here

When should I file a claim with Route?

Marked As Delivered (Stolen)

Claims will be reviewed no earlier than 5 calendar days and no later than 15 calendar days from when it was marked delivered. Please note, orders over $100 USD will require a police report to be filed by the customer before any resolution can occur.

Stuck In Transit (Lost)

For domestic orders, claims will be reviewed no earlier than 7 calendar days and no later than 30 calendar days from the last update. The maximum filing time is 60 days from the order date. For international orders, claims will be reviewed no earlier than 20 calendar days and no later than 30 calendar days from the last update. The maximum filing time is 60 days from the order date.

Damaged

Claims for damaged items require photos of the packaging and item(s) and must be filed no later than 15 calendar days from when it was marked delivered.

Please review all of Route's policies here

WHOLESALE

How can I become a Blackwing retailer?

If you want to find out more about becoming a Blackwing retailer, just fill out the retailer inquiry form and we’ll be in touch!

 

Where's my wholesale order?

Send an email to wholesale@blackwing602.com and we'll track it down for you.