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Never have a dull moment with this solid pencil sharpener. The classic option is the hand-cranked one from the old school—it was once a staple in classrooms and art studios everywhere. While many people may opt for an electric sharpener for convenience, a crank sharpener remains an excellent choice if control is a priority. When you’re sharpening colored pencils, charcoal pencils, and even pastels, being able to feel the shrinkage of your professional tool can make all the difference between an original point and a broken core. Plus, you won’t come across the high grind that the electric sharpener gives off. Below, we’ve found the best sharpeners for keeping your pencils in tip-top shape – no batteries or sockets needed.
ARTnews recommend
Derwent Super Point Manual Pencil Sharpener
Designed with artists in mind, the Derwent sharpener is built with spiral-steel blades that deliver long, sharp points on tools up to eight millimeters in diameter. Sharp, precise blades work gently but steadily to expose cores without breaking, and the crank action is smooth and consistent to help prevent over-sharpening. This sharpener features a clip to attach to any work surface without leaving any permanent damage, and stays put when the handle is rotated. Finally, clear catch of mulch lets you know when you need to empty out the waste.
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Dahli Professional Pencil Sharpener
The Dahle sharpener can handle larger pencils, with a single hole that can fit 12mm diameter tools. We love that it’s versatile: you can use it as a portable sharpener, but it comes with a clip if you want to attach it to your desk. The cool feature is the point adjuster – use this mechanism to set the sharpness you want before you go. One thing to know is that there is a small learning curve with using this sharpener. You have to open its jaws to secure it to your pencil, and the sharpener will pull it in as you fly away. Although made of plastic, this sharpener is a workhorse that will provide clean results on both hard and soft strands.
Another good option
Bostich Metallic Antimicrobial Hand Pencil Sharpener
If you have a place in mind to mount a sharpener permanently, you can get one that is screwed into a stable surface. This model from Bostitch requires three screws to mount vertically or horizontally for a completely vibration-free sharpening experience. Resembling the original vintage manual crank sharpener, it features an eight-hole disc to fit a variety of pencil sizes. The alloy steel die-cast body (connected to an easy-to-sterilize plastic handle) looks like a tank, and has ultra-sharp cutouts. The only sharpener with replaceable parts on our list, this might be the last you ever buy.
Teacher’s choice
X-Acto-Ranger Handy Wall Mount Pencil Sharpener
The only metal sharpener on our list, the X-Acto model is equipped with the famous brand’s blades, which are among the sharpest. Like the Bostick sharpener, this one has a similar design with eight holes and screws in place, either horizontally or vertically. Its durability makes it an especially great choice for classrooms, where heavy daily use requires a tool that can withstand constant, care-free rotation. The pencils are sharpened to satisfyingly pointed tips without snapping.
also considered
X-Acto Bulldog Pencil Sharpener
This vibrant, compact sharpener weighs just over 10 ounces and is a good choice for artists on the go. You get the precision of a hand-held sharpener combined with the portability of a regular, portable sharpener. Thanks to the suction base, this sharpener can be pressed against any horizontal non-porous surface to create an insulator that holds it successfully while sharpening. A clear bowl means you always know when to empty its contents. It’s made of plastic, so be sure to store it carefully for travel.
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