If you ever have to use a pencil, you will need a pencil sharpener to sharpen it. Sure, you can always buy a new pencil or pack of pencils every time your pencil becomes blunt, but that can be costly. You could go old-school and sharpen your pencil with a knife. But why would you want to risk hurting yourself? Pencil sharpeners are a convenient way to keep your pencil in full working order.
But how do you know which one to buy? Check out the rest of our article to find out.
What is a pencil sharpener?
A pencil sharpener is any device or tool made with the intent to sharpen a pencil. A pencil sharpener can sharpen a variety of pencils. However, certain types of sharpeners work better with specific types of pencils.
Why do you need a pencil sharpener?
You may need a pencil sharpener for various reasons. Fundamentally, every person who buys a pencil sharpener buys one to sharpen a drawing pencil. You can also use pencil sharpeners for the following reasons.
Sharpen eyeliner pencils
Eyeliner pencils lose their precision when they become blunt. Sharpening an eyeliner pencil reduces smudging and allows for smaller lines.
Sharpen eyebrow pencils
A sharper eyebrow pencil gives you the ability to draw thinner lines, replicating the effect of real eyebrow hairs. A sharp eyebrow pencil also allows you to make good-looking eyebrow art.
Sharpen lip liner
Keeping your lip liner sharp means you can make precise lines and achieve a more natural look when applying your makeup.
Sharpen chalk
Did you know you can use a pencil sharpener to sharpen chalk? This handy tip will ensure your writing will always look neat on the blackboard.
arts and crafts
You can use pencil shavings to add texture to a piece of artwork. You can also use melted cray shavings created by a pencil sharpener to create awesome pieces of colorful artwork with your kids.
You are an artist
If you are working on a piece of art, it is important to have various pencils of varying bluntness. Sometimes, you will want to use a blunt edge through artistic choice.
Things to consider when buying a pencil sharpener
There are a massive number of sharpeners on the market today. So how do you choose one that is right for you? Some of the things you should consider include:
Left-handed sharpeners
If you are left-handed, you can buy a pencil sharpener specifically made for left-handed people. Save yourself wrist and hand ache by investing in one such pencil sharpener.
Size
Most pencils are 8mm wide, but you can find some are larger. If you do not know what size pencil sharpener you need, you can buy one with two different sized holes.
Long point sharpeners
Artists and architects often use long point sharpeners because they help you shave the wood from the pencil without compromising the lead.
Long point sharpeners also create a tiny point allowing the artist to draw finer details. Long point sharpeners should only be used with good-quality pencils. Sturdy pencils, such as graphite pencils, will survive being used after being sharpened to such a thin elongated point.
Angle
If you want a long and pointed shave, you should use a pencil sharpener with an 84-degree angle. For a shorter shave, choose a pencil sharpener with a 72-degree angle. Basically, pencil sharpeners with larger angles show more lead in your pencil. Shorter angled pencil sharpeners show less lead and are more sturdy.
Point
Choose a pencil sharpener that gives you your required pencil sharpness. Some sharpeners create crisp round points; others create blunt or rounded tips.
Gentleness
Harsh pencil sharpeners can ruin your pencil, which will splinter and look like it’s chipped. Some pencil sharpeners are made with good quality materials such as high carbon steel. If your sharpener becomes harsh and damages your pencils, it may be time to change the blade. Many sharpeners come with changeable blades.
Tub sharpener
To prevent unnecessary mess, buy a pencil sharpener with a tub and a lid. This will save you all those trips to the waste bin. Simply empty the tub when it is full.
Design
There are several cute or professional designs available. This is purely an aesthetic choice but could be considered if you are buying a sharpener for a child’s pencil case.
Cosmetic pencil sharpener
If you want to sharpen a lip liner, eyeliner, or eyebrow pencil, a universal cosmetic pencil sharpener should do the trick.
Mechanical
If you have arthritis or simply enjoy a good gadget, consider buying a mechanical pencil sharpener. This prevents you from twisting your wrist or putting unnecessary strain on your hands.
Pencil sharpener price range
You can buy a pencil sharpener for as little as $4. However, you may want to invest some more money if you want a pencil sharpener that will last a long time and protect your pencils. The upper price range for a pencil sharpener is around $27.
FAQs
How long do pencil sharpeners last?
The blade in a pencil sharpener should last 3-6 months with regular use. After this time, you can replace the blade or buy a whole new pencil sharpener. You will know when it is time to change the blade because the wood will start to chip.
How old should children be when they can use a pencil sharpener unsupervised?
It is recommended that a child uses a pencil sharpener under supervision until the age of about 12. However, some retailers have been known not to sell pencil sharpeners to children under the age of 14 because of the sharpness and removability of the blade.
Why does my pencil sharpener break the lead in my pencil?
The lead in your pencil was likely damaged before being sharpened. This can be caused by dropping the pencil. Although the outside of the pencil remains intact, the shock of the fall can cause the lead to a splinter.