Palomino Pencil Blackwing matte green (12 pcs)
The Blackwing Matte green is a pencil with history: originally developed by Eberhard Faber in the 1930s, it was discontinued in 1998 and relaunched by Palomino in 2010. The graphite core sits at approximately 3–4B – soft enough for silky, deep black strokes that encounter barely any resistance on paper. The matte green shaft is bold and understated, a classic shade that evokes vintage school pencils without slipping into mere nostalgia.
Features
- Graphite core approximately 3–4B: Very soft and dark – ideal for fluid writing and sketching with minimal pressure. The stroke lays down evenly across the paper surface without scratching.
- Flat, replaceable eraser: The rectangular eraser at the pencil's end can be completely withdrawn and replaced. Spare erasers in various colours are available separately. Latex-free.
- Matte green, smooth barrel lacquer: The matte finish sits pleasantly in the hand – no shine, no slipping. The coating is even and rich.
- Made in Japan: Production under Japanese quality standards – evident in the consistency of the graphite core and the precision of the woodwork.
- 12 pencils per box: A complete box, sufficient for intensive daily use in the studio or at the desk.
Use & Tips
- Sketching and illustration: The soft 3–4B core allows broad shading with the side of the core and precise lines with a freshly sharpened point – a useful range for sketchwork.
- Pressure writing: For those who prefer a noticeable stroke when writing without exerting force – the core yields, the line stays dark and clean.
- Sharpening recommendation: For the characteristically long, fine Blackwing point, a long-point sharpener is recommended, one that pulls the wood back far and exposes the core to maximum length. This protects the core and extends the lifespan between sharpening.
- Paper pairing: On smooth, calendered paper, the soft core shows its best side – the stroke flows evenly without crumbling. On rougher surfaces, an interesting grain emerges.
- Eraser care: If the eraser has slipped too far back into its holder, simply withdraw and reseat it – or replace it entirely.
For Pencil Enthusiasts
The Blackwing core was reformulated by Palomino following the relaunch. The "Matte" line features a somewhat firmer cedar-like wood casing that separates cleanly when sharpened and throws no splinters. The graphite mix at approximately 3–4B is more oil-rich than standard pencils of this hardness, which explains the characteristically silky stroke. The flat eraser ferrule is no mere decorative element – it sits snugly enough to hold the eraser during use, yet releases it with gentle pressure. A detail that matters more in everyday work than it first appears.
Technical Specifications
| Model: | Blackwing Matte |
| Colour / Finish: | Matte green |
| Hardness: | Approximately 3–4B |
| Length: | Approximately 20 cm |
| Eraser: | Flat, replaceable, latex-free |
| Origin: | Japan |
| Contents: | 12 pencils |