Electric (automatic) pencil sharpeners are a fantastic tool. Unlike the manual sharpener, electric models pretty much do everything on their own. No longer do you have to leave your desk, stand above the trash bin in the corner and sharpen the pencil using the conventional, manual sharpener.

Today, virtually anyone that uses a pencil has an electric pencil sharpener: offices, artists, students, teachers, and so forth. However, it is not always easy to select the right product. That is why we decided to write this article; here, we will help you (hopefully) make the right choice. We will go through 15 best electric pencil sharpener picks, describing their strengths, weaknesses, most prominent features, and so forth.

We will also explain the product’s usability, durability, price, and many other factors. In short, we hope the article will not only help you find the best electric sharpener but also help you learn more about the product in general.

Best Electric Pencil Sharpener Comparison Table





Best Electric Pencil Sharpener Reviews

If you are still unsure about which product may be right for you after looking at the comparison table above, read on to find the best electric pencil sharpener right for you.



X-ACTO Model 41 – Most Sophisticated Product

We are starting our list with X-ACTO Model 41 Electric Sharpener, the most expensive and the most sophisticated electric pencil sharpener. The product is purchasable in several styles, but the one we are reviewing is called High Volume Commercial.

As the name suggests, the High Volume Commerical electric sharpener is ideal for high volume businesses, places where pencils never rest. By far the most notable feature regarding this sharpener is the dual cutting blades. X-ACTO claims that the blades are 33 times more durable than conventional sharpeners (without any maintenance).

The product focuses on quality, precision, and versatility. It can sharpen six different sized pencils with optimal accuracy. It is also very safe. Thanks to the so-called Pencil Saver Technology, the sharpener avoids over-sharpening. Consequently, it helps reduce waste accumulation.

Also, the sharpener features something called Auto-Reset function. In short, the sharpener will shut down if the motor starts overheating (which may happen in high-volume commercial areas). And if the waste container (shaving receptacle) isn’t installed, the sharpener won’t start, due to the SafeStart technology.

The motor is both powerful and reliable. Moreover, it will serve you for a very long time (thanks to the Auto-Reset technology). And while this pencil sharpener is advanced, it is also quite robust and stable. This particular model (41) features the largest motor of all X-ACTO sharpeners, making it ideal for high volume areas.

The feet are non-skid (so it doesn’t slip of flip over), and the fan helps cool down the temperature and prevent heat accumulation.

Verdict

But, all these features affect the price. We could see how a high commercial business could benefit from this sharpener. But, perhaps it isn’t the best for personal, individual use. It’s not that you shouldn’t buy it, but you probably won’t use all of its features and benefits.

Pros Extremely durable and robust

Extremely durable and robust Auto-Reset function prevents overheating

Auto-Reset function prevents overheating Pencil Saver prevents over-sharpening

Pencil Saver prevents over-sharpening SafeStart (stops working if the receptacle disconnects) Cons The most expensive sharpener on the list

X-ACTO ProX – Great Choice For Art Classrooms & Art Classes

ProX model features somewhat unusual design but brings the same old X-ACTO functionality to the table.

The ProX features six different sharpening holes, capable of sharpening all sorts of pencils. Like the other two X-ACTO sharpeners, this one also features Auto-Reset technology (which prevents motor overheating), SafeStart technology (which prevents the sharpener from running if the receptacle is missing).

There is also the SmartStop feature : the sharpener will turn on its blue LED lights when the pencil is optimally sharpened. Everything about this product says that it is ideal for classroom use. The motor is quite potent and durable, capable of withstanding extensive use. And thanks to the Auto-Reset feature, it won’t overheat.

We do recommend using this product in the classroom, specifically art classroom. Why? Well, it can sharpen different sized pencils, colored pencils, hard pencils, lead pencils, and so forth. It would be a shame that those features weren’t fully utilized, right? Then again, we can also see how offices could benefit from this sharpener.

And by the way, its double helical stainless steel blades are 33 x more durable than the standard blades (according to X-ACTO).

Verdict

But all these features will cost you; the ProX is second most expensive electric pencil sharpener on our list. The good news is that its price is its biggest flaw. Everything else, from design to functionality, is as it should be.

Pros Sophisticated and highly versatile

Sophisticated and highly versatile Can withstand high volume environment

Can withstand high volume environment Features multiple technologies

Features multiple technologies Safe and durable

Safe and durable Ideal for art classrooms and art classes Cons The second most expensive product on our list

School Smart Heavy Duty – Best Electric Pencil Sharpener For Home

This School Smart model is durable, capable of withstanding massive amounts of pressure. It features stainless steel blades, strong motor, and interesting horizontal design.

The design is unquestionably different, and I can see the benefits of it: positioned horizontally, the sharpener won’t tip over and potentially damage. It is sophisticated, featuring auto-stop option once the optimal sharpness is reached. The product can be used in high volume places (such as offices or classrooms), but we suggest you use it in your home.

Why? Well, despite it being heavy duty, the canister capacity and the product design makes it perfect for home use. Moreover, it isn’t very robust, meaning that you’ll more control over it in your home (while you lose that control in the classroom since many kids are using it).

It is safe to use (will stop of the receptacle is removed), and the motor will turn off if it starts overheating. And when it comes to sharpening, the gadget delivers big time; it is consistent, providing optimally sharp pencil tips for a very long time.

Verdict

The price is mid-range, durability quite decent. It isn’t as sturdy as some other products on the list, but if you use it in your home, where only you will use it, then you won’t experience any problems with it. Just make sure you take care of it and maintain it regularly for optimal lifespan.

Pros Powerful engine, capable of preventing overheating

Powerful engine, capable of preventing overheating Kid-friendly

Kid-friendly Somewhat durable

Somewhat durable Interesting horizontal design, grants stability

Interesting horizontal design, grants stability Perfect for home use (it won’t take much of your space) Cons Not as sturdy as some other products

School Smart Vertical – Best Electric Pencil Sharpener For Classroom

School Smart is tiny, lightweight and quite pencil sharpener, perfect grab for students and professors. It features modern design and delivers consistent speed sharpening.

The product comes with large and generous shavings receptacle, which captures any shaving during use. The tray is also very easy to attach and detach, clean and maintain. The item uses helical, stainless steel blades, paired with auto-stop function. This function will prevent oversharpening so that the sharpener doesn’t eat away your pencil.

Due to its design and quiet operating, we can see how this product would fit classrooms or offices. The sharpener also comes with rubber pad, which helps fixate its position and prevent slipping, vibrating or falling. Why do we recommend this product for classroom use? Durability.



Any sharpener you put for classroom use will be used extensively, and we are confident that School Smart Electric Pencil Sharpener can withstand the pressure. And we aren’t just talking about the blades, but also about the body. Rubber pads unquestionably help, especially when paired with the product’s vertical design.



We have to commend the motor, which can withstand extensive use without overheating or breaking. All in all, the product’s durability makes it perfect for classroom use. Note that it is also kid-friendly so that you can use it in junior classrooms. We have one complaint, and that is the auto-stop feature.

Though the manufacturer claims that the sharpeners shut down once the pencil is sharpened, the sharpener will still operate; it won’t sharpen the pencil, but will nevertheless use electricity. So, it does prevent oversharpening but doesn’t shut off, which is rather unfortunate.

Verdict

As long as you’re okay with a slightly heavier pencil sharpener, you will likely enjoy what this mode has to offer. The space-saving design and extra large shavings storage area make it an ideal choice for schools as well as busy offices.

Pros Extremely durable, perfect for classrooms

Extremely durable, perfect for classrooms Not as loud as most other sharpeners

Not as loud as most other sharpeners Value for money

Value for money Vertical design holds the sharpener in place (together with rubber pad) Cons The sharpener doesn’t shut off as described

Bostitch – Great Choice For Studios

This Bostitch model is a heavy duty, high volume commercial pencil sharpener. It features six sharpening holes, all of the different sizes. Its most prominent feature is the XHC technology, which allows this sharpener to sharpen the pencil in under 4 seconds.

The XHC technology also helps prolong the cutter’s lifespan. The motor is potent and quite, ideal for classrooms and classroom-like environments. It also features Magnasafe Shutoff , allowing it to shut down if the shavings reservoir is removed.

The item also features TipSaver technology , which prevents oversharpening, garbage accumulation and extends pencil lifespan. And the tray is quite enormous, allowing convenient and comfortable sharpening without the constant emptying.

The motor is durable and capable of responding to high heat levels; the motor will stop functioning if its long-term functionality is in danger (will prevent overheating). Most importantly, it can sharpen pencils of different types and sizes, regardless of their material and hardness.

We recommend you use this sharpener in classrooms or studios, preferable studios, to reach its fullest potential. It is also very quiet, ideal for studio atmosphere. However, this product has its downsides. For starters, it isn’t the most durable product on the list and is known to have problems with sharpening efficiency.

Verdict

The problem of durability seems to be a manufacturing problem, not a design flaw since most people claim that the product served them for years. Nevertheless, it has some issues with durability. Also, even though the manufacturer suggested you use it in the classroom, we beg the differ. Instead, use it in studios, where fewer people will use the sharpener.

Pros Extremely quiet

Extremely quiet Advanced features, safe to use and reliable

Advanced features, safe to use and reliable Stylish design and enormous shavings reservoir

Stylish design and enormous shavings reservoir Durable motor (prevents overheating) Cons Somewhat expensive

Somewhat expensive Not as durable as it should be (considering the price)

OfficeGoods – Best Electric Pencil Sharpener For Artists

This model is pro art: it allows different types of sharpening, is very gentle, but also durable and reliable. The product is exceptionally cost-effective, ideal for graphite pencils. Also, you can use it to sharpen colored pencils and lead pencils.

Interestingly, you can power this sharpener in three ways:

You can charge it via USB cord You can utilize the AC power cord (which is the most recommendable method Alas, you can power it with 4 AA batteries, which allow you portability and comfort (note that you won’t receive the cells upon purchase)

It isn’t as versatile as X-ACTO Model 41, for example, but it can sharpen most standard size #2 pencils, as well as the ordinary colored pencils (such as Derwent, Prismacolor, and so forth). And though the product is child-safe, it is compelling. Much like any advanced model, the OfficeGoods Electric/Battery Sharpener won’t operate if the container is removed.

The stainless steel blades allow rapid and precise sharpening. Moreover, the sharpening is consistent and won’t deteriorate over extensive use. You also have three options to choose when sharpening your pencils: sharp, medium or blunt option. We have to commend this idea, for it will give artists a lot more freedom.

Verdict

That is why we recommend this sharpener to artists. Naturally, offices and students could also benefit from it. However, you might experience some troubles sharpening harder pencils (such as pastel). Note that the problem is not related to the motor power or blade sharpness; the problem is in the opening.

Pros Cost-effective and durable

Cost-effective and durable Features three sharpening modes

Features three sharpening modes Safe to use, kid-friendly

Safe to use, kid-friendly You can power it in 3 different ways (USB, AC cord, and AA batteries) Cons The opening could have been a bit wider

EcoElectronix (EX-20) – Great Model For Designers

The EX 20 is flexible, at least when it comes to power options: you can run it via AC (adapter included), batteries (of course, not included), or via conventional 2.0 USB cable. It is also flexible when it comes to sharpness option: this sharpener allows you to select multiple options while sharpening your pencil, ranging from extra sharp to blunt.

Though it can sharpen different pencil types, it is ideal for sharpening #2 pencils. And the sharpener is very user-friendly: it features LED lights, which tell you when the desired sharpness is reached. It also shots off when you achieve a dedicated level of sharpness. And like most other sophisticated pencil sharpeners, it is kid-friendly.

But who would benefit from it? Probably designers. The product is suitable for not only sharpening colored pencils, but you can also determine different degrees of sharpness, which is essential for designers. The product is very stylish and cool (there’s actually no better way of describing it).

This sharpener is modern, helpful, durable and cost-effective. We commend features such as auto-off feature, which prevents oversharpening, and the LED light signalization. We also like the fact that you can power it in various ways. Most importantly, designers will love the fact that you can adjust different degrees of sharpness while sharpening your pencils.

Verdict

The sharpener may struggle with consistency here and there, but adequate cleaning and maintaining will prevent this from happening too often. All in all, if you are designer looking for an electric pencil sharpener, this might be the one for you.

Pros Fairly inexpensive

Fairly inexpensive Helpful LED light signalization

Helpful LED light signalization Auto-off feature

Auto-off feature Kid-friendly

Kid-friendly Can sharpen all types of pencils Cons Not the most consistent sharpener

Colore – The Safest Model

Did the product’s name confuse you? Well, the company’s name is actually Pencil Sharpener, and the product’s name is Colore. Right from the start, you’ll notice robust and sturdy design. It is also very kid-friendly, arguably the safest electric pencil sharpener on the list.

The tip it delivers is smooth, consistent and professional. It features helical blades, which provide somewhat soft, kid-friendly pencil tip. It won’t be the sharpest tip, but you don’t want your children to use sharp pencils in the first place. There is another reason why you can let your children use it: it is portable.



You don’t have to worry about power cords and electricity: place the batteries and its ready for use. And even though it is highly durable and robust, it is still lightweight, fit for a school bag. Your child can use it in the classroom without inconvenience because this sharpener is very quiet. The protective case is designed to reduce both vibration and noise as you use it.

This item is also relatively easy to maintain. The receptacle detaches without any problems, allowing quick emptying. And while we do keep mentioning how this sharpener is safe for the kids, it is worth noting this sharpener is safe for adults too. The only problem we have with it that it has no way of preventing oversharpening.

Verdict

While it is true that it delivers smooth and safe pencil tip, that doesn’t mean it won’t eat through your pencil if you aren’t careful. So, pay close attention to it to avoid over sharpening.

Pros Arguably the safest pencil sharpener

Arguably the safest pencil sharpener Delivers smooth pencil tip

Delivers smooth pencil tip Very easy to use, sturdy and reliable

Very easy to use, sturdy and reliable Value for money, very affordable

Value for money, very affordable Powered via batteries Cons No method of preventing oversharpening

Jarlink – Great Choice For #2 Pencils

This Jarlink’s model is highly responsive, cost-effective and durable pencil sharpener. The motor is this item’s strongest factor: motor runs the heavy duty helical cutter, ideal for sharpening #2 pencils.

It features auto-off option, meaning that the engine will shut down once the optimal levels of sharpness are reached. It is also kid-friendly, and the engine has a built-in system which prevents it from overheating. The product is highly responsive: as soon as you put the pencil in the opening, the sharpener starts functioning.

You can power it with conventional AC method (adapter included), or you can use 4 AA batteries (not included). The shavings reservoir is quite voluminous: according to the manufacturer, you can shave your pencil 3000 times before emptying the shavings tray (is it just me, or that’s literally too much?)

If you pair the strong motor with a generous capacity, you can surely use it in places like classroom, office or artists studio. It features safe design, starts and stops pretty much automatically, and the built-in safety system prevents overheating.

It has its problems. Most people complain about the noise, claiming that the product operates loudly after extensive use, which can cause problems in classroom or office (or any other place which requires peace). But if you place it in a high traffic area, no one will care about the noise (or if you use it in your home).

Pros Cost-effective, very durable

Cost-effective, very durable Sophisticated, features advanced functions

Sophisticated, features advanced functions Kid-friendly

Kid-friendly Heavy duty, long-lasting motor Cons A bit noisy

OfficePro Ultra Portable – Great Choice For Travelers

OfficePro pencil sharpener features high quality, stainless steel blades. It is ruthless when it comes to sharpening, regardless of the pencils (colored, golf, hard lead pencils, and so forth). The reservoir is quite generous and ergonomically designed (vertical design), allowing firm and steady grip.

And like most other sophisticated sharpeners, the cutter stops running when it reaches optimal sharpness level, and when the protective lid detaches (so it doesn’t cut your fingers). The product is also highly portable, featuring battery powered system.

We recommend it to adventurers and travelers, regardless of your profession. If you continuously travel (either to explore or to work), but your job requires that you use a pencil, this might be the product for you. It is very efficient (regarding energy consumption), and it is highly durable, capable of withstanding constant traveling and use.

And for what it’s worth, the ergonomic design will help you sharpen the pencil while you are on the move. Price is more than reasonable, considering the product’s robustness, durability, and features. Even though the manufacturer suggests using it in home, office or classroom, I do believe in the adventurous spirit of this pencil sharpener.

Of course, you can use it in office (it is surprisingly quite) or at home, there’s no denying it. But I feel that the product’s compactness and compatibility make it a perfect traveling companion, especially if your job entitles you to carry a pencil.

Downsides? It is somewhat difficult to disassemble and assemble. Moreover, you need to dismantle it quite often, to clean it, which helps prevent clogging and prolongs motor durability. If it were a bit easier to maintain, it would have been perfect.



Pros Cost-effective

Cost-effective Durable and sturdy

Durable and sturdy Ideal traveling partner

Ideal traveling partner Generous shaving tray

Generous shaving tray Delivers professional and sharp pencil tip Cons Somewhat difficult to maintain

X-ACTO Helix 1900 – Great Choice for Office

As you might have already noticed, X-ACTO is a very notable name among electric pencil sharpener manufactures. Their Helix 1900 is suitable for either office or home use.

The cutter is 16 times more durable than the standard cutters, which isn’t as prominent as the X-ACTO Model 41 (which has 33 x longer durability) but is still impressive. Very quiet yet potent motor powers the cutter, allowing you to rapidly and efficiently sharpen the pencils.

The design will fit most contemporary homes and offices. The motor is very quiet, helping this model to blend in the working environment. Furthermore, the non-skid base helps fixate the sharpener, reducing the vibrations and preventing potential fall.

Much like X-ACTO Model 41, the Helix 1900 features several technologies and functions. The Pencil Saver technology helps minimize waste production and prevent over-sharpening. You also have the Auto-Reset function, which automatically shuts down the motor during extensive use (to avoid overheating).

Alas, there is the kid-friendly StartSafe feature, which prevents the sharpener from operating if the receptacle isn’t installed adequately. It is also worth mentioning that the Helix 1900 is arguably the most popular electric pencil sharpener on the market, due to its design, cost-effectiveness and overall quality.

Verdict

As we already said, the product is ideal for busy environments, offices or homes. Professors and students could also benefit from it. The only downside we noticed was the fact that some of the shavings will fly off and won’t end up in a tray. Other than that, we have no complaints about this product.

Pros Very quiet, perfect for offices

Very quiet, perfect for offices Reasonable price, very affordable

Reasonable price, very affordable Stylish, office-like design

Stylish, office-like design Tons of features and technologies Cons Some of the shavings won’t end up in a tray

TripWorthy – Best Electric Pencil Sharpener For Colored Pencils

This TripWorthy model is novel, stylish and modern. It is very affordable, recommendable to artists, and students. It is also kid-friendly so that the kids can use it without any danger.

This product is powered by batteries. Unfortunately, the cells aren’t included in the package. Like most products on our list, the TripWorthy sharpener features auto-stop function. In essence, the sharpener won’t function unless every piece of equipment is in place.

There is one particular area where this sharpener excels, and that is the sharpening of colored pencils and lead pencils. The product is ideal for sharpening colored and #2 pencils (it can also sharpen lead pencils). The finish it delivers is sharp, but not too sharp (which can cause breaking).

And as we said, the product operates on batteries (4 AA batteries). What this means is that you can carry it with you whenever you wish, which is excellent if you are artists, especially landscape artists. No longer do you have to sharpen everything and hope for the best; bring the TripWorthy Electric Pencil Sharpener and don’t worry about sharpening.

But like any other product, it has its flaws. What we were mostly disappointed with was the fact that you have to hold this sharpener as you use it; otherwise, it would spin out of control. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a function that could prevent over-sharpening. I guess those would be the downsides of this product.

Verdict

Though, considering the price, durability, and consistency, this sharpener is well worth buying, especially if you want to purchase a sharpener for your colored pencils.

Pros Among the most inexpensive products on the list

Among the most inexpensive products on the list Portable, powered by batteries

Portable, powered by batteries Cool and modern design

Cool and modern design Ideal for sharpening colored pencils

Ideal for sharpening colored pencils Kid-friendly Cons You have to hold it while sharpening

You have to hold it while sharpening Doesn’t have a function that stops oversharpening

Artist Choice – Great Model For Architects And Engineers

Artist Choice model features stainless steel cutting blades, capable of delivering even, consistent and sharp pencil tip. And as you might have guessed it, it is perfect for artists! But, there are two groups of people who could benefit most from this sharpener: architects and engineers.

Because this electric sharpener delivers sharp and deadly accurate tip, we see how engineers and architects could benefit from it. The product is small, neatly designed and compact, ideal for the private and quiet environment. It runs on battery power (4 AA batteries, which aren’t included in the package).

The design is neat, execution flawless, especially when it comes to shavings; this item is excellent at collecting all the shavings of the pencils. This also makes the product easy to clean and maintain. The body stable and robust, protecting the stainless steel cutter from damage.

As we said before, the product is perfect for architects and engineers because it delivers sharp and accurate tip. And it is battery powered, which allows you to carry it wherever you go. We can see how students or professors could also benefit from this sharpener, as well as the artists.

Verdict

However, be aware of the fact that this sharpener is very potent. Though it looks tiny, the motor is quite strong, and it sharpens quite rapidly. Now that’s excellent news for those who seek such sharpener, but bad news for those who want to have more control over the tip sharpness.

Pros Very affordable

Very affordable Surprisingly durable

Surprisingly durable Potent, powerful motor

Potent, powerful motor Rapid and consistent sharpening

Rapid and consistent sharpening Easy to clean and maintain Cons No function that prevents oversharpening

SMARTRO USB-Powered – Nice Model for Kids

SMARTRO Pencil Sharpener is both adjustable and versatile. For starters, you can run it with USB cable, or you can power it with 4 AA batteries (you guessed it, not included). Secondly, it features dual hole design, one being 8 and other 12 mm in diameter (note that you can sharpen pencils that are anywhere from 6 to 12 mm in diameter).

Another cool feature regarding this product is the fact that the cutter is replaceable. That’s right: you open the sharpener, pull the cutter down and remove it from the sharpener. You can add the new cutter by attaching it to the motor, the same way you removed it (well, not the same way, but you get the point).

The product is light, compact and portable; you can run it with 4 AA batteries. It is also kid-friendly, and won’t function until every integral attachment is in its place. Furthermore, this sharpener is good at preventing oversharpening, thanks to the AutoStop safety feature. And by the way, it is the second most inexpensive product on our list, which is a big plus.

Verdict

Because it is cheap and kid-friendly, we recommend you gift this one to your children or grandchildren. Despite its price, it can withstand quite a few punches, though we don’t suggest you admit that fact to your children or grandchildren. However, it doesn’t deliver professional tip, the ones that designers, artists, or architects could benefit from. But, kids will have a lot of fun with it.

Pros Very inexpensive

Very inexpensive Durable (considering the price)

Durable (considering the price) Option to replace the cutter

Option to replace the cutter Kid-friendly and safe to use

Kid-friendly and safe to use It does have two holes (you can sharpen pencils from 6 to 12 mm in diameter) Cons Doesn’t deliver a professional finish

LINKYO – Most Inexpensive Choice

LINKYO Electric Pencil Sharpener is the most inexpensive product on our list, available in classic and pro version (we are reviewing classic version, which is less expensive, but also less durable).

This item features 360-degree helical cutter, capable of delivering sharp finish in a matter of seconds. More importantly, the result is even, consistent and professional pencil tip. The blades are made of heavy-duty steel, but not stainless steel, meaning that the LINKYO sharpener might succumb to rust.

The product runs on conventional AC system, but it does feature unique vertical design. The shavings tray is quite massive: according to the manufacturer, it can store up to 100 pencil shavings, which is quite impressive. There is also the Auto Jam-Release technology , which helps with unjamming; you merely press the pencil down and release, which should unjam the sharpener.

It is kid-friendly and will shut off automatically if the protective lid is removed or lifted. Also, the base is anti-slip designed, which helps with vibration and keeps the sharpener in place. It’s great that the product features jam-release technology since it does struggle with jamming.

Verdict

But despite jamming, the sharpener will still deliver professional finish, which is why we recommend it to everyone. Well, we can’t recommend it to high volume spaces because the jamming would cause a lot of frustration and affect efficiency. But if you plan to buy it for yourself, then go for it; after all, it is the cheapest unit on the list!

Pros Delivers professional and sharp pencil tip

Delivers professional and sharp pencil tip Kid-friendly, automatic shutoff

Kid-friendly, automatic shutoff The most inexpensive product on our list

The most inexpensive product on our list The shavings tray is quite massive Cons Tends to jam, not recommended for high-volume commercial places or offices Best Electric Pencil Sharpener Buying Guide How To Pick The Right Pencil Sharpener When shopping for an electric pencil sharpener, there is a wide range of important elements that you should consider first. Some examples include the size of pencils you routinely use, the type of point you prefer to work with, as well as additional pencil types like colored pencils. Each of these elements and more will be discussed in greater detail below. The Size of Your Pencils For those of you who do not know, pencils come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. For the sake of this article, we will be focusing on round and hexagon pencil shapes since they are the most common type. These are also the type that are almost universally accepted in most traditional pencil sharpeners. Out of these types of pencils, the most common size most people work with is around six millimeters in diameter. There are additional sizes that are quite a bit larger than many users may prefer to work with. With children, in particular, larger pencil sizes are often preferred to help with their beginner penmanship. If you plan to work with larger sizes than six millimeters, you need to make sure your potential sharpener supports its size. The Point Matters When many of you may think of a sharpened pencil, a mental image of a very sharp point is likely to come to mind. However, this is not the case with all pencil sharpeners. For those of you with small children, you will likely want to stick with models that are safer for children. These types of models sharpen pencils and leave them with a more rounded tip to help reduce the likelihood of accidental pricks with the end of the pencil. For people who practice art, a sharp point may often be preferred to help with finer details like shading in their work. All in all, it boils down to preference and is just another important factor for you to consider when searching for a potential new sharpener. Consider The Angle With more expensive sharpeners, you often have the capability to select different cutting angles for the pencil itself. This has a direct impact on the way the pencil performs when writing and drawing. Depending on the pencil type and the type of project you are working on, you may want to select a model with a customizable cutting angle to get the most out of your pencils. What Type of Pencils Do You Work With? The types of pencils you work with routinely will also play an important role in the selection of your next sharpener. For most people, they work with traditional number two pencils that are often used on standardized testing forms. These pencils will almost always work in most standard pencil sharpeners. For options like colored pencils, you have to be a bit more careful when selecting a pencil sharpener. Due to the combination of pigments and bonding agents, colored pencils can cause some electric pencil sharpeners to become stuck. When in doubt, always look for a pencil sharpener that is designed for use with the specific type of pencil you work with to avoid damaging your new sharpener. Portability Portability has a lot to do with selecting the right type of pencil sharpener for you. For many people, traditional desk sharpeners are the way to go and are the perfect fit for classrooms and office settings. For students and art buffs, you may want to stick with lighter weight options that are battery powered for travel use. Many new pencil sharpeners that are currently available support multiple different power methods so you can use them in a broader range of environments. Blade Design The blade design is probably the most important part to consider when shopping for a new pencil sharpener. The most durable blade design type is a pair of helical cutting blades that rotate around the end of the pencil. Traditionally made of steel, these blades will last for many years with appropriate maintenance and adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions. A cheaper blade design that you will also see is a flat shaving surface that is typically seen in most handheld pencil sharpeners. While these blades are significantly cheaper and easy to replace, it is recommended that you avoid these whenever possible to ensure you are purchasing a high-quality product. Noise Level The overall noise level is the final thing that you should take into account. With most electric sharpeners, the noise can vary considerably from model to model. Battery powered options are often significantly quieter but the tradeoff is a much slower sharpening experience. With sharpeners that plug into electrical outlets, look for options that have thick casings that will help dampen the sound of the motor while the unit is in use. Conclusion Electric pencil sharpeners come in a wide range of types that are designed to make your life easier. Remember, that no matter what unit you decide to go with, it’s important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to keep your sharpener working at its finest. By using the tips outlined in our guide, you should have the knowledge you need to find the right pencil sharpener for you.