Why This Cult ‘$40 Pencil’ Almost Went Extinct | WSJ Coveted
WSJ. Style・2 minutes read
The Blackwing pencil, famous for its smooth writing, gained a cult status before being discontinued in 1998, only to be resurrected by a California company facing the challenge of recreating the original formula. Despite the higher price of $30 for a box of 12, the Blackwing pencil's unique design and story have led to its popularity, selling 100,000 pencils a day.
Insights
- The Blackwing pencil, favored by John Steinbeck and Disney animators, gained a devoted following before being discontinued, emphasizing the significance of its smooth writing and prestigious history.
- The intricate manufacturing process, including the crucial graphite formula, California incense-cedar wood, and meticulous Japanese production, contributes to the Blackwing pencil's high quality and popularity despite its higher price point.
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Recent questions
What is the history of the Blackwing pencil?
The Blackwing pencil was favored by notable figures like John Steinbeck and Disney animators for its smooth writing. Discontinued in 1998, it gained a cult status before being resurrected by a California company for $300.
What are the key components of the Blackwing pencil?
The Blackwing pencil's quality is attributed to its graphite formula, wax for smoothness, and clay structure. It is made of California incense-cedar wood, known for its quality and tight grain.
How is the Blackwing pencil manufactured?
The Blackwing pencil is manufactured in Japan with multiple layers of lacquer, a unique flat eraser, and a distinctive ferrule. The process involves shaping the pencil meticulously to maintain its unique design.
Why is the Blackwing pencil popular despite its price?
The Blackwing pencil's popularity stems from its unique design, history, and quality. Despite being pricier at $30 for a box of 12, it sells 100,000 pencils a day due to its cult status and smooth writing experience.
What challenges did the California company face in resurrecting the Blackwing pencil?
The California company faced the challenge of recreating the Blackwing pencil's formula without the original, as the graphite formula was a secret crucial for its quality. Despite this hurdle, they managed to revive the iconic pencil successfully.
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Summary
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Resurrected Blackwing pencil gains cult status
- The Blackwing pencil, known for its smooth writing, was used by famous figures like John Steinbeck and Disney animators, gaining a cult status before being discontinued in 1998.
- After the brand lapsed, a California company resurrected it for $300, but faced the challenge of recreating the formula without the original.
- The graphite formula, a secret, is crucial for the pencil's quality, with wax providing smoothness and clay structure.
- The pencil's wood is California incense-cedar, known for quality, with a tight grain indicating high quality.
- Manufacturing in Japan involves shaping the pencil with multiple layers of lacquer, a unique flat eraser, and a distinctive ferrule.
- Despite being pricier at $30 for a box of 12, the Blackwing pencil's unique design and story have led to its popularity, selling 100,000 pencils a day.
