Palomino
Palomino is part of the California Cedar Products Company. The most celebrated Palomino product is the Blackwing pencil, made from genuine incense cedar round a core of smooth Japanese graphite. These pencils were first made in 1930s. They became a firm favourite with several generations of American artists and writers, from John Steinbeck to Chuck Jones.
Palomino Blackwing: A Pencil with a Legacy of Creativity
The Blackwing pencil is a cultural icon, cherished by artists, writers, and creatives since it first appeared in the 1930s.
Originally introduced by the Eberhard Faber Pencil Company, the Blackwing 602 pencil became instantly recognisable for its sleek design, smooth graphite core, and unique rectangular eraser.
Blackwing’s exceptional performance earned it a cult following that included John Steinbeck, Chuck Jones, and Shamus Culhane, the latter famously requesting to be buried with his Blackwing 602.
After production ceased in 1998 following a series of corporate acquisitions, the pencil's absence was deeply felt in the community. But in 2010, the California Cedar Products Company, already known for its premium Palomino pencils, revived the Blackwing brand under its Palomino division, reintroducing the Blackwing 602 in 2011.
Although the modern version doesn’t replicate the original graphite formula exactly, it preserves the spirit and design that made the original so beloved. Palomino partnered with a Japanese graphite producer for its superior control over texture and quality. The Japanese graphite core was specifically developed to replicate the feel of the original 602, while offering more consistent performance.
Today, Palomino Blackwing remains more than just a pencil. Its products celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and mindfulness. The brand has expanded to include limited editions, sharpeners, and accessories, becoming a staple in the studios of artists and creatives worldwide. A portion of every sale goes to the Blackwing Foundation, which supports music and arts education in schools.
Whether you’re sketching or writing, the Blackwing pencil remains a symbol of excellence and inspiration. It is proof that even something as simple as a pencil can leave a lasting mark.