(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)
It's been quite a while since I've bought new Blackwing pencils (mine still have the Palomino branding), and I've definitely missed out on the newer extra firm core. With the Blackwing Natural, I finally get to try out this more balanced graphite with a lovely natural casing.
Before we get started, here's a refresher on the Blackwing line-up and their graphite/lead grading system.
- Blackwing Soft (similar to 3B or 4B) - found in the Matte
- Blackwing Balanced (close to 2B) - found in the Pearl
- Blackwing Firm (feels like a B to me) - found in the 602
- Blackwing Extra Firm (close to HB) - found in the Natural
Blackwing pencils are known for their smooth and dark graphite cores, but I'm sure I'm not alone in being a little annoyed at their refusal to use the standard graphite grading system. It exists, and it works! Anyway, since Blackwing pencils normally run on the softer/darker side, I was excited to try this lighter, firmer core found in the Natural.
To me, the extra firm core is similar to an HB, but just a smidge darker. It's really hard to directly compare it since different pencil brands are slightly different in terms of how they categorize their graphite hardness levels.
I'm really partial to Mitsubishi Hi-Uni and 9000 pencils, and I've been really happy with how the Blackwings compares to them. They all feel different and unique, and the Natural is a really pleasant pencil to use. The tip stays sharp for a normal amount of writing, but the line is a bit smoother and darker than other HB pencils. It's a perfect middle ground for me in terms of a great general writing pencil. I love a super dark and soft pencil, but they just need to be resharpened so quickly. And on the other hand, really hard pencils don't put down a satisfyingly dark line when writing. Finding a great compromise in the middle is a great discovery for those general writing tasks.
The Natural features a cedar casing with an indiscernible amount of finish on the outside. It looks (and smells) like a raw, unfinished pencil, and the gold lettering and ferrule matched up with a gray eraser contribute to the chill aesthetic.
Ever thought that the softer, darker Blackwing cores are a bit too soft or dark for regular writing? The extra firm core is a fantastic option for the middle-ground HB hardness wrapped up in a classy cedar package. You can pick up your own pack of Blackwing Naturals for $27, or you can grab a single pencil for $2.50 to see if it works for you or not. Happy to add this extra firm core to my rotation of Blackwing pencils!
(Vanness Pens provided this product at a discount to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
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