Hardware Podcasts

STL355: Pencil Geeks Assemble!

Shop Talk Live · 28 Nov 2025 · 1h 06m

What this episode covers

Grant Christensen, president of Black Wing pencils, joins the Shop Talk Live hosts to discuss the history, manufacturing, and resurgence of the Black Wing 602 pencil. The conversation covers the brand's origins with the Barrelzheimer family, the use of California incense cedar, and the intricate process of creating their specific graphite leads. The hosts also share personal anecdotes about their obsession with pencils, the community culture surrounding them, and the specific tools like the two-stage sharpener that enhance the user experience.

Most relevant to

companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Black Wing
Products
Black Wing 602, Black Wing 21, Ticonderoga, Palomino, Gorilla Wood Glue
Materials
California incense cedar

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