Artists depend on pencil sharpeners a lot. They need these sharpeners to make their pencils sharp enough and ready to use when drawing or sketching images. The pencils need to be sharpened just right in order for them to produce the effect the artist desires. This can be achieved with the best pencil sharpener.
The choice of sharpeners depends on several factors. As an artist, you should choose a sharpener that does not break the pencil, chip its edge, or fray the wood. You may also choose one depending on whether you prefer a manual or electric sharpener. The choice will also depend on the shape and size of the sharpener. The reliability of the sharpener and its durability are also factors worth considering before paying good money for this sharpening tool. Do not forget to consider the sharpening angle, lead point, cleanliness, and gentleness too when at the local store.
Below is a list of the best pencil sharpener for artists you should choose and use.
Our Recommendations
- PowerMe Electric Pencil Sharpener – Best Overall
- X-Acto SchoolPro Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener – Best For Classroom Use
- School Smart Vertical Electric Sharpener – Best For Home And School Use
- Staedtler Manual Pencil Sharpener – Best Spill-Free Sharpener
- OfficeGoods Electric and Battery Operated Sharpener – Best In Safety
PowerMe Electric Pencil Sharpener
Introduction
It is the perfect pencil sharpener for teachers, students, and artists. It serves both professional and newbie artists well. It is beautifully designed. It functions excellently. It does not take a lot of the artists’ time, which is the main complaint with manual sharpeners.
It is made from high-quality materials, thus guaranteed to last. Its auto-stop feature makes the sharpener safe for use by kids too. That auto-stop feature also prevents injuries and cuts to the fingers, which are arguably artists’ biggest assets.
Pros
It never produces uneven tips. The reason for this is a unique feature – the rotating spiral drill. One of the main issues with other sharpeners is when pencils become stuck in the sharpener. But this never occurs with PowerMe Pencil Sharpener.
It is portable, hence, artists can travel with it anywhere. It is capable of handling any sharpening task without a hitch. It is fast and powerful. It requires only three seconds for sharpening. Detaching and reattaching it is as easy as a duck wading through water.
Cons
It requires getting used to when using it for the first time.
X-Acto SchoolPro Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener
Introduction
This sharpener is designed specifically for use in classrooms. That, however, doesn’t exempt professional artists from using it to sharpen their colored pencils. The sharpener is durable and capable of withstanding wear and tear.
It has an almost completely silent electric motor, which causes minimal disruption where maximum concentration is required. This heavy-duty sharpener can sharpen a huge number of pencils without suffering any kind of damage.
Pros
It is fitted with a flyaway cutter system. The system enables the cutter to cease cutting automatically upon noticing that the pencil is now sharp and ready for use. Its blade can outlast the competition approximately 33 times. Its strong construction makes the sharpener perfect for artists who use plenty of pencils, which they need to sharpen within the shortest time possible.
It has a user-friendly design that makes it ideal for use anywhere. It guarantees quality and precise sharpening.
Cons
It does not perform a stellar job of sharpening softer wood pencils. Many users have also complained that it tends to fall apart after a few weeks of intense or regular use.
School Smart Vertical Electric Sharpener
Introduction
This electric sharpener is the sort of tool artists appreciate having in their possession. It is the tool to use when you want to create the perfect pencil tip every time. The sharpener serves artists well, whether they use it at home or in the school.
It sharpens pencils evenly. It is capable of sharpening pencils until the points are extremely sharp. At this point, any additional sharpening can cause the pencils to break. It does a great job of sharpening both colored and regular pencils.
Pros
It is capable of truly handling heavy-duty sharpening. It ís not only reliable, but also sturdy and affordable. It is not cheap either, but offers good value for money. It sharpens pencils fast. It guarantees pencils with smooth tapers and pointed tips.
It has a handsome design. It looks neat and tidy on top of the desk or any working surface. It helps create a conducive working environment for the artist. It serves you well for a long period thus saving you from spending more money on replacements.
Cons
It can only sharpen pencils that are longer than 3 inches. It does not work quietly thus might not be your preferred choice if you value quietness while drawing, sketching, or layering. It does chew a significant amount of the pencil while sharpening, so you may want to watch out for that.
Staedtler Manual Pencil Sharpener
Introduction
This sharpener may appear a bit basic to some artists. However, it is capable of accommodating the standard-sized pencils. It has a lid that stays in place to cover the sharpener hole. This way, pencil shavings from all that sharpening do not spill out, which is great for anybody traveling.
The Staedtler sharpener has a button that the artist has to press before opening it. Again, this feature keeps the shavings in place, thus preventing accidental spillage. The tub is just the right size, thus giving you time to sharpen the pencil repeatedly before emptying it.
Pros
Its lid keeps shavings in place, thus preventing spillage and messing up your desk, paintings, drawings, or bag when traveling. It is manual, hence, no need for spending money on batteries or utilities.
It has a metal construction and is more durable compared to the rest. Even if it falls, you will have no reason for worrying about potential damage. It does its work really well. It costs next to nothing; thus, it is a good fit for artists with tight budgets.
Cons
It only works with standard-sized pencils. Additionally, some users might find the cap a tad difficult to screw back on after emptying the contents. What is more, it struggles to sharpen Crayola.
OfficeGoods Electric and Battery Operated Sharpener
Introduction
The sharpener gives you the best of both worlds. It’s one of the few sharpeners that operates electronically and via batteries. You can use it for small or large jobs quite comfortably. It has a reputation for sharpening perfectly every time without fail.
It gives you the right point, which is an essential ingredient for painting or drawing a masterpiece.
Pros
Its safety feature is a well-thought-out decision and addition. That feature is ideal when you intend to share the sharpener with kids. It is compact, portable and comfortable to use. It doesn’t take up too much space.
You only need 10-15 seconds utmost to sharpen a single pencil with this tool. It is powered three different ways. First, you can use batteries. Alternatively, you can use its AC adapter or the USB cord.
The sharpener is capable of withstanding a lifetime of use. It is designed for heavy-duty stuff. It is the ideal tool for sharpening colored pencils, lead, and graphite.
Cons
Bigger and thicker pencils are harder to sharpen with this tool though.
Final thoughts
These are five of the best pencil sharpeners fit for artists. Pencils are important accessories worth carefully selecting. Select one that fits your needs best and that fits within your budget. However, it is best that you make your selection considering other factors discussed at the beginning.