Thursday Drops: Welcome Blackwing!

I know that I had teased a big upcoming shop addition after my trip to New York earlier this month, where I met with more than a dozen different brands and distributors. Well, one of those brands was Blackwing, and after laying the groundwork over the past couple of years, I’m finally able to add Blackwing to our expansive selection of pencils and pencil accessories in our Curated Shop. There’s a wide range of products included in this first batch, including not just the four classic Blackwing Pencils (Natural, 602, Pearl, and Matte) but also the recently released Volume 2 (featuring their 2X firm graphite formulated especially for this release), the 602 “Short” pencil, and pencil accessories such as the Point Guards and one and two-step long-point sharpeners.

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Combined with the arrival of Lamy Dark Lilac fountain pen ink, and the “Dark Sapphire” TWSBI ECO, this has been a big couple of weeks in the shop. Enjoy!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

1. Blackwing Volume 2 Limited Edition Pencils. The latest Blackwing Volumes release features a “cracked” glow-in-the-dark pattern over a matte black body. But that’s not what really makes this pencil special - it contains a specially formulated XX Firm graphite for superior point retention.

2. Blackwing 602 “Short” Version. This shorter version of the classic Blackwing 602 is perfect for writing on the go, whether on the golf course, in the library, or tucked behind your ear while running errands. Pair it with a Blackwing Pencil Guard for pocket carry!

3. Blackwing “Core” Pencil Lineup. In addition to limited editions and pencil accessories, we now have the four core Blackwing pencils, including the Natural (extra-firm graphite), 602 (firm graphite), Pearl (balanced graphite), and Matte (soft graphite). Personally, I’m partial to the original Blackwing Matte but I love them all.

4. Blackwing Pencil Essentials Set. Looking to try all the Blackwing Pencils plus a sharpener and Point Guard? The “Pencil Essentials” set contains four pencils plus two key accessories. A great idea for those experimenting or looking for a nice gift.

5. Blackwing One-Step Long Point Pencil Sharpener. An excellent choice for those who desire a larger one-step pencil sharpener with the capacity to hold shavings from multiple sharpenings. I’ve had one of these for years and it’s great for on-the-go use. Replacement blades available.

6. Blackwing Two-Step Long Point Pencil Sharpener. Featuring three different colors and a rubberized finish for extra grip, this classic two stage sharpener allows you to sharpen the wood first, followed by a second stage that sharpens just the graphite. Replacement blades will be available soon.

7. Blackwing Point Guard. Pencil point protectors are one of those useful accessories that often go overlooked. They allow you to carry multiple sharpened pencils around without having to worry about breaking the points (or stabbing yourself in the hand when you reach into your bag). These Blackwing Point Guards are sold in sets of three, containing one Guard in each finish.

8. NJK Pencil Sharpeners. Looking for a slightly smaller one-step long point sharpener that you can take anywhere? Japanese sharpener specialists NJK make one of the best long-point sharpeners on the market, in six different colors.

9. Lamy Dark Lilac Fountain Pen Ink. Ignore the “controversy” - the new Lamy Dark Lilac stands on its own as an excellent dark purple fountain pen ink. I’m so glad that we have this one in the standard Lamy lineup.

10. Lamy Limited Edition “Cliff” and “Blackberry” Inks. We recently received a fresh shipment of the latest Lamy special edition ink releases, in both bottles and cartridges!