Best pencil sharpeners according to redditors
We found 204 Reddit comments discussing the best pencil sharpeners. We ranked the 88 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 204 Reddit comments discussing the best pencil sharpeners. We ranked the 88 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
This is good.
However, if you want something that you can potentially use as a weapon and will probably outlast you as a teacher, go with something like this
School supply retail manager here! Please allow my $0.02 USD ($1.51 CAD)
If you don't want to pay more than fifty bucks but need an electric, I recommend the Bostitch XACTO series. The great thing about it is that it has a blue light that comes on when the pencil is adequately sharpened. Great for middle schoolers who know someone's going to watch them sharpen the pencil and go "OOOH IT'S BLUE AND YOU DIDN'T STOP" if they don't pay attention. The downside to it is that you have to be very conscious about shaving piling up. The motor can jam very easily if shavings get in there. For the price, it's pretty solid.
If you want the sharpener to end all sharpeners, go with the Bostitch MPS1. "But a manual?!" I hear you cry... yes, a manual. It needs emptying once a day but holy god, does it sharpen like a beast. In the retail business the best feedback we get is when people return things. In other words, if it doesn't get returned it's good. I'm looking at my inventory program right now and we've had exactly 1 returned since we started carrying them back in 2008. We've sold 151. Seriously, that's un-fucking-heard-of. It's also 18 bucks on Amazon, so grab that sucker right now.
Feel free to respond or PM me with any questions. I'd be happy to share my (limited) insight.
EDIT: grammar ^^^I'm ^^^not ^^^an ^^^English ^^^teacher, ^^^dammit
I color a lot. I got this sharpener because all of the ones I could find in stores sucked some skanky ass. It's amazing. I've never had a sharpener last this long before and it works perfectly, every time. Even drunk me can't fuck it up.
Korean and Japenese pencil sharpners are very good.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O4RXR00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_n3EmzbKWEEZF6
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001U3NST6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_61EmzbT70B77Z
While it's awesome to find one that's been around a while, you can get new ones for $20 or less. I'd been finding broken (squished) ones in the thrift shops and finally broke down and bought one for my drawing pencils. So satisfying!
It’s a mechanical pencil lead pointer. Like a sharpener for the 2mm drafting pencils. (I know they don’t use lead, it’s what they still call them). There’s a file like material on the inside wall. When the pencil is spun around, it finely grinds on the wall to make a point.
This is a newer version: Staedtler Mars Rotary Action Lead Pointer and Tub for 2mm Leads, 502BKA6 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B002EL9J50/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rCpMBb6F2KNR4
The old ones like that are pretty hard to find.
Cheers
https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Rotary-Action-Pointer-502BKA6/dp/B002EL9J50
Looks to be some kind of drafting pencil sharpener with erasers
Edit - the white things aren't erasers. They seem to be for wiping off graphite shavings from the sharpening process so your paper stays clean
This one:
X-ACTO School Pro Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener, Blue, 1 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IEI4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6DtlDbCPG2TSB
It is on sale big time now. I set up 2, 1 on each side of the room. They work like a dream.
Not kidding, I've have mine for 20+ years. Being able to swap leads to harder or softer or even different colors is a great advantage.
Paired with a proper sharpener this is the last pencil you'll buy.
I'm using the kum long point sharpener. It also sharpens lead from leadholders. https://www.amazon.de/Kum-1053121-Spitzer-schärft-Ersatzklingen/dp/B002C2UV0I/ref=mp_s_a_1_2
It's Farber Castell and the cheapest pencil sharpener you can buy. You can buy it on amazon (holy moly. 8dollars. Are you kidding me?!) however this sharpener is much better and apparently cheaper (although less racist).
Source: I just bought one a few days ago.
Uni 2mm pocket sharpener: https://www.amazon.com/Mitsubishi-Pencil-Pocket-Sharpener-DPS6001P/dp/B006CQTN0Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_1
Works great
I think you should pick up another straight that has been honed to shave ready. Larry at Whipped Dog has some very affordable blades that are supposed to be shave ready. You can use this as a measure to getting your blade up to snuff.
Also, technique may be an issue. But you've been shaving a while....
If you can't get it keen on a 4K, you may need to set that bevel again... There is no formula for bevel setting, just a feeling. I'd blunt the blade on a thumbnail, then hone until you can easily pop hair with the edge. Then, move up a measured progression like pyramid honing.
Here's a copy past I did you might find useful:
Equipment Essentials
Honing Supplies for Restoring a Few Straights
To hone:
First, you need to flatten your stone, making sure you've removed the top 1/64th or so of stone material to reach the true grits (the top is a bit rough on Nortons especially).Make sure your stone is perfectly flat. Use the DMT or the sandpaper I described above for this.
Next, clean your SR in soap/warm water. Dry it, and put a piece of electrical tape along the spine and fold it over (like a book binding) if you'd like (not necessary, and I don't do this, but some prefer the look of the end product).
I like to clear the edge of possible errand burs before I hone, so I drag the shaving edge against my thumbnail or a glass bottle. These burs can cause issues, and may make for a rough feeling edge. I've found that this is a good way to remove them. It may be unnecessary for some/most blades, but it's part of my bevel setting routine, and by doing this, I've notice good things and increased consistency when I hone.
Now, to hone. You're going to get your razor sharp in these stages:
Setting the bevel:
While all steps are important, this step is foundational. Place your razor on your bevel setting stone, keeping the razor spine and edge completely flat on the surface togehter. Do tiny circle strokes (circular motion down the hone) so you do about 30-40 tiny circles as you move own the bottom hone. Repeat on the other side of the razor, moving up the hone in the opposite direction (and counter-wise circle direction). Now do 15 x strokes. This is a set.
Repeat doing these sets until you can shave hair on your arm or leg by very slowly grazing over the tops of the hair - it should catch and cut with a bit of a tug.
It will take many many of these sets with a 4k stone, and less with a 1K.
Once you can shave hair on your arm or leg all along the bevel (toe to heel) with uniform sharpness and cutting, you may be set. Do another 10 or so x-strokes, very lightly, very perfectly as a final sharpening for your bevel. See if this helps your edge.
Once you're happy with your bevel, strop it and shave. If it's painful, it's likely your bevel isn't set. If it's decent, you're ready to move on.
Polishing the bevel
Now move up to polishing. On the 4K and do 35 light x strokes. Go to the 8K and do 35 light x-strokes. Repeat this back and forth going 4K 30, 8K 30. Now keep this up, decreasing the stroke number by 5. When you're at 10 strokes, just do 25 on the 8K.
Always check for sharpness along the edge by trimming a bit of arm hair. You'll learn a lot from an edge by doing this.
Following the grits up in this fashion should give you a fairly polished bevel. It's best to go higher than 8K with a high grit chinese hone from a woodworking store, or a naninwa 12k, but 8K will do for now.
Truing the edge:
Strop about 30 passes on your chromium oxide, clean the blade, and the perform 200 passes on leather - all spine leading, done very lightly.
The Shave
After all this, you should have a great edge. Give it a test shave and compare it to your pro honed blade.
While honing, you'll likely get frustrated, but keep at it! If you're getting aggressive with the razor, just give it a break, and come back later. If the shave is no good, post back here and we'll help you diagnose.
Some thoughts:
I tired to present information that's very searchable. Straight razor place has archived many of the ideas that I just presented. I highly recommend researching on your own and reaching a personal conclusion. What follows are my personal opinions.
This equipment I suggest is not necessarily the best, nor is it bad at all. It's great way to get started and find out what you like in a stone/routine. Some ideas to consider if you upgrade your set:
The back and forth honing I recommend is a honing series called pyramid honing, where you go between two different grit hones to ensure you don't form a wire edge or a bur. I like to recommend this for folks getting into honing since this is one of the most documented methods for get a razor to shave ready from a bevel set. A quick google search on pyramid honing will give you plenty of reading. I don't hone this way any more.
I highly recommend honing your razor as sharp as possible on one stone, strop as I've outlined, and give it a shave. For example, sharpen as much as you can at the 4K stage, and strop it 200 times. If it shaves ok, you're on the right track. If not, you've got more work to do at that level of stone. You'll be amazed that such a low grit can shave so well. If it's painful to shave after your lowest stone.... you're not done, and moving up the stones will not benefit your edge. Repeating this process of shaving up all the stone grits (4K, 8K, 12K) will help you get a feel for what honing at the different levels provide. Shaving off my 1K bevel provided me the biggest leap in edge quality while learning.
Don't limit your techniques. Once you can confidently bring a restored razor to shave with consistency, I'd recommend playing around and experimenting. Though this, I've developed some strokes that are critical to my routine, and used effectively with every blade I sharpen.
I have a set of 120 Prismacolors that I got back in college. I was thinking about getting a different brand because every time I sharpened my pencils the tips would fall out and break. It was driving me crazy! But I just recently figured out that the problem was the electric sharpener I was using. Electric sharpeners shave the wood at a larger angle and expose too much of the core which makes it weak. I started using my Staedtler sharpener which actually has a "colour" sharpener and I haven't had a single one break since. So if your pencils are breaking a lot, try using a different sharpener.
Here is one of my favorite colored pencil pieces: Wolf's Helm from Assassin's Creed
And I just did this sunflower yesterday.
This pencil sharpener. I hate electric sharpeners!
Also, my document camera so expensive but i use it everyday (hs teacher).
edit: grammar
If you're looking to sharpen your current razor specifically then I think you'd be better off starting with a higher-grit stone. Look at the "Chinese 12k" from Woodcraft, the Naniwa 12k (Amazon link), or any other whetstone rated at 10,000-grit or higher. You can also look at a strop made of leather or even balsa that has been treated with a fine abrasive like chromium oxide or diamond paste, but IMO a hone would be more effective for your scenario.
The Norton 4k/8k combo is good for a progression when sharpening a completely dull razor. A 12k should keep your edge proper for a long while before you'd need to go down to the 8k level, and I'd wager that your razor was probably sharpened to 12k and pastes when you first received it.
The Norton and Naniwa flattening stones have been known to wear rather quickly. The DMT Dia-Sharp coarse (Amazon) costs a bit more but is built to last and will always stay flat.
Make sure your hones are flat. Keep them wet when sharpening: the Norton needs to be soaked in water for at least 15 minutes before use, while the Naniwas can just be spritzed with some water when needed.
For my sharpened razors just starting to tug I progress backwards, meaning I'll start at the high grit and work my way down when needed: 12k almost always does the trick and I rarely go back down to 8k. For dull razors that I'm working on I'll go 1k > 4k > 8k > 12k, and I have a pasted strop that I finish with.
https://www.amazon.com/X-ACTO-School-Classroom-Electric-Sharpener/dp/B00006IEI4
This is the one that I have used for the past 2 years. It is the best thing I've bought for my classroom thus far.
There are pencil sharpeners designed to do this for you easily like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Blackwing-Kum-Two-Step-Long-Point-Sharpener/dp/B009EUH8UC
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008QTN6BC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It's this one. It's cheap but it works just fine. I can fit about 5 Lamys (3 Al-Stars and 2 Safaris) in there comfortably.
This is the best one I've encountered.
http://www.amazon.com/X-Acto-School-Heavy-Duty-Electric-Sharpener/dp/B00006IEI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412910684&sr=8-1&keywords=xacto+pencil+sharpener
I use a lead pointer. It's more expensive than using a knife or the sharpener on the top of your lead holder, but I think they're worth it.
automatic pencil sharpener
The Möbius & Ruppert Bullet Sharpener is my personal favorite. Easy to grip and it gives you a good point (and it looks cool). They're like $6 on Amazon.
Our math department uses this one and swears by it. The office also uses it for sharpening the school set of pencils prior to any tests the kids take. The other school I taught at also had one of these in every math and English classroom. It's basically the standard.
i have a pencil sharpener like this one, which is the greatest pencil sharpener i've ever owned. there's a little dial on the back that lets you set the sharpness, and it can't over sharpen pencils. it has a sort of automatic feed and once it reaches the proper sharpness it keeps it from sharpening anymore. they have a bunch of different brands and styles of this kind of sharpener, this one might be better for pastel pencils.
I'll look into these. Im a Palamino Blackwings 602 fan.
By the way, anyone who likes to take their pencils on the go, these two purchases will change your life:
Pencil Cap (fit a pencil with a sharpened point perfectly): https://www.amazon.com/Pacs-Kutsuwa-Pencil-Metal-Total/dp/B01KSU775M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1498127051&sr=8-3&keywords=pencil+cap
Long Point Sharpener: https://www.amazon.com/Palomino-Blackwing-Point-Pencil-Sharpener/dp/B009EUH8UC/ref=pd_sim_229_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B009EUH8UC&pd_rd_r=4J0DKCZHQMMRK9WE70J7&pd_rd_w=LZ9ib&pd_rd_wg=aSvSt&psc=1&refRID=4J0DKCZHQMMRK9WE70J7
For sharpeners, nothing beats the bullet sharpeners imo.
Also, no matter what pencils you get, I rec this Derwent set to anyone. I've tried every method of blending, and theirs is amazing and a great deal, plus it comes with a vinyl eraser which will erase pretty much anything. They also have an electric eraser which is very precise, but I would wait on getting it.
As far as coloring books, my favorites are Hanna Karlzon's - I have Daydreams and Summer Nights which can be gotten for 8 - $11 on Amazon.
Also, if you're interested in coloring pages off of Pinterest - I can give you good recommendations, I wait for a sale at Office Max/Depot, and get around 60 pages of grayscale coloring on extremely nice cardstock for $7. :)
I only have prismacolors (132) , so I will let others speak on that, although I did just order the Faber-castell in the post thst has an example of the Faber-castell, which I've heard nothing but good about, and even though I'm low on cash, I could afford $14. /U/clvnhbhs has tons of experience with all the different brands, and I really appreciate their help with the info. Like I said, I don't have experience with other brands , but I've noticed that prismacolors are either really good and smooth or really scratchy fwiw. Also this comment has info on Pinterest - please let me know if you have any questions because it's not very user-friendly with search.
Hope this helps!
Edit: here's some of my work with prismacolor-
https://imgur.com/gallery/4OHNE
https://imgur.com/gallery/XiT4S
https://imgur.com/gallery/Fqzs6
https://imgur.com/gallery/o3KKZ
 
Edit check this comment for my info on Pinterest. :)
The Palomino Blackwing 602 gets my nod. Pair it with a nice Staedler eraser and a Blackwing sharpener.
I found this one in my classroom when I was working at an elementary school, and let me just tell you...I held onto that baby. Worked amazing, even though I let my elementary-school-aged students use it every day. It was on my list of top 5 things that I missed when I left that school. Come to think of it, I should probably buy one for my classroom this year, instead of using the crappy 90s-era thing I found in my new classroom.
This pen case was about $9 on amazon an holds a good amount of things. It's also pretty portable. Here's a link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CHZRKD6/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_2nfwub1Y7PF95
The Alvin Bullet sharpener is my everyday carry.
Bullet Sharpener https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BYK7LQ/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_ZBNSub02AY2B5
At my desk I keep a Kum long point sharpener. It's two steps and takes some getting used to but the point is awesome.
Kum AS2 or AS2KM, Two Hole Automatic Long Point Pencil Sharpener, Mfg Part Number 1053021 ( extra lids not included ) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003G560JQ/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_kFNSub145M1FE
Small metal pencil sharpener like this one that you can use to turn small sticks and twigs into fire starting tender.
This is the sharpener on NYX's site. It's listed there for $4.50 which is the same price I bought it in CVS. Amazon seems to have in on a sale of some sort, but I'm not sure what shipping would be.
Personally, I'm much more a fan of a good lead holder. Staedtler makes one that i've used for years. Just be sure to get the accompanying sharpener. If you remove the clip, you can rotate in your fingers as you draw a line to get very crisp, neat linework. Lineweight is determined by the hardness of the lead you use.
Otherwise, you may want to wait until you enter school. Each program tends to have its own idiosyncratic preferences for graphics and drafting techniques.
Here you go.
I have both a Faber-Castell Trio Sharpener (http://amzn.com/B0009WFNY2) and a Stad T'Gaal Pencil Sharpener (http://amzn.com/B006CQW2LQ) that I like a lot.
The Trio is great if you have any large diameter pencils. I prefer the T'Gaal, personally, because it allows me to sharpen my pencils to varying lengths depending on the softness of the brand. I tend to sharpen my Derwent Colorsofts to a shorter point (usually a 2 or a 3), and my Polychromos to a 4 or 5 since they are pretty strong and hold the point well. The 8mm diameter pencils fit exactly, albeit a bit snugly. Both sharpeners have other colors available, so if color doesn't matter, you may be able to find them cheaper than the specific one I linked.
Definitely not a stupid question, by the way!
I've had this one for two years now and it has been working pretty good so far. My can kids use it without any problems. The only thing I could comment on is that if the tray is even 1/16th of an inch out of it's spot it won't function. That's good for safety, but it can be a tiny bit of an annoyance some times.
The alvin brass bullet is what I use.
As others have mentioned, your school may provide basic supplies. There are always the supplies that there are never enough of, though, so it's awesome that you are watching the sales. Things I'd watch for: art supplies (crayons, colored pencils, markers, construction paper), glue sticks, tissues, hand sanitizer. A decent pencil sharpener is a must. This one seems to be universally loved at my school; mine is 2.5 years old and shows no signs of slowing down. I'd also start thinking about how you plan to organize/ store all these supplies. Are you going to need plastic trays for papers? Are you going to keep supplies in plastic caddies at table groups, or in pencil boxes, or in those little metal tins? Dollar Tree and the Target Dollar Spot are both great places to find organizational tools in bright, classroom friendly colors.
The biggest thing I'd say is to focus on things that will be used at every grade level. You might end up in kinder, or you might end up in upper elementary. Supplies, organizational bins, picture books, and things like that are useful with any age group. I'd wait on things like super-grade-level-specific posters for the walls, until you know what age group you will be teaching.
Congrats on your upcoming graduation!
Here's my favorite model
This is like talking about religion. I'm not going to go through the million ways to sharpen, but my process is as follows:
New tools and badly damaged ones get trued on sandpaper (scary sharp method). 180 to 800 grit
Mildly damaged or nicked tools (or new tools after scary sharp) go to the fine diamond stone
Stuff I should have sharpened a long time ago or anything from the steps above goes to the extra fine diamond stone Also if I need to establish a microbevel or add/tune camber to an iron, it's done here.
To be completely honest, if you stopped there, you'd be in pretty good shape. I happen to like sharpening so I take it to extremes.
Honing begins on the 4000 grit waterstone.
Then we move to the 8000 grit waterstone
Then, it's on to the Naniwa 12,000 grit waterstone
After that I move to the Butz paddle strop loaded with extra fine jewelers rouge.
Now I'm sharp and good to go.
CoverGirl Cheekers Blush, Classic Pink
False Eyelashes (I live for cheap eyelashes that I can cut up and style and not care if I screw up)
NYX Sharpener
http://www.amazon.com/Alvin-9866-Brass-Bullet-Sharpener/dp/B001BYK7LQ
I am trying to find it. I don't see it on Amazon. It was X-Acto brand. They have others like it, but not mine. This one is similar, but definitely not it. A pro is that it is cheaper!
https://www.amazon.com/X-ACTO-Teacher-Electric-Sharpener-SmartStop/dp/B001PMG98O/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1469497109&sr=1-1&keywords=TeacherPro+Classroom+Electric+Pencil+Sharpener
Here you go girl, these things stay sharp:
https://www.amazon.com/NYX-NYX-SH-Sharpener/dp/B003HG4GQI
For sketching, I use a Staedtler Mars 780 and to get it to the sharpness I like, I use a Staedtler Rotary
For inking, I mainly use Pigma Microns, but also like using other brands such as Kurutake Zig or Staedtler pigment liners, all of which I'm sure you can find at your local art store
Hope that helps!
Before I get to the list, I'll mention that it may not seem like I'm super active, but I was away from the sub for a week or so, but if you look into my posts from before that, you'll see I'm pretty active. :)
1.) Something that is blue. - I mean, it's literally blue.
2.) Something that says summer. - What says summer better than SURFING!?
3.) Something food related that is unusual. - It's a Kit Kat. But it's GREEN TEA flavored!
4.) Something you want to gift to someone else, and tell me why. - I've been trying to get /u/quickwittedslowpoke to buy this manga because it's awesome, but she hasn't yet. I really want her to read it!
5.) A book I should read! I am an avid reader, so take your best shot and tell me why I need to read it! - Shameless shilling. My friend wrote this book and I want him to become famous! :D
6.) An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related! - I don't really have a great reason for this, it was just on my mind because I had considered getting it as a gag gift for my uncle's birthday since his lucky number is 113 and that Pokemon is #113, but I didn't end up doing it since it wouldn't have arrived by his birthday (which already passed).
7.) Something related to dogs. - I have no idea what GSD is, sorry D:
8.) Something that is not useful, but so awesome you must have it. - It's literally just a statue. It doesn't do anything but look cute. But she's one of my favorite characters :D
9.) A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. Why? - This is one of the best Anime films of all time. Even if you're not into anime, I still highly recommend it. It has won COUNTLESS awards already. It's a pretty big deal in the anime community. It's got a great plot and it's so sad that if you don't cry, you have no soul.
10.) Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. Explain. - Zombies can't swim. Foolproof plan. They'll eventually decay in the sun and all die within a few days, and you'll be out on your cool ass boat, safe from the chaos.
11.) Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals. - I know it seems a little silly, but I'm trying to learn to cook better, and I just don't really have very good cooking tools...
12.) One of those pesky Add-On items. - Fun fact: I obsessively clean my ears. :I
13.) Something fandom related. - It's three fandoms in one! Super Smash Bros, Nintendo and Final Fantasy! :D
14.) Something ridiculously priced, more than $10,000. They exist, y’all. - Because it's eleven times what you asked :)
15.) Something with sharks or unicorns. - It was actually pretty decent.
16.) Something that smells wonderful. - At least I think it does. Needs lots of sugar though lol
17.) A toy that you wanted or had when you were a child that was the best ever, or (if it’s not on amazon) a toy that you think is pretty cool now - Does this count? I had the original back in the 80s/90s, and this is a new model with packed in games. But yeah, this shit was my childhood!
18.) Something that would be helpful for writers. - I mean, really, what're you gonna do with unsharpened pencils?
19.) Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be. - The Precure anime franchise is one of my guilty pleasures, and this character, Cure Peace, is my favorite character in the series! :D
20.) Something that is just so random and weird that it makes you laugh. - Because why the fuck not?
On the pen case issue: I have a leather pen roll-up that works very nicely. You can find it here. If you need something with a lot of rigidity it might not work, but in my experience the pens all bound together tends to work well for everyday toting.
A well-rated vertical one should resolve that.
https://www.amazon.com/School-Smart-Vertical-Sharpener-Electric/dp/B003U6VSHU
Are you set on electric? This thing only takes a few turns to sharpen a pencil so sharp and perfect its like a surgical tool. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IEDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_iP3OBbBDD5MY7
My grade level swears by this pencil sharpener. We all have one and have yet to see one give out. My partner's had hers since 2013!
I currently have this one in my classroom from a Reddit Teacher Gift. It has survived far more than I would have ever thought (high school math with it being used probably around 100x a day - why don't other subjects use pencil? Because the pencil sharpener drive teachers crazy).
-It has never over heated (seriously, thirty pencils at a time...)
-Emptying it is super easy... Just a button over a trashcan.
-The only problem is that it doesn't stop once the pencil is sharpened so it may not work with younger children.
http://www.amazon.com/X-ACTO-Spira-Electric-Pencil-Sharpener/dp/B004R1LXOK/ref=sr_1_5?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1417657101&sr=1-5
__
This one is the one I had last year until my students broke it around April or so.
-It is loud, but it is incredibly fast so it isn't as long of a sharpening
-It overheats fairly easily - when I taught fourth grade, it used to overheat from daily usage of a 22 student classroom.... I don't think this one would have survived my current high school classroom
-Emptying it is a breeze and you don't need to move the trash can. The shavings sit in a convenient little basket. The shavings were cleaner than the one listed above.
http://www.amazon.com/School-Smart-Electric-Vertical-Sharpener/dp/B003U6VSHU/ref=sr_1_4?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1417657101&sr=1-4
_____
I hate pencil sharpeners, but my school has a 'no mechanical pencil' policy so I have to deal with them the best I can. The other ones I have had are nothing worth mentioning
edit - I can't seem to get the formatting correct... and I keep finding more tidbits about my pencil sharpeners
I would go there and ask to see the hones they use. If they say "what are hones?" walk away. If they show you what looks like sharpening equipment for kitchen knives, also walk out. But if they show you real hones that look something like this, then consider it. But I wouldn't decide this over the phone if it were me.
I use the same lead holder, and sharpen it with a pointer like this: https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Rotary-Action-Pointer-502BKA6/dp/B002EL9J50
It might take a few tries to get used to, but it takes just seconds to sharpen, and they have a little foam thingamabob to clean off excess graphite.
I have this one and I'm really pleased. Puts a super fine point on my Prismas without breakage.
I have the 150 set and some of the leads are off center. I recommend [this little pencil sharpener] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030I26LK/ref=sxts_bia_sr_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3182441022&pd_rd_wg=jkvoP&pf_rd_r=3QQ6MH0PE50T8FVKGC66&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B0030I26LK&pd_rd_w=Y95ul&pf_rd_i=kum+pencil+sharpener&pd_rd_r=VXR13KRWQCCMFVMY3A81&ie=UTF8&qid=1504448153&sr=1) and using the method /u/Nheea describes. It sharpens even the off center pencils to a smooth point.
Ahh Jesus Christ people people, I never said a Naniwa didn't need to be lapped, just that it is probably flatter from the factory than the CNat I got...
Also I may be looking at the wrong stone, or the product details might be off. Like I said I have never used one.
The variance in quality between different CNat/JNat stones is why I recommended buying from a reputable retailer so you can do exchanges/refunds if what you get isn't the quality you need. This thread is talking about setting up a honing set on a budget, and while I know everyone agrees Naniwas are great, they aren't budget stones.
That one is just fine, but this one is by the same company and has the lead pointers on the side (in case you're using a 2 mm lead holder instead of a mechanical or wood case pencil).
I got a School Smart Sharpener from Amazon. Sharpens a wicked point
Not who you asked, but I have this one and I LOVE it. Makes a beautifully sharp yet strong point.
My only complaint is it can't do colored pencils, but a bullet sharpener works best due to their soft lead anyway.
$11 Pen roll, cheap leather that I have been using for a couple months with no issues.
I also forgot to mention that not all sharpeners will work on prismacolor pencils. If the one included in the set doesn't work (the tips start breaking or something), she should get an old fashioned rotary sharpener like this one
My set also had a duplicate color (so 1 missing pencil) and one that was cracked. I contacted the company through their website and they sent me free replacements! Really good customer service I must say.
If you want to spend a little more for a manual, these babies are worth every penny.
The brass bullet one is consistently voted highly on reddit so I bought one and it’s pretty awesome
I'm not against carrying a pencil sharpener; I just wouldn't trust it as my sole means to create fine shavings. Maybe if the housing were made out of magnesium, then it'd be a multipurpose item. That's something I'd probably carry.
I have quite a few prime day items on my classroom wish list! Most helpful would be the pencil sharpener as a student broke mine in the last week of school :(
X-ACTO School Pro Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener, Blue, 1 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IEI4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jKmlDb8FPJVJC
came here to say this. It might not fit in a pencil case. but the hand cranked one is one of the most solid office products I own. 5 years and going strong.
I highly recommend the pencil that I use, It's even on a pretty good sale right now!
https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Mars-Technical-Mechanical-Pencil/dp/B000YQEFGU
And this is the sharpener:
https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Rotary-Action-Pointer-502BKA6/dp/B002EL9J50/ref=pd_sim_229_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41fnryers5L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR172%2C320_&psc=1&refRID=VPPRN3NGX9HEAQW2XJ0B
The softness of lead is up to you, since that's preference.
I use this School Smart sharpener and LOVE IT.
If you like the idea of mechanical pencils, but hate how thin the lead is, try a lead holder (this one you need to adjust the length of the lead manually, but they also make ones that advance the lead with a click. The downside is if you like having a sharp tip you also need to get a lead pointer.
Your staedtler lead holder should have a sharpener built in the push button.
[This sharpener] (https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-502-BK-A6-Pointer/dp/B002EL9J50) might be overkill for the shop pencil, but I would never use a lead holder without one.
I assume you have not used hand tools much.
The first thing I would learn how to do and invest in is how to get your tools sharp, like really sharp. I mean shiny flat back and edge razor sharp. Without really sharp tools - hand joinery is not fun and much harder than it needs to be.
There is the scary sharp method, I am sure u/Peniceiling's suggestion works great, I use Shapton Stones, there are as many ways to sharpen as there are woodworkers.
But you will need to research and invest time in some way of sharpening and get good at it.
A simple Honing Guide can make things easier when you start.
This Small Rip Dozuki B. was recommended by the instructor I had for a hand joinery class last year as the best bang for the buck they knew of - I found it works great.
I'd get a 1/2in Chisel. When you get the chisel, it will not be sharp. You will have to spend time tuning it up.
A Mallet to hit the chisel.
I personally prefer a round marking gauge. This has to be sharpened just like your chisel so it cuts the wood fibers evenly and cleanly.
Small Sliding Bevel gauge to mark your dovetails.
A good quality double square is invaluable. Best $ value I have found for one of these is here.
A 2.0mm lead holder with sharpener is very helpful. Lets you mark into areas a regular pencil will not fit.
That would be everything I can think of to do all half blind and through dovetails, finger-joints etc.
A drill(press) and a couple more chisels sizes will get you mortise and tenons with standard 4/4 6/4 and 8/4 stock.
Good Luck.
My Holy Trinity: Mitsubishi Pencil 9000 HB Two Point Sharpener Mono Eraser
​
They have the Mitsubishi Pencil 9850 HB, which has an eraser on it, but I would suggest using a pencil without an eraser since erasing can be a time waster. I found it really motivating that what I write is final, but I also prefer a separate eraser anyways and without an eraser on the pencil I don't risk smudging the lead with an inferior pencil eraser. (although the Mitsubishi pencils are alright)
I use this lead pointer for most of my lead holders. I've been using this lead pointer for my Rapid Pro 2.0 since the Steadtler is too small to fit the barrel but the blade goes dull pretty fast.
Hands down, this one. My mom has used them in her classroom for years and gifted me one at the start of the year.
It grips the pencil and you just turn the handle. Perfect point every time. The thing is foolproof, and my students think its fascinating haha.
Yeah no prob. I'll put them in this order: Lead Holder (very dark), sharpener (needs special sharpener, trust me you really need it), GraphGear, Copics, Chameleon, fine liners (I'll put the ones I use, but Micron's are a little more expensive option for better quality).
Staedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencil, 2mm. 780BK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YQEFGU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9mS6CbSFJAYEC
Staedtler 502 BK A6 Mars Rotary Action Lead Pointer and Tub for 2mm Leads, 502BKA6 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002EL9J50/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mqS6CbVQD8F47
Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil, 0.7mm Lead Size, Blue Barrel, 1 Each (PG1017C) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GAXKGU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IqS6CbS16A0FB
Copic Markers 6-Piece Sketch Set, Bold Primaries (SKST6-BOLD) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XR7XZG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ctS6CbR4M2RF0
Copic Markers 6-Piece Sketch Set, Skin Tones I https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XR92EG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YtS6Cb6Z6HZWJ
Chameleon Art Products, Chameleon 5-Pen, Primary Tones Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJ97KXS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6uS6CbVHJ0THK
Sakura 50203 8-Piece Pigma Manga Comic Pro Drawing Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N98UIS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8vS6Cb3D5HZBS
https://www.amazon.com/KH-20-Crank-Wooden-Pencil-Sharpener/dp/B001U3NST6
BITCH WHAT! I have a KH-20, and it's better. It's got a clean, universally unoffensive aesthetic. It's point is constant and sharp, as true as the north star. I swear, the KH20 is better.
PALOMINO BLACKWING 602! By the way, cheeper here.
Seriously, I love these pencils. They're remarkably easy to write with and leave a clear, crisp text on the page. But the wonder is that you don't have to press as hard as you do with a Ticonderoga. I use them on English essays, hundreds of pages, and it saves my hand every time. Oh how I love those pencils.
But never let a student have one; you'll never get it back and those babies are expensive.
** edit: forgot to mention, you'll want to get the hand sharpener too. It just makes life easier and fun.
I have the same problem with mechanical pencils. 0.7 mm leads used to be better for me. But I like to use a clutch pencil with 2mm leads, in f or h for hardness. The sharpener/pointer for most of these is in the lid/cap but you can get different sharpeners for these that fit keychain, but i like the Steadler Mars Rotary action sharpener for clutch pencils. For wood cased pencils the other Steadler sharpeners seem to work best for my students in the elementary school classroom
I highly recommend this (click here) one instead. It has a blue indicator light that says when to stop sharpening. It's the only kind I hear from everyone that students don't quickly destroy because they know when to stop jamming the pencil in. I love mine, but it's only been about 3 months since I got it.
I really enjoy the Dahle 133 I ordered from Amazon.
https://smile.amazon.com/Dahle-Sharpener-Automatic-Adjustable-Oversized/dp/B004BNC5PU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=dahle+133+pencil+sharpener&qid=1574598289&sprefix=dahle+&sr=8-3
I'd do it like this.
All of those kits I've ever seen have been aimed squarely at beginners and are pretty low quality. Your best bet would probably be to go the DIY route. I don't know anything about charcoal, but on the pencil side, here are some ideas:
This thread is getting replaced soon, so you may get more responses if you repost it to the new one which will be up in a few minutes.
You just mucked up that razor. Send it out.
To hone (and this is basically straightening out the egde and polishing and edge you can't see)
First-
Second
Last
Some people skip the 12k stone but most feel its a need addition for the avid shaver.
Lower stones repair damaged blades and shouldn't be used otherwise. Lapping the stones to start and keep the flat are still required.
I treat the "pointer" in a lead holder cap the same way I treat an eraser on most mechanical pencils; it is only there for emergencies.
I have two of the Mitsubishi pointers for 2.0mm lead, and a Kum AS2M which also sharpens wooden pencils (long point) and 3.2mm lead.
https://www.amazon.com/1053121-Sharpener-sharpens-blades-pointers/dp/B002C2UV0I
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Faber-Castell-Trio-Pencil-Sharpener-Silver/dp/B0009WFNY2
Glam me please! Aww you could be the one to take my glammed V card! :-) Thanks for hosting!
It's not the exact same brand, but I have a pencil sharpener that pops out like that and sharpens incredibly well: http://www.amazon.com/CARL-Angel-5-Pencil-Sharpener-Blue/dp/B005D7S9FI/ref=pd_sim_sbs_op_1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IEI4/
This one.
Other recent garage related Amazon purchases:
Yep, This is what I have. Comes with a spare blade.
Oops, sorry. I spoke too soon.
This is the "PU leather" one I had. It felt very real. I liked that it has a zipper pocket...great place for the extra batteries to go. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008QTN6BC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00
I bought this pen roll a couple of years ago for $9 (it's $6 now). It's affordable and works well and fits various pen diameters (including pencils if you want). It also has a zippered pouch for stuff (e.g. pencil leads, erasers, ink cartridges).
Here's a pic of the inside.
Thanks for all the help! I've found this by the way, would this work on such a lead holder? https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006CQTN0Y/
I haven't thought out a price and won't have pics on hand until after work, but I think this would fit the bill and your price point:
Who doesn't need a pencil sharpener?!? Seriously, wood pencils are so awesome.
And anything on my WL is great -- surprise me!
This NYX Sharpener is $4.00 and an add on item!
http://amzn.com/B003HG4GQI
Hopscotch
http://i.imgur.com/s6BoXGZ.jpg
And my silly face!