Best Pencil Sharpeners

(Image credit: Angelina Litvin via Unsplash)

An easy-to-use and efficient pencil sharpener can change the game for artists, designers, teachers, and parents. Having pencils that are perfectly sharp on-hand whenever you need them is a great way to boost productivity for yourself, your students, and even your children. There is nothing more unfavorable than getting ready to start your masterpiece only to find that your best pencil is dull and there is no sharpener in sight. That's why we've comprised a list of our top picks when it comes to the best pencil sharpeners. 

(Image credit: Staedtler)

STAEDTLER pencil sharpener

Reasons to buy

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Staff pick

Compatible with all standard-sized pencils, this pencil sharpener is available in fun and bright colors and comes in a pack of five. They are compact enough to fit into any pencil case. The metal blade is sturdy and sharp, ensuring that you get an even sharpen every time. While you sharpen your pencils or pencil crayons, the STAEDTLER Pencil Sharpener catches the shavings in its built-in container, leaving no mess behind. When the container is full, simply unscrew it, and recycle the shavings. 

(Image credit: X-Acto)

X-ACTO School Pro Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener

Reasons to buy

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Great for classrooms

The X-ACTO School Pro Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener is great for any teacher whose students are constantly requiring crisp pencils or pencil crayons. Featuring an adjustable rotating inner part, this sharpener can accommodate up to six-different sized pencils. This sharpener comes equipped with a flyaway helical cutter that stays sharp and will not become dull after a few uses. The blade is designed to last around 33 times longer than a traditional sharpener. This sharpener measures 8.5 by 8 by 5.7 inches and weighs 1 pound.

(Image credit: X-Acto)

X-ACTO Ranger 1031 Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener

Reasons to buy

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For the wall

The X-ACTO Ranger 1031 Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener puts a modern spin on the old-school pencil sharpener. This sharpener resembles the look of the sharpener that you may have seen mounted to the wall of your elementary school classroom with its nickel-plated container and manual design. This durable sharpener can accommodate up to eight different-sized pencils via its rotating entrance. Easily mount this sharpener to a wall or desk as it comes prepared with all of the necessary screws to lock it into place.

(Image credit: OfficeGoods)

OfficeGoods Electric & Battery Operated Pencil Sharpener

Reasons to buy

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Battery powered sharpener

Great for artists of all ages, the OfficeGoods Electric and Battery Operated Pencil Sharpener features a unique sharpening mechanism that allows you to pick between three different levels of sharpness: blunt, medium, and sharp. This electric sharpener features sharp and durable helical blades that are compatible with any standard-sized pencil regardless of whether they are round, triangular, or hexagonal. Removing the shavings is safe and easy as the motor stops when the shavings tray is removed. Power the OfficeGoods Electric and Battery Operated Pencil Sharpener via the included AC power adapter, USB, or through four AA batteries.

(Image credit: Bostitch Office)

Bostitch Office Twist-N-Sharp Manual Pencil Sharpener

Reasons to buy

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An inexpensive option

The Bostitch Office Twist-N-Sharp Manual Pencil Sharpeners come in a compact pack of three so that you can keep one at home, in your office, and in your pencil case. With this pencil sharpener, you have the ability to choose between two different levels of sharpness, leaving you with a blunt tip or a sharp tip. You won't have to worry about oversharpening your pencil as the Bostitch brand comes equipped with tip-saving technology to prevent this. When you're finished sharpening your pencils, open the attached door to the shaving dispenser and recycle the shavings.

The bottom line

A pencil sharpener that is long-lasting and efficient is a great tool to add to your list of essential school or office supplies. As a teacher or an artist, having a great pencil sharpener on-hand such as the STAEDTLER pencil sharpener will make your day run smoother and also boost productivity. 

Not everyone wants to use a sharp pencil all of the time. A dull pencil can actually change up your drawing by providing thicker lines and an easier way to shade. If you're an artist who enjoys using both sharp and dull pencils for strategic reasons, then you may be interested in the OfficeGoods Electric & Battery Operated Pencil Sharpener or the Bostitch Office Twist-N-Sharp Manual Pencil Sharpener as these sharpeners give you the option to choose between different levels of sharpness. 

For teachers or parents with older children, a sharpener such as the X-ACTO School Pro Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener can accommodate up to six different-sized pencils and deliver a fast sharpening speed. For younger children, the CNASA Shark Pencil Sharpener is a great option as this sharpener resembles a shark eating your child's pencil as it sharpens. It also comes equipped with a built-in safety mechanism to ensure your child's fingers stay safe.