How To: Choosing The Perfect Sharpener

How much of a difference can a pencil sharpener really make?

We have sharpened all of our pencils, with all of our sharpeners, to find out which sharpener will give you which kind of a point. It turns out we have quite the selection, each with their own unique benefits. 

For the purpose of pencil sharpening, its important to consider the hardness of the pencil. Faber Castell have put together this great guide (see below image), that details the degrees of hardness available in some pencil ranges. Graphite pencils are classified as either soft black (B), hard (H), hard black (HB) or firm (F). The degree of soft black, hard, hard black, and firm are then further classified by numbers, with the higher number dictating the higher intensity.

  • Faber Castell Hardness Sale

The most important thing about a pencil sharpener is that you want it to be sharp. If your pencil tip is coming out with a jagged wooden surface, it's time for a new blade. A dull blade can damage the pencil leads! Another sign of a dull blade is if the pencil shavings are broken. Ideally you would like them to remain connected - if you imagine you are peeling an apple and want one long continuous peel, thats what you want it too look like. 

Some pencils have specific requirements - most obviously, if you are using a jumbo sized pencil, you will need a larger size pencil sharpener. But other requirements are not so obvious, like the softness of your pencil. A soft pencil will require a gentler blade. An example of this might be a pastel pencil, for which we recommend the KUM Meisterwerk Magnesium Two-Step Sharpener where you can remove the blue protective backer and delicately sharpen soft pencils. 

Another important factor in choosing a pencil sharpener is whether or not you need a reservoir or not to hold your pencil shavings. If you are out and about, getting pencil shavings everywhere can be a real pain!

The Sharpeners

The KUM Meisterwerk Magnesium Two-Step Sharpener is the perfect pencil sharpener for pros who demand the ultimate point, or for those looking to sharpen a delicate or soft pencil. It is another two-step sharpening system, with a removable blue end for protecting a perfect point, sharpening to perfection every time. Stylishly packaged in a plastic case with a durable pouch, it's an essential for every pencil-wielding artist. We love this one!

The Blackwing Two-Step Long Point Sharpener creates a very long point using a two-step sharpening process. The first hole sharpens the wood (pictured above left), and the second hole precisely sharpens the graphite core to a fine point (pictured above right)

Each sharpener features a matte rubberised finish for added grip and German steel sharpening blades. The sharpener can hold three fresh sharpens before needing to be emptied. This sharpener also comes with two replacement blades in the shaving compartment.

The KUM AS2 & AS2M Two-Step Long Point Pencil Sharpeners! With their renowned German KUM technology, these sharpeners takes your pencils to the next level with a two-step process for perfect points and spare replacement blades. The grey pencil above shows the finished point - look at that long tip!

The KUM AS2M (pictured) shares the features of the AS2 sharpener, but with the addition of two lead sharpeners that bring 2.0 and 3.15 mm leads back into shape. Its basically four sharpeners in one. 

The Makers Cabinet Høvel Pencil Plane is an entirely reimagined pencil sharpener - it enables you to whittle your pencil perfectly to any desired point. Its unique mechanism also helps to not break the lead of your pencil, unlike the commonly used sharpener, which twists and snaps graphite. Due to its solid brass body, its weight is a joy, and it gains beauty and character with age - it is basically a tiny wood plane!

Made from solid brass, the Høvel comes with a pack of 10 carbon steel blades.

The classic two-hole sharpener fromStaedtler. Featuring two different sized holes, this sharpener accommodates most pencils. The small hole is for standard-sized lead pencils up to 8.2 mm Ø with a sharpening angle of 23° for clear and accurate lines. The larger hole is for thick lead and coloured pencils up to 10.2 mm Ø with a sharpening angle of 30° for broad, soft lines.

The KUM Glass Bottle Magnesium Sharpener is expertly designed. This elegant sharpener boasts KUM's renowned sharpening capabilities and timeless design and it's durable glass container makes it perfect for the demanding use of studios or offices - plus it looks great on a desk! It also holds the most pencil shavings of our sharpener range - very handy for a pencil sharpening fiend.

And finally, the classic way to sharpen a pencil would have to be using snap blade. This will give you a very sharp point, but it does require some practise, and some caution. Always,always, direct the blade away from your body, and watch out for those finger tips. We are great fans of theNT Knives & Blades- in both theS-202P(black handle) and theL-500(red handle). Nothing is sharper.

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