Looking for the best pencil sharpener? Most pencil sharpeners in this category, whether manual or electric, have two wavy barrels with reasonably sharp edges. The tip of your pen is found between these barrels, and their edges are cut in waves in the wood and the graphite of the pencil, producing a tip more and more sharp as you invest in the machine in motion.
The best electric pencil sharpeners are equipped with a very simple sensor that detects the presence of the pencil either by light or by sensitivity to touch, depending on the brand and model. Pass a particular point with the tip of the pen, and the sharpener snaps into place.
Comparison of the best pencil sharpeners
I know that there are still enthusiasts of manual and classic styles as well as those who prefer a firm and thin point in seconds with an electric pencil sharpener.
I am from the second group, but after more than 30 years as a clerk and 10 as a mom, I think I have tried any number of pencil sharpeners.
Therefore, this guide will include 10 models ranging from the smallest and lightest sizes to the most robust and heavy with several holes.
1. Bostitch twist-n-sharp pencil sharpener
You can not go wrong with a classic and cheap model. Despite being a manual pencil sharpener that requires us to give turns this is a solid model, with a reasonable and light deposit.
2. Jakar Electric Pencil Sharpener
It is a classic style among the automatic, but very reliable. Its great advantage is that it works quickly, endures intense use.
3. OfficePro Electric Pencil Sharpener
This product comes with a great function that stops automatically after removing the right edge and removing the pencil. In this way the engine lasts longer, the graphite will not be consumed and our pencils will last a lot.
4. Electric Pencil Sharpener CNASA
It is perfect for sharpening many coloured pencils with an asymmetrical and uniform finish. This device has a powerful motor with a useful life of more than 3 years and a power of cut that does not disappoint.
5. Tepoinn Electric Pencil Sharpener
Having several possible sizes opens the possibility of a more personalized and professional row. Its crank gives the sensation of a classic work and allows a careful dedication to colours of cartoonists, typographers and writers by trade.
6. Oladwolf 2-hole electric pencil sharpener
This combo is so practical that it can be indispensable. It is a pencil sharpener that works with USB connection, non-slip base, able to cut 2 pencils at once and with an automatic safety stop.
7. Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener
It is by far the most economic model that exists, but with the guarantee of a manufacturer specialized in office products. Sharpens to perfection and has a small plastic deposit that does a good job.
8. Metallic sharpener from Staedtler
I was my favorite model when I went to school because I never broke the tips of my pencils and I’m glad they keep making them. The only downside is that if the lid breaks it is not possible to put the piece of the blade back in its place.
9. Circular sharpener of MOBIUS & RUPPERT
It’s as simple as it is effective. Its rounded shape gives a stable grip when it is held with two fingers, its structure does not weigh or move.
10. Staedtler Manual Pencil sharpener
It gives a rounded or pointed finish. It is the most reliable model of the entire comparative thanks to its metallic and integrated design that never breaks. The best thing is that its universal structure allows to fit them in several tanks.
Different types of pencil sharpeners
There are different types of pencil sharpeners depending on how they work, we offer you a brief description of each one and we present different opportunities for you to assess what is your best purchase option.
- Electric pencil sharpener
- Manual pencil sharpener
- Crank Sharpener
Manual or electric pencil sharpener?
Currently, there are a variety of sharpeners of different models and formats, but choosing the ideal one, it comes down to two main types: manual and electric. So which one is the best?
Each pencil sharpener has its advantages. Manual sharpeners are great for comfort and control, you always know when to stop sharpening. In addition, they are easier to store and are always at hand.
The sharpener must be chosen carefully so as not to irreversibly damage the artwork.
Electric sharpeners are great when you’re in a hurry, but you risk sharpening too much or making a crooked tip, ruining your pencil.
When using an electric pencil sharpener, twist the pencil slightly back to get a sharp point, and if you have time, check the tip periodically instead of relying on the sound of the pencil sharpener to tell you when the pencil is ready unless you have a pointer it stops automatically.
Also, be aware of blade wear on both types of sharpeners, as this can cause your sharpener to break quickly.
What to look for in a good pencil sharpener?
Size
For it to be a good pencil sharpener it must be of the compatible thickness of our pencils. In this sense, there are models of 8 millimetres and other less common up to 10.5.
Shape
In standard styles for the office or school we can have pencil walls in a circular but also triangular and hexagonal.
Sharpening angle
When we do an art project we may need finer and sharpened pencils, with a longer tip to blur. This is achieved with an angle of greater degree in the sharpener.
Main point
After treating the tip can be super sharp, perfect writing pencils, or a little more blunt and rounded, better for less meticulous work.
Hardness or softness
Some models of the market end up being so robust that they translate into hardness in the work, being able to break the wood and cause dents in the lead mine.
Cleaning
If you do not like the graphite marks, it is better that you go for a format that includes some mechanism easy to clean.
Use to be given
It will seem obvious to you that you will use the pencil sharpener, but it will not be the same if you need it to make a wooden drawing, color a card, write a shopping list or write in classes.
Type of environment
A noisy brand can bring you problems in a silent office, but it will give you speed in every sharpening.
Users
Having a pencil sharpener in a public place makes the needs and types of pencils very varied. For these occasions you can buy multipurpose models.
How to use a pencil sharpener?
As we draw and due to rubbing against the paper or material on which we use the tool, the pencil lead wears away. In that case, we need the pen to have the necessary tip to continue with our work.
Sharpening with the Common Knife Sharpener
You can buy the common knife sharpener. It is the smallest, most manageable pencil sharpener and we will use it very manually.
We will have to grasp the body of the sharpener with one hand while with the other we introduce the pencil through the entrance hole. Once inserted the we make sure that it is well at the bottom and we rotate it clockwise.
The trick to good sharpening is to maintain sufficient speed and strength so that wood and graphite or colored lead do not chip.
Sharpen the pencil with a crank sharpener
In this case, due to the size of the object and the comfort when using it, the sharpener will be perched and fixedly fixed on the table.
With one hand we will introduce the material to be sharpened through the indicated hole, while with the other we rotate the crank with our hands.
It should be enough to do about 8 turns for the pencil to be perfectly sharp, but this will also depend on the model of crank sharpener that we have or are using. You can buy a modern crank sharpener that is no problem.
Where to by pencil sharpener?
Sharpeners are usually bought at stores like stationeries. However, if you need a better quality sharpener, which won’t break soon, you probably won’t find it at the stationery near your home.
Therefore, a good option is to search for art or office supply stores, as they contain a greater variety of products. Also, another option is to buy through the Amazon website, which offers a great variety and great prices.
