Five Sensational Sharpeners

This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.

I love writing with a pencil, but it has to be a freshly sharpened one. In fact, I can't abide a blunt lead! I usually get around this foible by using a mechanical pencil, but there is something undeniably pleasing about a freshly sharpened pencil. My architect grandfather swore by a sharp knife to do the job, but if you don't have one handy (or are too clumsy to want to risk it), these sharpeners will hone your pencil without danger to life and limb.

 

1. I don't know about you, but this sturdy box-shaped pencil sharpener reminds me of my primary school days. It even clamps to the desk if you want to recreate the full experience. There is a guard to hold the pencil (and stop it from becoming over-sharpened) and a generously sized shavings tray. Better yet, there are replacement blades available so that you'll never have to replace the entire unit. The Ikon sharpener by Swordfish has an RRP of around £25 but is currently available at Amazon for £12.87. 

2. Okay, this might be my favourite. I have a soft spot for British wildlife and this design is cute without being sickly. I love the way the pencil shavings add to the scene. There are two sharpeners in the base for different pencil widths and the unit costs £10.99 from Mollie & Fred.

3. Inspired by the tale of Pinocchio, the Honest Boy sharpener should raise a smile. It takes standard width pencils and the shavings are emptied via the mouth. Available at GeekSmart for the sale price of £7.99.   

4. Rocket sharpener. Say goodbye to wrist strain with this battery operated sharpener. It works automatically when you insert a pencil and stops when you take it out again. It includes a replacement blade and costs £6.99 from Ryman.

5. If you prefer to have a sharpener handy at all times, the Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil might be, um, perfect. Along with a Faber-Castell 9000 HB pencil (with eraser), you get a cap which includes an integral sharpener. The cap can be used to protect the lead of your pencil when not in use, or as an extender to make your pencil a comfortable size when it has worn down. This standard (plastic) version of the Perfect Pencil costs £10.13 from Cult Pens, but there are Design and Luxury versions available, too.