Blackwing Volume 21 - Set of 12 Wood Pencils

The Blackwing Volume 21 Set of 12 Wood Pencils is a special edition pencil released by Blackwing. It is a tribute to the architects, engineers, and builders who use Blackwing pencils to bring their visions to life. The pencil's design is inspired by architectural drawings and blueprints, featuring a stained wood barrel with a silver ferrule and a dark eraser.

Known for their iconic rectangular erasers and smooth Japanese graphite, Blackwing has become the gold standard for artists and writers alike. The latest release in their limited-edition series, the Blackwing Volume 21, marks a fascinating departure from their traditional design. This edition serves as a direct tribute to the art of woodworking, specifically drawing inspiration from the Shaker tradition and the enduring mantra of the trade: measure twice, cut once.

The design of Volume 21 is immediately striking because it introduces the first-ever square barrel in the history of the Blackwing brand. While the standard Blackwing is known for its hexagonal shape, the square body of Volume 21 pays homage to the traditional carpenter’s pencil. This isn't just a stylistic choice; the square barrel is functional, designed to prevent the pencil from rolling off a workbench or a slanted drafting table. The faces of the barrel are notably wide, providing a tactile experience that feels substantial and deliberate in the hand. This geometric shift transforms the tool from a standard writing implement into something that feels more like a piece of specialized equipment.

One of the most beautiful details of this release is found in the construction of the wood itself. Blackwing has utilized a technique known as finger-jointing to create the slats for these pencils. In traditional woodworking, a finger joint is a way of joining two pieces of wood by interlocking "fingers" to create a stronger, more stable bond. For Volume 21, you can actually see these joints visible through the natural finish of the cedar. Each pencil is essentially a mosaic of incense cedar, displaying the "seams" of its creation. By making the joinery visible, Blackwing highlights the beauty of the process rather than hiding it under layers of paint, much like the Shaker craftsmen who believed that the utility and honesty of a piece were its primary forms of beauty.

The numbering of the volume carries significant weight as well. The number 21 refers to the classic woodworking adage mentioned previously. It acts as a reminder to slow down, be present, and practice mindfulness in one's work. In an era of rapid production, the Volume 21 encourages a return to the tactile and the intentional. This philosophy extends to the graphite core chosen for this edition. Volume 21 features a firm graphite. This firmness is essential for the task it celebrates; it is hard enough to hold a sharp point for marking precise cut lines on lumber, yet it retains that signature Blackwing smoothness that prevents it from scratching the surface of the paper or wood.

Aesthetically, the pencil is finished with a natural clear coat that allows the grain of the California incense cedar to shine. It is capped with a silver ferrule and a black rectangular eraser, providing a high-contrast, professional look that fits perfectly in a workshop or a design studio. The set comes in a box that is just as thoughtfully designed as the pencils themselves, often doubling as a pencil cup for a desk. For collectors, the Volume 21 is a standout piece because it pushes the boundaries of what a Blackwing can look like while honoring the very materials—wood and graphite—that make the pencil possible in the first place.

Ultimately, the Blackwing Volume 21 is more than just a writing tool; it is a celebration of the intersection between precision and art. Whether you are using it to sketch out a new furniture design, mark a measurement for a home renovation, or simply write in a journal, the pencil serves as a constant nudge toward quality and patience. It reminds us that the tools we use influence the way we work, and that there is profound satisfaction in using an object that was built with the same level of care as the projects we aim to create.

What do you think?  Do you have yours yet?  You can check it out here. Do you like what you’re reading?  Subscribe to our blog to sign up!  Don’t forget to comment and share on social media!  What are some of the things you’d like to see reviewed?

Subscribe to this blog's RSS feed using RSS