The legendary pencil that once sold for $40 each. Half the pressure, twice the speed.
Why This Exists
The Blackwing 602 was the pencil of choice for John Steinbeck, Chuck Jones, Quincy Jones, and countless other artists and writers from the 1930s until it was discontinued in 1998. When original pencils started selling for over $40 on eBay, Blackwing brought it back in 2011.
Made with California incense-cedar and premium Japanese graphite, the 602 features a firm, smooth core that holds its point longer — perfect for extended writing, note-taking, and outlining. The gunmetal grey barrel, iconic square ferrule, and replaceable pink eraser make it unmistakable. It's not just nostalgia — it's engineered to deliver on its promise: half the pressure, twice the speed.
What Makes It Good
Firm, smooth graphite — holds its point, ideal for writing and note-taking
Premium Japanese graphite core — darker and smoother than standard pencils (approx. B/2B grade)
Genuine incense-cedar barrel — sustainably harvested California wood, sharpens evenly
Iconic square ferrule — replaceable pink eraser with clip design
Gunmetal grey finish — stamped with "Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed"
Made in Japan — crafted to Blackwing's exact specifications
Who This Is For
Perfect for writers, everyday note-takers, and anyone who doesn't like sharpening often. Ideal for long writing sessions, lists, journaling, and outlining. A legend for a reason.
Specifications
Length
20.5 cm (unsharpened)
Diameter
7.5 mm
Graphite grade
Firm (approx. B/2B equivalent)
Barrel
California incense-cedar
Finish
Gunmetal grey lacquer with silver imprint
Ferrule
Brass, square shape
Eraser
Pink, replaceable
Made in
Japan
Note: Erasers are replaceable. Refills available separately. A portion of sales supports arts and music education in schools.
Beautiful and functional products. Have ordered twice and will again soon.
Kathleen J.
Amazing!!!!! there is nothing like this store in Hamilton or even Auckland, speciality stationery and so much of it is Japanese, my fav! Very cute store. Penco, Midori, Supreme, Moleskine, etc. inside an old fashioned arcade, easy enough to find.
Didi
Love browsing this store, such high quality items.
Rebecca Y.
Tom stocks some of the best quality and designed stationary products you can find in New Zealand. His customer service is also top draw and excellent. I had a few issues with a pen I had bought, Tom offered some tips to help work through and after that didn’t work he offered some store credit to try something else. I would highly recommend and will be making sure to buy as much of my stationary products as possible from SuperKiosk in the future! Keep up the great work Tom!
Will C.
Such a great find! Love their range - quality stationery you don’t see everywhere. Service was awesome—ordered at night, shipped the next morning, and arrived the day after. Will definitely shop here again.
If it skips, scratches, or feels like background utility, we don't stock it. Every tool in this kiosk has earned its place on our desks before it reached yours.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
