Quality Matters When Sharpening Pencils
In the 1890's the first serious devices to replace the pocket knife for pencil sharpening were introduced and became widely available. They were handheld and many had inwardly pointed replaceable blades. While they were not as neat and compact as today's models, they would be recognizable to the modern eye.
The desire for a clean sharp pencil point is no doubt as old as the pencil itself. The wood from which the pencil is made, and the lead it contains are sometimes forgotten as components needed to meet prerequisite standards of high-quality – before the sharpener can be expected to perform its job satisfactorily.
A wood of reasonable quality and lead of consistent density and quality is important. There are 5 points which a sharpener has to have correctly configured for it to be able to perform its function successfully:
1. The sharpness of the blade
2. The angle of the blade
3. The angle at which the blade is presented to the wood
4. The angle of the taper of the sharpener cone
5. The rigidity of the whole structure
A high-quality sharpener cannot compensate for poor-quality wood and lead. High-quality wood and lead will not withstand the damaging influence of a poor-quality sharpener. To ensure optimal sharpening, we recommend using Faber-Castell Sharpeners and replacing them from time-to-time, as the blade becomes blunt with usage. This can lead to breakage.
Electric Pencil Sharpeners Are Not Recommended: With the Exception of - Charcoal & Pastel Pencils
We do not recommend using an electric sharpener for the majority of our pencils. The sharpness of the blades along with rigorous rotation may damage the lead and the wood causing breakage.
When sharpening artist pencils, we recommend using the most commonly used handheld Double Hole Metal Sharpener for best results. The angle and sharpness of the blade is very important when sharpening a pencil properly, along with applying an even amount of pressure continuously while sharpening.
Sharpening Pitt Charcoal Pencils
Due to their natural texture, charcoal pencils can be tricky to sharpen. For best results, the Pitt Charcoal Pencil is sharpened with an electric sharpener or a multi-purpose artist's sharpening knife, as the lead will most likely break apart in a typical sharpener. We have had good results with the Faber-Castell Double Hole Metal Sharpener producing a nice sharp point. Results will vary dependent upon the amount of pressure applied while sharpening, however.
Watch the video!
Sharpening Pitt Pastel Pencils
Handheld sharpeners should not be used when sharpening the Pitt Pastel Pencil. The lead contains quartz sand which makes the blade go blunt quickly. A multi-purpose artist's sharpening knife or an electric sharpener should be used for best results.
Recommended Sharpeners
The following sharpeners are recommended for Art & Graphic Pencils as well as pencils found in our other brands.
Grip Trio Sharpener
Additional Color Options Available
Contains
3 Sharpeners
2 Chambers to Contain Shavings
Sharpens
Hexagonal, Round & Triangular Pencils
Color & Graphite Pencils
Jumbo & Standard Size Pencils
Suggested for (not limited to)
Black Edition Pencils
Grip Eco Pencils
Grip 2001 Standard & Jumbo Pencils
Art Grip Aquarelle Pencils
Goldfaber Color & Goldfaber Aqua Pencils
Fine Writing Pencils
Sparkle Pencils
Castell 9000 Double Hole Sharpener
Contains
Chamber to Contain Shavings
Sharpens
Jumbo & Standard Size Pencils
Suggested for (not limited to)
Castell 9000 Standard & Jumbo Pencils
Jumbo Grip Pencils
Albrecht Dürer Magnus Pencils
Double Hole Metal Sharpener
Contains
Setting for Sharp as well as Blunt Point
Sharpens
Color & Graphite Pencils
Suggested for (not limited to)
Grip Eco Pencils
Grip 2001 Pencils
Castell 9000 Pencils
Graphite Pure Pencils
Graphite Aquarelle Pencils
Polychromos Color Pencils
Albrecht Dürer Watercolor Pencils
Pitt Graphite Matte Pencils
Art Grip Aquarelle Pencils
Goldfaber Color & Goldfaber Aqua Pencils
Perfection Eraser Pencils
Double Hole Metal Sharpener
Contains
High-grade Sharpening Blades
Sharpens
Color & Graphite Pencils
Jumbo & Standard Size Pencils
Suggested for (not limited to)
Grip Eco Pencils
Grip 2001 Standard and Jumbo Pencils
Castell 9000 Pencils Standard and Jumbo Pencils
Graphite Pure Pencils
Graphite Aquarelle Pencils
Polychromos Color Pencils
Albrecht Dürer Watercolor Pencils
Pitt Graphite Matte Pencils
Art Grip Aquarelle Pencils
Goldfaber Color & Goldfaber Aqua Pencils
Perfection Eraser Pencils
TK Lead Sharpener
Suggested for
TK Leads 2mm or 3.15mm