Blackwing Volume 651

Despite his image as an international movie star and acclaimed martial artist, Bruce Lee was a philosopher at his core. His pocketbooks contained everything from dance routines, to uplifting self-affirmations and deep life-shaping wisdoms. While his oeuvre is filled with classic films, his crowning achievement may have been his art known as Jeet Kune Do.

The Blackwing 651 is a tribute to the legendary Bruce Lee. Both simple and direct, each pencil features a black and yellow striped design that takes its cues from the philosophies of Jeet Kune Do. The number 651 is derived from 651 S. Weller Street in Seattle, where Bruce Lee opened his first formal school.

Graphite: Extra Firm.  Released October 2021.

Click here to learn about the Blackwing brand and the differences between each variety.

In 2015 Blackwing introduced the Volumes series, a limited edition pencil released each quarter celebrating the people, places and events that have defined our creative culture. Blackwing have paid tribute to everything from John Steinbeck’s writing ritual to Ada Lovelace’s contribution to computer science. A summary of Blackwing Volumes are presented here.

Note that Blackwing pencils are longer than most pencils, at around 20cm.  Blackwing is an American brand under Palomino.  The pencils are made with Japanese graphite and Californian cedar.