Page 2 of handheld pencil sharpener

Fingertip or palm-style handheld pencil sharpeners

Several manual sharpeners are available for a variety of pencils. The most convenient options are handheld, straight-blade sharpeners, called prism sharpeners. They range from non-receptacle, pocket-size metal or plastic cartridges to larger sharpeners with collection bins for the shavings. Each has a single blade attached to the cartridge or body. Pocket-size models normally have a single hole that fits pencils with standard-size barrels. With contoured ridges for fingertip grip, they stabilize the pencils while twist-sharpening the barrels. Other styles include dual-hole sharpeners that either accommodate different barrel sizes or create different point-tip shapes.

Blades of handheld pencil sharpeners

Manual desktop and electric pencil sharpeners contain hardened helical cutting blades that shave pencil casings and their leads quickly and efficiently. However, the single blades of prism sharpeners also provide the same precision. All available handheld sharpeners have screw-in or riveted blades that won’t wobble with frequent use. The blade’s cutting edge has an angle below the casing surface, which keeps it away from fingertips. Available sharpeners come with high carbon steel blades to retain their cutting edge. Many of the steel blades put a factory edge on special pencils that include charcoal, pastel, and soft-core color pencils for artists.

Dual-hole sharpeners for different barrels and points

Single holes accommodate different sizes of barrels. However, some prism sharpeners offer two holes—for standard lead pencils and for wider special pencils, including crayons. In fact, many of these double sharpeners offer two blade styles: one to provide fine-point, precision tips and another that offers a wide angle for creating tips you can use edge-wise for broader, shading strokes. In addition, dual options include long-point sharpeners that offer one hole for shaving down the casings of barrels and then another hole for creating extra long tips for fine-point and broad-edge sketching simultaneously.

Other sharpener features

Besides their versatility and effectiveness, many handheld pencil sharpeners offer conveniences:

• Retractable erasers
• Hinged covers to prevent shavings from spilling out
• Package options for schools, including preschool to kindergartners

Use Quill to look into the unique features of handheld sharpeners to see why these devices are a must in your carrying case or side drawer.