Blackwing Pencil 602 (12 pcs.)

The Blackwing 602 has its roots in the 1930s: produced by Eberhard Faber since 1934, it was among the preferred working tools of writers, animators, and composers – including John Steinbeck, Leonard Bernstein, and Chuck Jones. After production ceased in 1998, California Cedar Products took over the name and resumed production under the Palomino division. Today's Blackwing 602 matches the famous original: cedarwood shaft, firm graphite core with wax content, metallic graphite-colored lacquer, and the iconic flat eraser system.

Special Features

• Firm graphite core with wax content: delivers a rich, dark line even with light pressure – the core remains sharp longer than softer cores, enabling extended writing periods without resharpening
• Cedarwood shaft (Incense Cedar): the wood sharpens evenly and splinter-free; the fresh, resinous scent when sharpening is characteristic of high-quality wooden pencils
• Metallic graphite-colored lacquer with gold-embossed lettering: the smooth, slightly cool surface feels good in hand; the precise gold embossing withstands daily use
• Flat, square ferrule with replaceable eraser: the eraser can be pulled out and replaced separately – keeping the pencil functional until completely used up
• Proprietary graphite formula outside the classical HB scale: the 602 is designed for maximum line quality with good sharpening ability, without a hardness grade equivalent fully describing the core
• 12-pack in a sturdy box that can be reused as a pencil storage box

Application & Tips

• For extended, continuous writing: the firm core keeps its point longer than a soft core, meaning less frequent sharpening when taking notes, writing manuscripts, or composing musical scores
• Sketches and drawings: the line is dark enough for clear lines and firm enough to hold fine details – particularly suitable for storyboards, architectural sketches, and type layouts
• Pencil calligraphy and lettering: even graphite delivery and good sharpening ability allow precise underdrawings; on smooth, calendered paper, the core glides with minimal catching
• Sharpening tip: For an unusually long, conical point, a special long-point sharpener is recommended (e.g., Palomino Long Point) – a shallower cutting angle means less material loss and a finer, more stable point
• Eraser tip: Pull the flat eraser from the ferrule, use it separately, and reorder in time – replacement erasers for the Blackwing system are available separately
• Paper recommendation: On fade-proof, smooth paper (e.g., 90 g/m² or higher), the core shows its strengths best; rougher paper wears down the point faster

For Pencil Enthusiasts

The graphite formula of the Blackwing 602 does not fall on the classical European HB scale – Blackwing internally refers to it as "Firm". In practice, the core behaves similar to a B grade: dark enough for visible, rich gray, firm enough for above-average point durability. The wax content in the core ensures smooth gliding without scratching sounds, even on medium-smooth paper. Today's production takes place in Japan using California cedarwood – Japanese graphite is considered particularly pure and homogeneous by the pencil community. The characteristic square ferrule with metal clip holding the eraser dates back to a 1921 patent and was historically a unique selling point that distinguished the Blackwing 602 from the rest of the market.

Technical Data