Top 6 Best Pencil Sharpener 2025

By GirlBoss Team | February 24, 2024

Every student and artist’s toolkit is incomplete without a pencil sharpener. Available in diverse shapes and sizes, their main role is to hone pencils to a sharp point for exact writing or sketching. Even as technology advances and introduces electric pencil sharpeners, traditional manual sharpeners continue to be a steadfast presence.

When it comes to choosing the best pencil sharpener, there are a few critical factors to consider. The first is the type of pencil you’ll be sharpening. Some sharpeners work better with specific types of pencils, such as colored pencils, while others can handle a variety of pencils. The second factor is the sharpener’s durability and longevity. A sharpener that breaks easily or dulls quickly can be frustrating and costly in the long run.

After researching and testing ten different pencil sharpeners, we have identified the ones that stand out as the best. Our top picks take into account factors such as ease of use, durability, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, artist, or just someone who needs a reliable pencil sharpener, we’ve got you covered.

Best Pencil Sharpeners

We have researched and tested various pencil sharpeners to bring you a list of the best ones available on Amazon. Whether you are a student, an artist, or just someone who loves to write, a good pencil sharpener is essential. Our list includes sharpeners that are durable, efficient, and easy to use. So, without further ado, here are the best pencil sharpeners you can buy on Amazon.

Bostitch Office Twist-n-Sharp Pencil Sharpener

If you’re looking for a reliable pencil sharpener that’s easy to use and portable, the Bostitch Office Twist-n-Sharp Pencil Sharpener is a great option.

Pros

The Premium Rachet Technology allows for comfortable and fast sharpening, unlike other pencil sharpeners.
The attached shavings dispenser doors allow you to clean the shaving easily but never lose the door piece.
The customizable sharpening center dial allows for sharp or blunt sharpening.

Cons

The specific color cannot be guaranteed.
The sharpener may not fit larger pencils.
The plastic construction may not be as durable as metal sharpeners.

We’ve used the Bostitch Office Twist-n-Sharp Pencil Sharpener and found it to be a great tool for both kids and adults. The ratchet mechanism makes it easy to sharpen pencils without breaking the lead, and the Tip Saver Technology prevents over-sharpening, making your pencils last longer.

The compact size of this sharpener makes it easy to carry in your backpack, purse, or pocket, and the easy empty shavings tray quickly and conveniently opens from discreet side panel for fast, tidy disposal.

Overall, if you’re in need of a reliable and easy-to-use pencil sharpener that won’t break the bank, the Bostitch Office Twist-n-Sharp Pencil Sharpener is a great choice.

Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener

If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient pencil sharpener for your home or office, the Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener is a great choice.

Pros

The HHC Cutter Technology ensures longer life for the cutter and delivers precise and clean sharpening.
The powerful motor ensures stall-free operation under normal use.
The space-saver compact design allows it to fit perfectly in any space and adds a modern twist to your desk.

Cons

The plastic build may not be as durable as metal sharpeners.
The sharpener may produce a loud noise when in use.
The cord may be too short for some users’ preferences.

We’ve been using the Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener for a few weeks now and we’re impressed with its performance. The sharpener is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to move around and store. Its high capacity, easy-to-clean shavings tray eliminates the need for frequent trips to the waste basket.

The safety switch is a great addition, as it prevents operation when the shavings tray is removed, ensuring the user’s safety. The sharpener’s design is sleek and modern, making it a great fit for any office or home workspace.

Overall, we highly recommend the Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener for its efficiency, precision, and convenience. With a 7-year warranty, this sharpener is a great investment for anyone in need of a reliable and powerful pencil sharpener.

Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener

If you’re looking for a reliable pencil sharpener to keep your Prismacolor colored pencils sharp and ready for your art projects, the Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener is a great choice.

Pros

The two different blades, made from high-quality sharpened steel, allow you to select a wide point for coverage or a fine point for sharp details.
The translucent black body allows you to see exactly when the sharpener is full and needs to be emptied.
Specifically designed for Prismacolor Premier pencils, this sharpener sharpens your colored pencils to a perfect point.

Cons

The sharpener is not suitable for use with standard pencils, as it doesn’t come to a complete point.
Colored pencil lead tends to break off in the blade holes, which can be frustrating.
The sharpener is hand-powered, so it may not be as efficient as an electric sharpener.

We’ve found that the Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener is a reliable tool for keeping Prismacolor colored pencils sharp and ready to use. The two different blades make it easy to achieve the level of sharpness you need for your art projects, and the translucent black body is a convenient feature that lets you know when it’s time to empty the sharpener.

One thing to keep in mind is that this sharpener is specifically designed for Prismacolor Premier pencils, so it may not work as well with other types of colored pencils or standard pencils. Additionally, the lead tends to break off in the blade holes, which can be frustrating.

Overall, we recommend the Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener for anyone who wants a reliable tool for keeping their Prismacolor colored pencils sharp and ready to use.

AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener

If you’re looking for a fast and efficient pencil sharpener for your colored pencils, then the AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener is a great option. With a strong motor, it can sharpen a new pencil in just 5 seconds and a used pencil in 3 seconds, saving you plenty of time.

Pros

Sharpens pencils quickly and efficiently
Can sharpen almost all 6-12mm pencils, including colored and charcoal pencils
Automatically stops sharpening when the pencil is sharpened well, saving pencil and preventing over sharpening

Cons

Some users found that the sharpener can be a bit noisy
The sharpener is not compatible with UK or EU plugs
The sharpener may struggle with very thick pencils

We’ve been using the AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance. It’s great for sharpening both standard and large size pencils, and the auto-stop feature ensures that the pencil is sharpened to just the right point, without wasting any pencil lead.

One thing to note is that the sharpener can be a bit noisy, so it may not be the best option if you’re working in a quiet environment. Additionally, the sharpener is not compatible with UK or EU plugs, so you may need to purchase an adapter if you’re outside of the US.

Overall, the AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener is a great option for anyone looking for a fast and efficient pencil sharpener that can handle a variety of pencil sizes.

X-ACTO Pencil Sharpener

If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient electric pencil sharpener, the X-ACTO Pencil Sharpener is a great choice.

Pros

The six-size dial fits nearly every pencil, including colored pencils.
The flyaway cutter prevents oversharpening, ensuring the pencil reaches the ideal sharpness.
The electric pencil sharpener has a SafeStart motor that stops shaving when the bin is removed, making it safe to use.

Cons

The base of the sharpener is not very sturdy, making it prone to tipping over.
The shaving bin is not very large, so it needs to be emptied frequently.
The sharpener can be quite noisy, which may be distracting in a quiet classroom.

We’ve been using the X-ACTO Pencil Sharpener in our homeschooling setup for a few weeks now, and it has been a great addition to our supplies. The sharpener is very easy to use, and it sharpens pencils quickly and efficiently. The six-size dial is a great feature, as it allows us to sharpen all our pencils, including colored pencils. The flyaway cutter is also a useful addition, as it prevents oversharpening and helps to reduce lead breakage.

The SafeStart motor is another great feature, as it ensures that the sharpener stops shaving when the bin is removed, making it safe to use. We also appreciate the easy-to-empty XL shaving bin, which means less mess and hassle.

One thing to note is that the base of the sharpener is not very sturdy, so it can tip over easily if bumped. Additionally, the shaving bin is not very large, so it needs to be emptied frequently. Finally, the sharpener can be quite noisy, which may be distracting in a quiet classroom.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the X-ACTO Pencil Sharpener to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient electric pencil sharpener. It’s easy to use, versatile, and has some great features that make it stand out from other sharpeners on the market.

Mobius + Ruppert Brass Pencil Sharpener

If you’re looking for a high-quality pencil sharpener that will last you a long time, then the Mobius + Ruppert Brass Pencil Sharpener is the one for you.

Pros

The solid brass construction gives it a quality feel and ensures it will last for years.
The double sharpeners allow for thicker pencils and crayons.
Replacement blades are also available, making it a long-term investment.

Cons

The blade may not be as sharp as some cheaper sharpeners.
It’s a little small and may be hard to hang onto.
The round design may not be as comfortable to use as the wedge design.

We recently got our hands on the Mobius + Ruppert Brass Pencil Sharpener and we were impressed by its quality construction and durability. The solid brass material gives it a weighty feel, and the serrated surface provides a firm grip, making it easy to use. The double sharpeners allow for thicker pencils and crayons, which is a nice touch.

However, we did notice that the blade may not be as sharp as some cheaper sharpeners, which can be frustrating if you’re looking for a perfectly sharpened pencil. Additionally, the round design may not be as comfortable to use as the wedge design, especially if you’re sharpening a lot of pencils at once. Finally, it’s a little small and may be hard to hang onto, especially if you have larger hands.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality pencil sharpener that will last you a long time, the Mobius + Ruppert Brass Pencil Sharpener is a great investment. It may not be perfect, but its durability and double sharpeners make it a worthwhile purchase.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best pencil sharpener, there are a few key features that you should consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your purchase:

Type of Sharpener

There are two main types of pencil sharpeners: manual and electric. Manual sharpeners are typically less expensive and require more effort to use, while electric sharpeners are more expensive but offer faster and more convenient sharpening. Consider your budget and usage needs when deciding which type of sharpener to purchase.

Sharpening Mechanism

The sharpening mechanism is the part of the sharpener that actually sharpens the pencil. There are two main types of sharpening mechanisms: helical and cylindrical. Helical sharpeners use a rotating blade to sharpen the pencil, while cylindrical sharpeners use a rotating burr. Helical sharpeners are typically faster and more precise, while cylindrical sharpeners are more durable and require less maintenance.

Size and Capacity

Consider the size and capacity of the sharpener when making your purchase. If you plan to use the sharpener in a classroom or office setting, a larger capacity sharpener may be necessary to accommodate multiple users. If you plan to use the sharpener at home or for personal use, a smaller capacity sharpener may be more practical.

Durability and Warranty

Look for a sharpener that is durable and built to last. A sharpener with a metal body and high-quality components will typically last longer than one with a plastic body and lower-quality components. Additionally, look for a sharpener with a warranty to ensure that you are protected in case of any defects or malfunctions.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best pencil sharpener for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a high-quality manual pencil sharpener?

When choosing a manual pencil sharpener, look for one with a sturdy build, a sharp blade, and an adjustable sharpening angle. Additionally, a pencil sharpener with a removable shaving tray and a compact size for easy portability is a plus.

Which pencil sharpener is recommended for the best results with colored pencils?

For the best results with colored pencils, we recommend a sharpener with multiple sharpening holes to accommodate different pencil sizes, a sharp blade, and a mechanism that prevents over-sharpening. The Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener is a popular choice among artists for its ability to sharpen colored pencils to a fine point without breaking the lead.

What are the top-rated electric pencil sharpeners for professional artists?

The top-rated electric pencil sharpeners for professional artists include the X-ACTO ProX Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener, the Staedtler Noris Club Electric Pencil Sharpener, and the Bostitch SuperPro 6 Commercial Electric Pencil Sharpener. These sharpeners have powerful motors, durable construction, and adjustable sharpening settings for precision sharpening.

Which heavy-duty pencil sharpener is the most durable for extensive use?

The Carl Angel-5 Pencil Sharpener is a heavy-duty sharpener that is built to last. It has a durable metal body, a helical blade for precision sharpening, and an adjustable sharpening angle for versatility. This sharpener can handle frequent use in a classroom or office setting.

What are the best pencil sharpeners for Derwent Inktense pencils according to expert reviews?

According to expert reviews, the best pencil sharpeners for Derwent Inktense pencils are those with helical blades for precision sharpening and a mechanism that prevents over-sharpening. The Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener and the Staedtler Metal Double Hole Sharpener are both recommended for their ability to sharpen Inktense pencils without breaking the lead.

What pencil sharpener models are preferred for precision in woodworking?

For precision sharpening in woodworking, we recommend the KUM Masterpiece Pencil Sharpener and the Alvin Brass Bullet Pencil Sharpener. These sharpeners have a compact size for easy portability and a sharp blade for precision sharpening of carpenter pencils and other woodworking pencils.

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