Blackwing Volume 11 Pencil (1PC)

Bill Russell won eleven championships in thirteen seasons as the heart of the greatest dynasty in basketball history. He was a dynamic champion on the court whose impact forever changed the game. Off the court, his presence was even more impactful as he endeavored to fight for equality and social justice.

Bill Russell revolutionized the way basketball was played. A dominant defender and rebounder, he transformed blocking shots into an art form, turning defense into a fast-break weapon. His unselfish style of play redefined what it meant to be a star, prioritizing teamwork and strategy over individual stats. For Russell, the game was about more than personal glory. It was about the principles that made winning meaningful.

A fearless advocate for equality, he was a vocal leader off the court, standing with civil rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Muhammad Ali.

The Blackwing 11 is our tribute to Bill Russell and his undeniable legacy. The number 11 foil stamped on each pencil represents the number of championships he won, more than any player in NBA history. The design features a green and black color way with his iconic #6 wrapped around the barrel along with a black ferrule, green eraser, and our soft graphite core.

Blackwing Pencils

Legendary Grammy, Emmy, Pulitzer and Academy Award winners have created with the Blackwing 602 pencil. The list of known users includes John Steinbeck, Looney Tunes creator Chuck Jones, and Disney animator Shamus Culhane who, according to animation historian Charles Soloman, asked to be buried with his Blackwing 602.

Blackwing's roots go back to the 1930s when the 602 model was first introduced by the Eberhard Faber Pencil Company. Over the years, the pencil with the unique rectangular eraser became synonymous with quality. Then, in 1998, after several corporate acquisitions, it was discontinued, but not forgotten. In fact, fans began paying as much as $40 on eBay for a single Blackwing pencil.

In 2007, Blackwing introduced their Palomino range of pencils using Genuine Incense-cedar and premium Japanese graphite. Artists and writers started comparing them to their beloved Blackwing 602s, and folks began asking Blackwing to consider reviving the Blackwing brand. Blackwing tapped into over 100 years of family-run pencil industry experience to re-introduce Blackwing pencils in 2010.

In the 10 years since its revival, Blackwing has grown from a single pencil into a culture. It's a culture that's all about living mindfully and finding balance in our fast paced lives.