I had heard about the legendary Paper Mate Black Pearl eraser — the distant cousin of the old faithful Pink Pearl — but I had never located one to see for myself if it was all it was cracked up to be. I was visiting my local office supply superstore and lo and behold… the Black Pearl! It is black and a smooth, flat-like oval, like a polished stone. The shape alone is worth the price of admission. It feel delicious in my hand. PaperMate kept the delectable script lettering like the Pink Pearl as well so I was sold on these before I took them out of the package. If they even erased a little bit, I’m buying them in a gross. They sell in packages of two at the office superstore for about $2 per blister pack. The package claims that the Black Pearl produces less eraser dust. I took it out for a test drive today. I compared its erasing powers against my gold standard, the Staedtler Mars (well-loved) on standard sketchbook paper using a Zebra 0.7 mechanical pencil loaded with standard HB lead. The photo below shows the very faint remains of both erasers. The Black Pearl did not smear as much as the Staedtler and I think even erased more completely. I’m sold.
Don’t forget the other Pearl — the White Pearl, latex-free.
[previously posted on my personal blog but it seemed appropriate to move it here, amongst other papery-related bits]
Would you happen to still own any of these and be open to discussing their current value out of my own curiosity (and current inability to find one under 600 dollars as a surprise for someone dear to me studying for the test of their life who shares a lifelong love and desire for these specific erasers) love your post and opinions thanks!
I went on a hunt for the Black Pearl and alternatives. I contacted Newell and was given contact information for an office supply company that may have some in stock. If so, I will do my best to wrangle those up and provide access at a reasonable price (not $600, heck not even $6 hopefully). I’m waiting to hear back from them.
I’d like to know where to get some of these for a reasonable price as well. I really liked them, but now they’re discontinued, which makes me sad. I’d love to buy any you can find.
Hi….is anyone here still interested in the Black Pearl eraser?
Yes!
Hi Justice…..if you would like a set of Black Pearl erasers…pls let me know. Thanks.
Do you still have any black pearl erasers?
No. They have been gone for a long time. I’ve even contacted PaperMate several times in hopes of getting some info about the status of these beloved erasers but have never received a reply.
Do you still have black pearl erasers available?
Thanks for your comment! We don’t actually sell them, but if you hit the link in the post it will take you to Office Depot which still has them in stock.
The Black Pearl erasers have been discontinued for some time. I have attempted to contact PaperMate several times to find out if they have plans to re-release it but have received no reply.
Yes I do. A few packs actually.
What a shitty company; to discontinue such a popular and well-made product. Some jerk on eBay has a two-pack of Black Pearls listed for $250!
Remember, most major office supply companies in the US cater to school supplies and large offices, not higher end stationery connoisseurs. They are often owned by large conglomerates that also sell many other products. Their concern is unit sales and the bottom line, not aesthetics and product integrity. Shame on eBay sellers for trying to scalp people for the last remaining units!