When looking for a pencil sharpener, the best ones have high-quality blades so that they deliver a smooth, sharp point for your pencil without breaking the graphite. If you’re looking for a sharpener for personal use, look for one that’s portable and easy to store in a pencil case or a backpack. If you work in a trade or an office, consider a larger electric sharpener that can fit on a desk. If you’re worried about the shavings making a mess, look for a sharpener with a container to help prevent a mess.

A pencil sharpener works by using a sharp blade or multiple blades to shave away the wooden casing and graphite of a pencil as it rotates in a cone-shaped hole. As the pencil rotates, the blade or blades cut the wood back, exposing the graphite while the shavings exit through a slot, creating a sharpened point for the pencil.

Yes, pencil sharpeners come in various sizes, typically designed to fit standard-size pencils (6–8 mm) or jumbo-size pencils (9–12 mm). Common types can include single-hole and two-hole pencil sharpeners. Pencil sharpeners can also come in manual, electric or canister options depending on your needs and preferences. They can accommodate graphite pencils and pencil crayons.

Manual pencil sharpeners are a better option for people who are looking for a tool that’s more precise, lightweight and can be easily stored in a pencil case, desk or backpack. For artists, manual pencil sharpeners provide better control when sharpening pencil crayons or drawing pencils to prevent the lead from breaking. Electric pencil sharpeners are faster to use and are better equipped for high-volume use, like in a classroom or office.