Blackwing Limited Edition Vol. 2

Volume 2 acknowledges that art brings about change. It features a special cracked Glow-in-the-Dark design and an all-new 2X Firm Graphite specially formulated for this release.

The story

In 1973, art found itself at the forefront of a cultural shift. The United States military had just pulled out of Vietnam after nearly two decades and midcentury optimism had given way to uncertainty. Art, even when created for mass appeal, took on a darker tone. 1973's highest-grossing movie - The Exorcist - and top-selling album - Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon - gave us a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the time.

The following year, a new wave of art - films like Chinatown and albums like Bob Marley’s Natty Dread - shined a light on a broken system. And gave us the tools to understand it. Art reflects the world around us and helps us process complex issues so that we can move forward. Leonard Cohen once said “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” Art creates cracks in the world’s darkest places, letting in the light of knowledge.

Fifty years later, the Blackwing 2 acknowledges art’s role in bringing about change. Each pencil features a cracked glow-in-the-dark design that plays on the duality of art and the challenging realities that inspire it. Each pencil also includes our firmest graphite yet - a special 2X firm graphite formulated specially for this release.

Good to Know

2X Firm graphite

Glow in the dark design

Made in Japan from renewable Californian incense-cedar

Limited edition

About the brand

The Blackwing pencil has a rich history dating back to 1934. In 2008, Palamino acquired the brand and began production of the Blackwing range as we know it today.

Blackwing pencils are famously known for their quality of graphite and the unique softness and smoothness of their lead. The Blackwing pencil has an instantly recognisable semi hexagonal body and interchangeable eraser. The original 602 pencil single handedly inspired the works of some of history's greatest throughout the years. It is said that Disney animator Shamus Culhaneasked to be buried with his Blackwing 602.