Half the Pressure - Twice the Speed

[Wiseguy A]

Any fans of the legendary (and now defunct) Eberhardt Faber Blackwing 602 pencil out there?

http://www.pencilpages.com/articles/blackwing.htm

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=blackwing+602&btnG=Google+Search

What are you using in place of it now?

 

[Andykev]

I can buy 100 to one!

Why spend $20 on a PENCIL? What is wrong with the old #2 Dixon-Ticonderoga?

 

[Wiseguy A]

They didn't become $20 a pencil until the machine that made them broke. And nobody who bought one for $20 bought it because they needed a pencil.

But thanks for the welcoming tone. I feel right at home.

 

[Nathan Flowers]

They certainly are neat looking. I guess their lead composition was important to artists.

Wiseguy, do you use this pencil?

If so, what do you perceive as its advantages?

 

[Wiseguy A]

I don't use it anymore. My favorite pencil right now is a Tombow.

--and yes, these are primarily considered art supplies, although tey feel nice to write in longhand with.

Dark line. Smooth feel. The Blackwing 602 put its advantage right in its famous tagline, "Half the pressure, twice the speed."

 

[Andykev]

Nr really, just my suprise

Was it a special type of graphite? I cannot believe such a wonderful pencil CAN'T be made anymore. Is there a great market for them other than nostalgia? I really don't know. I prefer using a pencil for sketching out ideas, leaving notes, writing. It feels better than a pen. Never had a pencil leak in my pocket either.

Welcome aboard. Really, I just was suprised about the $20 pencil.

No kidding, the only machine in the world that made them broke? Anything made befoe can be made again.

 

[Andykev]

WOW

Pencils may look alike, but they can be very different!
Here's how you can tell them apart:

Pencils made from Incense-cedar (a renewable resource) are a reddish brown inside with a smooth, fine grain and a visible seam. They also have that familiar cedar scent when sharpened!

Pencils made from plastic have a pinkish color with no grain or seam, because plastic composite pencils are extruded by machine. They bend easily, and snap cleanly when broken. They do not have a scent.

Pencils made from tropical rainforest wood have a brownish color with little dark brown or red flecks. It is very hard to see the grain, and they have a slight scent.


To be sure you're buying pencils made from genuine Incense-cedar, look for the CedarMark on the package.



Well WiseguyA...thanks for opening my eyes to an everyday used item, and there is so much about them. Good thought provoking topic.

 

[Wild Root]

Can't they fix it? Or, is it a cheap copout to stop making pencils and create a collectors item. Are they trying to make this like the Stradivarius of pencils? When something brakes in most companies, they fix it so production can continue. I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢m an artist my self and love pencil! I really love the soft leads to get that rich dark tones that one can smear for great shadowing effects.

Regards.

Oh, welcome to the club.

 

[Mycroft]

Sorry to open to an old thread, I agree with Andykev, #2 Dixon-Ticonderoga, are perfictly fine, and to me they are the best, they are awsome.

 

[MrBern]

return of the 602 Blackwing

the trademark on the Blackwing has been extended!
http://www.trademarkia.com/blackwing-77494550.html
CALIFORNIA CEDAR PRODUCTS COMPANY is planning on reintroducing this fabulous pencil.

Years ago, my art department stocked those pencils regularly. When I told my colleagues that the pencils are now defunct & go for $30 on ebay, well lets jsut say eyes went wide & there was a scramble to find any old loose ones laying around.
I have a box in my drawer waiting for a rainy day.

 

[MikeBravo]

Was it a special type of graphite? I cannot believe such a wonderful pencil CAN'T be made anymore. Is there a great market for them other than nostalgia? I really don't know. I prefer using a pencil for sketching out ideas, leaving notes, writing. It feels better than a pen. Never had a pencil leak in my pocket either.

Welcome aboard. Really, I just was suprised about the $20 pencil.

No kidding, the only machine in the world that made them broke? Anything made befoe can be made again.

I carry a fountain pen. Although I do use a pencil for everyday use.

Mind you, I prefer to call it my "solid toner-based handheld input stylus"

 

[MikeBravo]

mmmm An idea for a new thread percolating

 

[scotrace]

This article brought the Blacking 602 to my attention.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/blackwing-602-why-is-hollywood-600265

They are indeed reproduced: http://palominobrands.com/product/palomino-blackwing-602/

And seem to be well reviewed. They can be had here: http://blackwingpencils.com/?gclid=CLSFrsPQrMICFcpAMgodmDAAvw

About $20 a dozen.
Anyone have any experience?