How to Sharpen Drawing Pencils

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Razor Knives
Drawing Pencils
Pencil Sharpeners

Electric and Hand Sharpening

Step 1

Use an electric sharpener for easy sharpening and the thinnest range of points.
Step 2

Insert the pencil into the appropriate sized hole, exert a minimum of pressure and check your pencil tip after five seconds.
Step 3

Reinsert for that extra-sharp point.
Step 4

Employ a hand sharpener for an effortless point, but be prepared to give up some control.
Step 5

Insert the pencil into the appropriate sized hole, crank the handle for about 15 seconds with minimum pressure, then check the tip.
Step 6

Reinsert for a sharper point.

Razor Sharpening

Step 1

Choose the razor sharpening method for the most control. It's usually employed for fine drawing pencils or when mechanical means are unavailable.
Step 2

Hold the pencil with the tip toward the ground.
Step 3

Hold the razor at a 45-degree angle from the tip of the pencil.
Step 4

Begin at the lip. Press firmly but lightly from wood's painted edge toward the graphite, shaving equally around the circumference.
Step 5

Keep shaving thin slices equally around the exposed graphite.
Step 6

Finish by sharpening the graphite itself, putting your choice of points on the tip.

Comments

liavivas said

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on 7/11/2009 Coloring pencils shouln´t be extra sharp because you actually need that flat surface on the tip to make it easier on you and on the coloring surface, and you´re pencils will last a bit longer whic is always good considering the pocket and the planet!