How can one sharpen a carpenter’s pencil? The International Arrivals sharpener didn’t quite seem to do it. Here is another attempt.
From Keson, it is a bright yellow plastic block with four blades. The pencil is placed in a slot (blue plastic) and one slides the pencil back and forth, the wood being sliced away. One end and pair of blades is for the long edge of the pencil, and the other end and blade pair for the short edge.
Does it work? Well the one I bought is resold by General Pencil, and includes a General Sketching pencil. They have a nice illustration showing how to use the pencil:
It does what it claims, creating a nice wedge of lead. Yet there are some other pencils out there – such as the International Arrivals – which don’t fit in the blue slots. Some European oval pencils (I tried a Viarco) are too loose and slide around. Others from Lyra are too large to fit. The Mastercraft and Faber-Castell pencils aren’t ideal fits either.
As well, one should be aware that this sharpener emits wood and graphite residue on both sides – it is very messy.
The above issues noted, it seems like the best sharpener available for pencils that it can accommodate.
This is the second of a four-part mini-series. Tomorrow: Stonemasonry pencils.
i usually just use a pen knife…
Hmm, good info that made me realize one of the holes in my graphite collection. Will have to keep an eye out for this pencil format and most efficient sharpener. Looking forward your next two installments in this mini-series of blog entries.
There was such a special pencil sharpener. ?-)
I cut down with the knife and was using it. ?-(
Beautiful shavings — they look like petals.
tudo muito bom, pois apontar lapis de carpinteiro e tarefa dificil
Amazing instrument! And yes the shavings are a work of art in themselves.
I bought some Craftsman brand carpenter pencils at Sears that came with a yellow sharpener along time ago (probably when this entry was originally posted). It works simple and great if you want the pencil tapered to a fine point. I was amazed that a Carpenter pencil sharpener existed and that it actually worked. I didn’t see it on the Sears website but it looks like this one. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM2674479502P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6
These pencils and sharpeners are available on http://www.Ebay.com. Search Keson carpenter pencils. Scroll down a ways. I bought one sharpener, and 12 pencils, and love the points on the pencils. They look lots sturdier than pointed. Lou Lowell, Mchigan.
This sharpener is available at Home Depot. It is an orange version of the one shown in the link offered by Sean C.
Its a pencil, its not going to be in a carshow. I don’t recall working w/anybody regardless of their trade that didn’t carry a utility knife, just make sure to flip to the fresh side(or switch out)the blade & widdle away.