How to Sharpen Drawing Pencils

Sharpening a pencil can be an art if you don't use a mechanical sharpener.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Razor Knives
• Drawing Pencils
• Pencil Sharpeners

Electric and Hand Sharpening

1. Use an electric sharpener for easy sharpening and the thinnest range of points.
2. Insert the pencil into the appropriate sized hole, exert a minimum of pressure and check your pencil tip after five seconds.
3. Reinsert for that extra-sharp point.
4. Employ a hand sharpener for an effortless point, but be prepared to give up some control.
5. Insert the pencil into the appropriate sized hole, crank the handle for about 15 seconds with minimum pressure, then check the tip.
6. Reinsert for a sharper point.

Razor Sharpening

7. Choose the razor sharpening method for the most control. It's usually employed for fine drawing pencils or when mechanical means are unavailable.
8. Hold the pencil with the tip toward the ground.
9. Hold the razor at a 45-degree angle from the tip of the pencil.
10. Begin at the lip. Press firmly but lightly from wood's painted edge toward the graphite, shaving equally around the circumference.
11. Keep shaving thin slices equally around the exposed graphite.
12. Finish by sharpening the graphite itself, putting your choice of points on the tip.

Tips & Warnings

• Careful! A razor's edge is so sharp that you can't always feel a cut.