Blackwing PALOMINO 3Pencils Set(Original, 602, Pearl 1each)

I’ve always wanted to try Blackwing Pencils. The fancy shape of the eraser and extra long graphite piece — so iconic and exciting to me as a stationery enthusiast and illustrator. When I saw this set of three featuring their main lead types, I had to grab it. The opportunity to sample all 3 leads and choose my favorite was too good to pass up! After playing with these, I do love that these are relatively softer pencils that lay down heavy black lines! If you’re using these for art as I am, you’ll for sure want to protect your piece after with some workable fixative to keep your sketchbook page from smudging since the leads are on the softer side. In terms of lead hardness, I’d rate these from an HB to a 3B, with the black pencil being the softest (darkest lines), and the white pencil being the hardest (lightest lines). The way I work with these is sketch first lightly with the white pencil, then draw in my final linework with the grey pencil and add details + shading, then finish with the black pencil for final darkest touches to add much needed contrast. The value for the money is great, the wood is high quality and sharpens well without much breakage, and the long length makes the pencils last forever! Would recommend if you love fancy things to treat yourself or an artist you know. But if you want the most precision, I’d still go for mechanical pencils with exact lead hardnesses and widths. :) Though any pencil in the hand of the right artist can work amazing masterpieces on any page! I hope this review helps.

These pencils are great for drawing or writing! They last longer and have less excellent erasers.

Blackwings are great pencils for drawing. I appreciate being able to buy only three at a time.

One of the artists I follow recommended Blackwing as her favorite sketching pencils and she does not disappoint. Smooth, solid strokes will make your illustrations all the better.

I’ve never used these type of winged pencils before. I love how it feels right when sketching. The eraser is ok. I just wish there was more of it. You can’t put en eraser topper because of the shape. I like the way it is designed. I can’t tell if it helps with the speed. I write fast but draw slow. I like how it is easy to hold and the weight is great even in different pressures. Great with mixed media papers for sure.

I’ve heard these are the best pencils ever made, so I finally wanted to give them a shot. Although they are soft and smooth to write with I find the 602 is the best for me. It is the hardest of the three options. Being able to replace the erasers is a huge bonus also. These are not the special editions as described. However at this price point this is the cheapest way to jump into the Blackwing world.

I love these high quality pencils! They are lovely to hold. They are great for artists but also just nice to use on a daily basis.

My husband loves these for sketching. The ability to select the lead density and crispness of the line, different models smudge differently etc. Not just for drafting.