In November of last year, I was at my local indie The Snail on the Wall when the rep from Blackwing walked in and proceeded to showcase the pencil to the owners. I have always been fascinated by stationery, and have been on the hunt for the best pens and paper for as long as I can remember. I got nosy and listened to her presentation. In all my years of stationery hunting, I never considered how I could elevate my pencil game. Dee invited me to try the pencils, and moments later, I was in love.
They were beautiful. The wood was smooth to hold, the ferrule (that holds the eraser in place) a polished metal and the eraser was unique. It can be extended and then replaced so that you never run out of eraser before pencil lead. Blackwing pencils are made with four different kinds of lead: soft, balanced, firm, and extra firm. But one box of Blackwings, containing 12 pencils, retails for more than $30 (insert shocked face). Dee graciously gave me two pencils on the spot, a beautiful black with gold accents, perfectly matching my Tūl pens and I gleefully took them home.
Around that time, I was introduced to the work of Ramit Sethi. He’s a finance guy (think Dave Ramsey but way nicer) and his work influenced my journey with Blackwing pencils. He introduced me to the concept of Money Dials: ten categories of spending where most people put their extra money. These categories include Travel and Experiences, Convenience, Self-Improvement, Generosity, and Luxury.
I shall not tell a lie: I initially thought that my Money Dials were Self-Improvement and Convenience. All those nonfiction books I purchase definitely count as Self-Improvement, right? I used to love to cook but over the past four years, I have developed a particular loathing for cooking and grocery shopping. I now drive-up to pick up my groceries from Kroger and get takeout a lot. It’s so convenient.
But a Money Dial purchase is something that brings you an immense amount of joy. After consultation with my Hubby about what he thought my Money Dial was, he immediately said Luxury. I balked. I’m not extravagant! I am not excessive. But that is not what Luxury means here. Luxury is something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease. It is about the experience and the emotion. And my Hubby is right; I adore all those things. My MacBook, iPhone, and Apple Watch are my favorite items in the world. I don’t currently drive a BMW but I have before and I loved the experience. The Coach bag that my Hubby bought for me is one of my favorites. All of these items bring me a tremendous amount of joy.
As I continued to listen to Ramit, I realized that luxury wasn’t mutually exclusive to large ticket items. I love beautiful and well-crafted things of all sizes. The feel of Tūl pens. A book with a deckled edge. A journal with just the right feel of paper. And these Blackwing pencils. Since I brought those two home, I used them exclusively, carrying them from room to room. Usually, I reached for a pen; now I was reaching for my two Blackwings. I even printed out the New York Times Crossword to do it with my Blackwings instead of on the app. Even though I tend towards “cheap,” I struggle to buy these items for myself. The aforementioned luxury items were gifted; I was determined to figure out how I could get those pencils.
I got them, although I did not purchase my first box. My mom and dad gave them to me for Christmas. I did get Blackwing’s incredible pencil sharpener and pencil tip protector. I keep the pencils all around my home, in the bedroom where I annotate my books while reading in the evenings, in my kitchen where I write my grocery lists and the Buddy’s Man’s notes to include in his lunches, and of course my workspace. Additionally, I have become a Blackwing evangelist, telling everyone I know about the pencil and even handing out samples. That forced me to purchase an additional box with my own funds.
Ramit’s main guiding principle when it comes to money is this: “cut mercilessly on what does not matter, so that you can spend extravagantly on the things that do.” I’m determined to add more of this luxury into my life, which includes my Blackwings.
How about you? Do you have any finely crafted items that bring you an immense amount of joy that I should check out? Tell us all in the comments.
P.S. School supplies for grown-ups and our team’s Raving Fans series, including Shannan’s ode to her favorite pens.
About the author
Shannan Malone is our MMD Cohost and What Should I Read Next? Patreon Community Manager. Her go-to genre depends on her mood! You can find Shannan on Instagram @shannanenjoyslife.
49 comments
Yaaaaas I love stationery and writing instruments. Blackwing for life! I’ve had a box for a few years now and still have a couple unsharpened waiting in the wings. 😉
Thanks, Shannon. These are terrific, one-of-a-kind pencils. The head of our town library gave me one of his which I’ve used for over a year and is really almost worn out. Who knew that writing with a pencil could be such an uplifting, unique experience. I haven’t actually purchased a box yet, but I’m sure I will at some point.
I love Tul pens also! Bought them based on an Anne recommendation. I love your energy and your laugh!
Thanks so much, Julie.
I’m addicted to the Tuul pens for work and check writing, as well as pleasure! I found them through you and now I must try the Blackwing! Love the name
Oh Shannon!!! I, too, am a huge Blackwing fan! But I didn’t know they had a tip protector!! My discovery of Blackwing happened in 2020 when I was trying to make one purchase a month from different Indie bookstores and one had Blackwing pencils that said – “I love Indie Bookstores”!
Since I didn’t get to meet aBlackwkng rep, it was about 2 years that I learned of different leads – but it is a game changer!!!
I’m like you – I’ve realized that Blackwings are a “Luxury” item – but don’t we all need a little something special to brighten our days?
thanks for sharing!
I LOVE the tip protector. It allows me to carry the pencil in my bag without fear of damaging the tips. Thanks for sharing.
Blackwing pencils are the best! My son started giving them to me years ago in my Christmas stocking and I’ve been a Blackwing evangelist ever since. I even found a place to buy some no longer produced, special edition, glow in the dark ones. I tend to hoard them and not use them because I love them so much. Have to remind myself I can always get more. Although I may never use the glow in the dark ones 🙂
I bought the Blackwing sampler set a while ago and I love them all! I bought the full box of 602s and gave a few to my daughter. I even got my boss to buy a box because she always writes her planner in pencil. We love that little sharpener too. Sharpening these beauties is very satisfying. I love that Blackwing supports indie bookstores and bought their indie store pencil when we were at Brookline Booksmith last year.
Shannan, all that you wrote about was so interesting and worth further perusal: Money Dial, Blackwing pencils, little luxuries. Thanks for sharing. I love my Tul pencils, but those Blackwing pencils are calling my name!
Answer, Marcia. Answer. Thanks for being here.
I love this definition of luxury. It resonates. And then the idea of cutting mercilessly the things that don’t matter so you can be extravagant on the things that do. 100%.
I, too, am a Blackwing enthusiast! I knew the minute I saw that the topic was pencils that it would be about the Blackwing. I also appreciate simple luxuries – especially involving everyday items like a great pen and pencil. It’s hard to spend so much on something like a pencil, but for those who write constantly, it’s a simple way to bring great joy!
I’m learning I need to pay particular attention to the simple ways “to bring great joy!” Thanks for sharing, Ashley.
The Hovel pencil plane by Makers Cabinet – a beautifully designed and made brass pencil sharpener.
I like the thought behind this post, cutting what doesn’t matter to spend joyously on what does. I think my major dial is travel and experience, at least it has been. Travel has been decreasing due to aging so I’ll need to find a new joy.
Thanks for the post.
You’re welcome PJ. Enjoy!
“cut mercilessly on what does not matter, so that you can spend extravagantly on the things that do.”
I love this quote! When we married my husband was a hard-core saver and I was a spender. We have happily met in the middle and this perfectly describes our philosophy of spending (and philanthropic giving).
Also, now I want Blackwing pencils.
You just convinced me that a Blackwing purchase is in my very near future! Loved reading this.
Ann, that’s great. Let me know what you think of them.
This post~nostalgia! Pencils, pens, and LISA FRANK!! Oh my, just hearing that name brought back all the feels ☺️
Looking forward to checking out the Blackwing~thank you Shannan!
You’re welcome, Angie! I LOVED Lisa Frank! Thank you for sharing.
From one Angie to another: yes, to pencils, pens, good journals/notebooks, and all-in on Lisa Frank. And Trapper Keepers!!!
This post inspired a birthday gift for my husband. Everyday luxury – imminently practical but also beautiful and a joy to use. Thank you!
Glad to hear it, Jessie. I hope he enjoys them.
I’ve been a convert for many years (blame Levinger), and love them. I have every lead type, multiple sharpeners, and even got the pencil of the quarter recently. :0
Welcome to the madness!
I love all things Blackwing. I’ve been using the pencils, sharpener and tip protectors for several years. Initially bought them for marking on fabric to do handquilting and applique. Now I use them for notes, puzzles, calendar-entries, you name it.
What lead do you use for fabric marking? I also use a pencil for fabric marking. My favorites are no longer produced , and I am sad. I have hoarded them for at least 2 decades.
Thanks.
Chris
Palomino Natural by Blackwing works great for marking fabrics.
Hello! Major Blackwing Devotee Here. Guess what! You know those popsicle sticks you label and write the name of the seed your are growing on? No matter what by the end of the seed growing period the writing is almost illegible. Not any more! This year I discovered the Blackwing writing stays legible and true! I had no trouble reading my seedling labels at planting time.
I love my Blackwing pencils! Have been collecting for 5-6 years. Started out with just 1-2 picked up at CW Pencil store in NYC (before they closed) and I was hooked. Helpful tip: share a subscription! Their subscriptions are about $99 a year; and you receive a quarterly subscription box with the latest release (12 count box & collector items). I share the cost and box with 2 friends; its a fun hobby and we are able to have a few of each release to try out different graphite’s and designs. So much fun!
Oh, Victoria. That is a great idea! Anyone? LOL
Blackwing pencil lovers unite! I first heard about them on the podcast when the owner of a pencil store in NYC talked about them with Anne. I actually got to visit the store before it closed. I love and exclusively use Blackwings – they make my writing easier to do and to read later, making them totally with the money for me. Thanks for sharing your joy of them, and for the idea that if something makes us smile in our day it’s a worthy luxury to consider.
I’m a sucker for “Le Pen” by Marvy (Japan). My local book store carries them and I have them in multiple colors. I take notes on reading, quilting, knitting, and even sketch with them. The inventory list on my basement freezer is done in a bright pink – it makes me happy to take a look when I want to figure what leftovers to pull out for dinner!
I’ve seen these but never actually tried them. I will have to give them a second look. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your comments on the “luxury” money dial. This is one of mine and I struggle with it, but you defined it so beautifully. And yes, Blackwing pencils are divine! (I always treat myself to the Indie Bookstore editions on Indie Bookstore Day.)
You are welcome. This concept of money dials has really helped me not feel guilty about my spending.
I too have become a fan of the Blackwing pencil. Had never heard of them until a friend of my son posted in Facebook about HIS love of the Blackwing. I had to see for myself and ordered a box of the green Blackwing and now I will ONLY use my Blackwing, choosing it over ink of ANY kind!!! Wish I had known about these a
L-O-N-G time ago; they would have been on my must have list way back when…..
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and have great enthusiasm for my blackwing pencils. I am currently using a pink one with a blue eraser on the end. Please please please tell me where your journal can be found… with the image of the blackwing pencil on it?
The image with the Blackwing is actually from washi tape that the Snail store received from the rep and that they gave to me. I put in on a page in my journal. Thanks for asking. I’m sorry I can’t tell you where to get it. I don’t know if there are going to sell it.
I’ve never done such a deep-dive on pencils! These are my goal now!!!
Who knew? I have been using some Zebra #2 mechanical pencils and was happy enough with them, but these Blackwings have me intrigued….Are Blackwings good for pencil drawings?
So much Suzy. The different lead options are great for drawing. I would recommend that you get a sample of all the pencils containing all the leads to try. Let me know what you find out.
A pencil with an eraser that extends and has a pencil tip cover! That is the most amazing thing I’ve ever heard about and now I must try them 🙂 Thanks for your wonderful story, Shannan!
You’re welcome, Kelli.
I love my Blackwings so much and have them in multiple places in my home. A practical luxury. Pencil tip protectors?!? I had no idea these existed. Genius!!
So happy to let you know about the tip protectors. Hope you get one. Thanks for sharing, Tym.
I had never heard of them so I looked them up online. They are scarily expensive in England but would make a wonderful splurge as a present. Maybe I need to update my writing implements. My treat money seems to go on stationery, in my mind you can never have too many notebooks, notecards, or birthday cards all ready for just the right moment. Whenever I have a day out at a museum or stately home then a gift shop full of delicious stationery is my dream.
Blackwings 4-evah!! I had no idea how much I would come to love these beauties a few years ago when I started using pencils more often. Now, they are all I use! I always buy 2 or 3 when I see them in a store sold as singles. I had NO IDEA they have a subscription! I will be checking into that tonight. Love to see all the Blackwing love here!
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