What does balanced graphite mean?

Balanced graphite is a medium grade that works for everyday writing and sketching without being too soft or too hard. It sharpens cleanly, lays down visible lines, and doesn't require constant resharpening or leave heavy smudge on the page.

Does the finish come off as you sharpen the pencil?

The sunburst effect is built into the lacquer layers applied to the wood, so it persists as you sharpen. The transparent center section will continue to reveal the natural wood grain underneath throughout the life of the pencil.

Are these the same as the 2015 Volumes sunburst pencil?

No, this is a new collaboration and uses a different finishing technique. The earlier version was part of the Volumes series; this Fender partnership is a separate limited release.

Can I buy more than two sets?

The manufacturer has set a limit of two packs per customer for this release.

Blackwing x Fender Pencil (Set of 12)

The 3-second version

Sunburst gradient from opaque black ends to transparent wood-revealing center
Balanced graphite core suitable for writing and drawing
Silver ferrule and white imprint along each barrel
Limited edition with purchase limits
Erasers are functional but not the focus
Natural wood shows through—grain varies pencil to pencil

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Sunburst-finish writing pencil inspired by Stratocaster guitars

Most themed pencils print an image onto wood. This one builds the effect into the finish itself, so the pattern changes as you sharpen and the transparent lacquer reveals different amounts of grain underneath. That approach makes sense for a collaboration with an instrument maker—Fender's sunburst guitars earn their depth from layered translucent color, not decals.

The result is a pencil that looks different in your hand than it does across the desk, and that wears in rather than wearing off. If you've ever regretted using a nice pencil because it stops looking nice, this construction holds up better to actual use.

Good gift when

Guitar players who appreciate crossover design details
People who keep quality pencils on their desk
Collectors of limited collaborations between makers
Anyone drawn to mid-century sunburst aesthetics

Skip it if You need erasers that last—these are standard pink nubs attached to pencils valued more for their finish than eraser performance

Specs

Quantity: 12 pencils
Finish: Sunburst gradient with transparent center section
Graphite grade: Balanced
Ferrule: Silver
Imprint: White Blackwing x Fender Stratocaster

What's included

12 sunburst-finish pencils

If you're giving it

No sizing to guess
Arrives ready to give

Set packaging is intact and ready to wrap; appeal is clearest to guitar enthusiasts.

The details

This collaboration brings guitar iconography to everyday writing tools. The finish mimics the three-tone sunburst pattern found on classic electric guitars, starting with solid black at both ends and transitioning through a transparent center section that exposes the wood underneath.

The gradient effect comes from layered lacquer applied over pencil-grade cedar. Where the coating thins, you see the grain. Each pencil carries white text along its barrel identifying the partnership and includes a silver ferrule at the eraser end.

The graphite core is balanced—a medium grade designed for general writing, note-taking, and sketching without requiring frequent sharpening or leaving excessive smudge. The set contains twelve identical pencils packaged together.

Blackwing

Blackwing x Fender Pencil (Set of 12)

Limited collaboration set with transparent lacquer that fades from black to natural wood grain

$36at blackwing602.com

Quantity

Ships and sold by Blackwing. About this merchant

The 3-second version

Sunburst gradient from opaque black ends to transparent wood-revealing center
Balanced graphite core suitable for writing and drawing
Silver ferrule and white imprint along each barrel
Limited edition with purchase limits
Erasers are functional but not the focus
Natural wood shows through—grain varies pencil to pencil

Cheaper alternatives

Questions

What does balanced graphite mean?: Balanced graphite is a medium grade that works for everyday writing and sketching without being too soft or too hard. It sharpens cleanly, lays down visible lines, and doesn't require constant resharpening or leave heavy smudge on the page.
Does the finish come off as you sharpen the pencil?: The sunburst effect is built into the lacquer layers applied to the wood, so it persists as you sharpen. The transparent center section will continue to reveal the natural wood grain underneath throughout the life of the pencil.
Are these the same as the 2015 Volumes sunburst pencil?: No, this is a new collaboration and uses a different finishing technique. The earlier version was part of the Volumes series; this Fender partnership is a separate limited release.
Can I buy more than two sets?: The manufacturer has set a limit of two packs per customer for this release.