Best Pencil Sharpener For Artists

Pencil sharpeners are a must-have in the world of creative supplies. Sure, you could use a knife to make that precise point, but why not just place that dull writing utensil in a snugly enclosed blade that would do the job just as well—and with a lot less effort?

Some people like a motorized sharpener because it is simple and quick, whereas others favor a manual sharpener because it gives them more control. You can also choose between a one-size-fits-all type and one with adjustable holes for different pencil sizes.

Do graphite pencils require a specific sharpener?

Sometimes, If your pencil hasn't been sharpened yet, begin with a traditional pencil sharpener; this will give you a starting point. Sharpening will be easy because the wood and graphite are already separated.

When I sharpen my pencils, why do they keep breaking?

The truth is that no matter how well you sharpen colored pencils, the lead inside might still break. The lead within the pencil may deteriorate and break when sharpened if it is tossed on rough surfaces or bashed around. So look after your colored pencils.

The Most Effective Pencil Sharpeners

Electric Pencil Sharpener by Bostitch

Teachers love this electric pencil sharpener since it has a large capacity tray that doesn't need to be cleaned as often as others. It plugs into a standard wall outlet, so the continuous power comes straight from the source and won't run out.

With a height of 4.25 inches, it's the ideal size for desktop use while also being large enough for tiny hands, making it ideal for a younger school. It also contains a safety switch that prevents it from being used when the tray is open and the components are visible.

Prismacolor Scholar Sharpener

Prismacolor is a lot smaller and less complicated than the generic pencil sharpeners, so it might not be suitable for everyone. The Prismacolor Scholar, on the other hand, appeals to me because of its compact size and easy-access shavings section. Because this one doesn't have a flip top, you can start sharpening straight away.

The hole is shaped in such a way that it becomes thinner as it approaches the bottom. If you turn it upside down, no lead or shavings will fall out. The Scholar is a tiny creature, measuring only 2 inches in length.

If you're traveling light, this device will fit into your backpack or perhaps your pocket. Because this sharpener is so light, you can twist it instead of the pencil during sharpening. You'll be much less likely to witness any breaking this way.

Sharpener Faber-Castell Grip Trio

Faber-Castell multiple pencil sharpener can sharpen writing instruments of various sizes and materials. There is a dedicated space for colored, deluxe, and carbon pencils with three-bladed holes.

The sharpener is a manual model with a triangular handle that is comfortable for both youngsters and adults. It also folds in on itself and closes with a click for simple transport. When closed, the sharpener measures 8.25 inches tall and 2.63 inches broad at its widest point.

Colored Pencil Sharpener by Aogwat

The Aogwat colored pencil sharpener is a flexible and powerful instrument for sharpening colored pencils to a high quality. Colored, pastel, and ordinary writing pencils are all compatible. To survive heavy use, the outside shell is comprised of impact-resistant plastic. This feature makes it an excellent choice for extremely young artists or classrooms.

This sharpener may be operated in three different ways: using four AA batteries (not supplied), a USB cable (not provided), or an AC power adapter (included). This sharpener is versatile and convenient because of its different powering modes. The helical blade has three sharpness settings, allowing you to choose between blunt, medium, or sharp points. 

Metal Double Hole Sharpener by Staedtler

The ultra-portable manual pencil sharpener is ideal for tossing in your luggage. It has a metal double hole for two very different pencils, as well as a container for collecting shavings. When not in use, a folding cover with a safety lock keeps everything confined. 

Electric Pencil Sharpener by PowerMe

The spinning helix drill design on this pencil sharpener enables its sharpening process not only more uniform but also more powerful. As a result, it's frequently used by artists because it sharpens pencils just as well as traditional graphite pencils. However, it is the perfect size for No. 2 pencils.

This sharpener is also battery-operated, making it far more portable than plug-in models, whether you want to take it on the road, use it outside, or just sharpen in your workshop without sitting near an outlet. It's a favorite of professional painters, but it's also kid-friendly, thanks to a safety feature that stops it from being used if the cover that shows the blades within is removed.

X-ACTO Pro Electric Pencil Sharpener

Whenever it pertains to sharpness, there's a reason X-Acto has become a household name, and this mechanical pencil sharpener wins hands down. Its sturdy plastic structure is suitable for high-pressure operations, and it can take a large volume of sharpening without requiring a break.

The sharpener is wall-powered yet draws no power when not in use, so it can be left plugged in indefinitely. This sharpener contains a rotating wheel of pencil guides with 6 different size diameters to pick from to handle diverse pencil sizes.

Prismacolor Premier Sharpener

Prismacolor was constructed using high-quality materials. The side handle is comfortable to hold, and when you flip the top up, you'll find two sharpening blades to use. When it comes to sharpeners, this one is made for all types of art pencils, especially colored pencils.

This means you can work with almost anything and never have to worry about breaching the rules. The flip top is also simple to open, however, the interior top is a little more difficult.

BOSTITCH Heavy Duty Sharpener

BOSTITCH is another well-known name in the art world. They make a lot of great products, and this is one of them. The 6-size selector dial is kid-friendly and easy to turn to match the numerous pencil sizes used in classrooms. 

The Tip Saver Technology also prevents over-sharpening, increasing the life of the pencil. The blade cutters on a pencil will retract once it is sufficiently sharp, and no additional sharpening may be done.

Sharpener for AFMAT Long Point Pencils

Once you look at the AFMAT long point pencil sharpener, you'll see that it's unlike anything else on the market today. With the ability to build a super long nib from 18 – 25 mm down to a shorter 8 – 15 mm nib, you have complete control over your lead exposure preference.

The sharpener comes with an inbuilt lithium-ion battery that usually lasts roughly 300 uses, a plug that can be charged by a standard USB outlet, and a standard AC converter, making it the most adaptable sharpener on our list. Overall, this is a sharpener made just for artists. Power options are a welcome addition. Sharpening that stops automatically will prevent your lengthy nibs from cracking.

How to Choose a Sharpener

Both manual and electric pencil sharpeners have the same goal in mind. With electricity, you have significantly less control over the process and are more likely to break your lead. These, on the other hand, are more convenient to operate and frequently come with bits of help to consolidate for the shavings.

Manual sharpeners are nearly always preferred by artists since they are easier to control, provide more sharpening choices, and are extremely portable for sketching on the fly. Here's a quick rundown of some common characteristics to look for:

• Hole opening sizes
• Sharpness at the end
• How much pressure do you use, for the sharpening process