Image via JetPens.
I’ve recently begun using a Palomino Blackwing Summit Notebook and have been enjoying it. The paper is excellent for most pens - fountain pens are just average - and the build quality and style are top notch. I have one black, dot-grid Summit notebook to give away, courtesy of JetPens. Read the rules below and enter away!
(Sarah Read is an author, editor, yarn artist, and pen/paper/ink addict. You can find more about her at her website and on Twitter.)
It's funny how widely stationery opinions can range. I've heard several people (Brad included!) say that Volume 205 of the Palomino Blackwing Volumes is their least favorite so far, but for me it was the first one where I said, "Okay, fine, I will spend $25 on a box of pencils because I have to have those". And I have not been disappointed at all.
Like all the Blackwing Volumes, these are made from sustainable, responsibly-sourced California cedar. They smell delightful. This edition is designed to resemble the stone jade, both white and green--with six of each color in the box. The number 205 is the molecular weight of Jadeite, the most valuable variety of jade. The swirling colors remind me of the marbled papers inside old books, and I find the colors light and relaxing. I've found myself staring at the pencil when I should be writing with it. The brand is printed in gold, and there is a gold ferule with a black replaceable eraser.
This edition uses the firm lead core, the same as the one used in the 602. While it is definitely firm, it feels buttery smooth to write with, and I found it created a solid dark line, and shaded nicely. I scribbled for quite some time trying to see how long it would retain its point, and was very impressed. I'm certainly going to get my money's worth from this box of pencils, because they may outlast me. It will be a while before I have to sharpen this pencil.
The eraser worked okay--it took up most of the graphite, though it did leave a bit of shadow behind. If I were using these for sketching, I'd use a different eraser. But for writing, which I think the firm point is well-suited to, the eraser works well enough.
I confess, I am not a pencil expert--I have not tried all of the Blackwing editions, so I can't even say for sure if I have a favorite. So it's rather likely that those who don't care for this edition have a reason that is beyond my understanding. But if that's the case, ignorance is bliss, and I am very happy with these lovely pencils. If I didn't think that the ones I have were going to last me forever, I'd stock up on backup boxes.
I'd love to hear what your favorite Volumes edition has been, and why. This one has me wanting to dabble more in the graphite world.
Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, which I am very grateful for.
Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!
One of the things I always try to be is transparent, and in that vein, I have to say up front that I am far from an expert in the realm of woodcase pencils. There are many people that know much more than me in this area, and I often defer to their judgement when asked about these wonderful, yet sometimes overlooked, writing instruments.
The Palomino Blackwing 602 is such a famous and well known pencil that I wanted to do the review justice. The more I thought about it and the more I talked to my Twitter friends about it, I realized I should just tackle it the same way I would any other review I have done on the site. That is, review it how I personally would use this product on a daily basis.
My first challenge with the Blackwing was how to sharpen it. Not having a need for a good quality sharpener before, I headed to my daughters room to use the electric one she uses for her colored pencils. Blasphemy, I know, but I had to roll with what I had. One I had a nice, sharp point on the pencil I was ready to put it to the test.
The first thing that struck me as unique about the Blackwing was how smooth the lead is. I have only ever used “normal” #2 type pencils before, and when writing with them it is almost like you can feel the grain and hear the scratch of the graphite. Not so with the Blackwing. They are smooth and quiet, and honestly a completely different writing experience.
I also like how there was no difference in lead color depending on the sharpness or dullness of the tip area I was writing with. It was very consistent, and in relation to that, the tip held its point better than I recall on most pencils.
The only thing I wasn’t crazy about with the Blackwing was the eraser. The design and replacability of it are great, but it just doesn’t erase that well in my testing. I think most hardcore users will have a favorite stand alone eraser handy, so this is by no means a deal breaker.
If I choose to review more woodcase pencils is my experience with them going to be skewed by how much I enjoy using the Blackwing 602? Probably so. I have been using it on a near daily basis, and have no plans on stopping anytime soon.
