General’s

Owned and operated by the Weissenborn family since 1889, the General Pencil Company began in the home of Edward Weissenborn in Jersey City, New Jersey. The company enjoyed a steady growth until a World War I embargo of Germany cut off Edward’s supply of German pencil leads and put the company on the brink of collapse. Through experimentation and innovation, however, Edward was able to develop a way to make his own leads, inventing many of General’s unique drawing graphite formulas and saving the company in the process.

These ideals of innovation and quality are at the heart of the General Pencil Company to this day, and have helped establish General’s as one of the longest standing and most well-respected pencil manufacturers in the United States.

Every General’s product is made in their factory in Jersey City, New Jersey. Staples like the General’s Semi-Hex and General’s charcoal pencils are made using many of the same techniques used over 100 years ago, while newer items like General’s “How to Draw” books showcase the creativity and collaboration that have made the company what it is today.

The company is currently run by Edward’s grandson James and his daughter Katie with the goal of creating consistent, quality products in a sustainable manner for artists of all levels. Add General’s products to your collection and enjoy the benefits of quality products made right here in the United States.