Blackwing Matte Pencils 12 Count, Green Finish - Soft 3B Lead

In this review the Blackwing Matte 12-pack stands out as a tool for creative work where a soft, dark line and a mindful pace matter most. The set is aimed at artists, illustrators, musicians and writers who prefer a forgiving, velvety graphite that lays down rich tone without constant sharpening. The biggest reason to buy is the pencil's very soft Japanese graphite core paired with premium incense-cedar construction, which together deliver a smooth, luxurious mark-making experience ideal for sketching, shading and expressive handwriting.

Key Features

• Soft Japanese graphite: The 3B core produces dark, easily blended lines that are excellent for shading and expressive drawing.
• Premium wood body: Made from genuine incense-cedar, the pencils sharpen cleanly and feel balanced in hand for long sketching sessions.
• Iconic replaceable eraser: The rectangular Blackwing ferrule lets you extend or swap the eraser for continued use without waste.
• Matte finish design: The vibrant green finish and brass ferrule create a tactile, attractive pencil that sits nicely in a studio or on a music stand.
• 12-pack gift box: The box doubles as a pencil cup, keeping workspaces tidy and making storage convenient between sessions.

Who It's For

The Blackwing Matte is best for artists, illustrators and musicians who value a soft, dark line and a pencil that encourages slower, intentional work. It suits people who do a lot of pencil shading, tracing, or quick expressive sketches where smoothness and darkness trump ultra-fine detail.

Those who prefer very hard leads for technical drafting or need a sharp, crisp line for precise mechanical work should look elsewhere; the Matte is the softest of the core Blackwing models and will require more frequent resharpening when used for fine-line technical drawing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent smoothness and dark mark-making from the soft 3B Japanese graphite.
• High-quality incense-cedar barrel that sharpens reliably and feels balanced in hand.
• Replaceable rectangular eraser and signature ferrule add convenience and longevity.
• Packed in a practical 12-count box that doubles as a pencil cup for studio use.

Cons

• The very soft lead will dull faster than harder pencils, so frequent sharpening is needed for fine detail.
• Some users may find the set pricier than standard wood pencils, though quality justifies the cost for many.

Specifications

Pack count	12 pencils
Graphite grade	3B soft
Core material	Premium Japanese graphite
Wood	Genuine incense-cedar from California
Finish	Matte green with brass ferrule
Packaging	Gift box that doubles as a pencil cup

Our Verdict

The Blackwing Matte 12-pack is a worthwhile buy for artists and creative professionals who want a soft, dark graphite that feels luxurious to use and encourages a thoughtful pace. It is good value for those who appreciate premium materials, replaceable erasers and a reliable, smooth core; those needing hard, precise lines may prefer a firmer model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these pencils good for shading?
Yes, the soft 3B Japanese graphite produces dark, blendable tones that are well suited to shading and tonal work.

Can the erasers be replaced?
Yes, the signature rectangular eraser is removable and replaceable using the specially designed ferrule.

Is the wood quality different from standard pencils?
Yes, these use genuine incense-cedar which sharpens cleanly and offers a more refined feel than common mass-market woods.