Comments on: The Blackfeet Indian Pencil revisited

By: David O.

David O. — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:22:29 +0000

I have not used them a lot thus far, but the Papermate “Earth Write” pencils might fit the bill. I’ve purchased a bunch of packages on clearance at the U.S. office supply stores such as Office Depot. They are made in the USA with cedar remainders (so nice & fragrant), a more “shiny” finish for a better grip, and decent graphite – a bit darker than the Mirado/Black Warrior.
You can order the “Earth Write” from Amazon if you can’t find any locally.

I share your frustration with the China made pencils (same issue with portable AM/FM radios made in China – most are junk).

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 02:46:00 +0000

I just wanted to say how fed up I am with cheap Chinese pencils. I was buying US made Papermates at Sam’s Club, but the last batch I bought was made in Mexico. The lead isn’t even glued properly to the wood and the lead is slightly off-center. So, I remembered from my days at the University of New Mexico from 1978-1983, I used to buy Blackfeet Indian Pencils at the college bookstore. I remembered their high quality and that aromatic cedar. So, I thought maybe I could buy some online. I was sad to discover they went out of business around 2000. Bummer. I saw a dozen on Ebay for $65! Can’t the US even make a decent pencil anymore?

By: Rob M

Rob M — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 03:10:42 +0000

Hi- Is there anyone out there who is willing to sell a few of the BF Indian pencils (regular lead, no colors)?
Thanks.

By: David O.

David O. — Thu, 19 May 2011 03:28:18 +0000

Should say, neat history Bob and Bill!

By: David O.

David O. — Thu, 19 May 2011 03:27:22 +0000

Neat history Bob! Not sure if I have any Blackfeet Indian black stick pens left. Sure wish I did though, if only for the history. We used them a lot when I worked at Martin Marietta in the 80′s.

By: Bob Buchanan

Bob Buchanan — Mon, 16 May 2011 23:02:31 +0000

The plant was built with SBA loans at very high interest rates in 1972. Weather conditions were brutal. The main purpose was to provide year round employment to the Blackfeet not only seasonal logging etc. My father, Bose Buchanan designed, built, and purchased all equipment as well as training all employees to operate.
Some of the original blackfeet were: Donald Little Bull, Georgia Standing Elk, Betty Longtime Sleeping, Carmen Calf Boss Ribs, and Floyd Comes at Night to name a few. All the pencils had Indian Derivative names. We also made pens and markers of high quality and a wide variety. The original Blackfeet Indian pencil in all natural cedar was my suggestion and had 6 coats of clear laquer over California Red Cedar. I had as much pride in our prouducts as
My father and all our Blackfeet Family there in Browning. My Dad suffered a heart attack there and that is why I joined him from a Naval Aviation carrer. Originally from Shelbyville, Tennessee (Pencil Capital of the World). Cedar runs in our Veins. Hello to all my Blackfeet friends who mar read this.

By: Bill Buchanan

Bill Buchanan — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:58:41 +0000

My Father built the plant from the ground up. He loved Browning and Cutbank,and the Blackfoot Nation’s people. My parents were there for nearly 3 years until he suffered a near fatal heart attack. My Brother Bob, left as a Navy Pilot to join my Father to help with the company. I have a few pencils left. They made a great product….sadly the company did not survive. My Dad died in 1991.bill Buchanan

By: jennifer b.

jennifer b. — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 22:17:58 +0000

This sucks so bad. I was hoping to buy some more. I bought some, through Sundance catalog for my oldest son for school years ago. I liked them so much I bought another box for myself. They came in a cedar box with a brass clasp. I loved my pencils. I came online today to buy some more for my younger children. Mine are all gone and all I have left is my cedar box. I’m very sad about this. They were one of the few simple things left that bring a little joy. :(

By: David O.

David O. — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:09:49 +0000

For those who still have some of the Blackfeet Indian pencils, you could try pencil extenders as a way to make them last down to the ferrule. I got my extenders thrown in with other pencil buys on ebay, but you can also still buy them new. Search this site.

By: John Costello

John Costello — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:55:42 +0000

This is discouraging news. No wonder that older folks get fed up with change and want to throw in the towel. That which was familiar and appreciated for its unique qualities gives way to unfamiliar products of lesser quality. I suppose it is this type of thing that inspires self sufficiency. By God, I’ll just have to whittle my own damn pencils!

By: florencia

florencia — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:34:53 +0000

I too mourn the loss of this factory. My young students become frustrated and discouraged when their cheap made in China pencil leads constantly break.

By: Charlie

Charlie — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 20:00:02 +0000

Does anyone have any #2 or #3 soft to sell. I am coveting my last box. As an earlier poster mentioned- these are the only pencils for lefties!!