New pencil accessories aren’t introduced too often, so I was quite intrigued to learn about the Gripsharp.
It resembles one of those rubber ‘ergonomic’ grips that some people prefer for gripping thin writing instruments.
You put the pencil in, start sharpening, and leave the Gripsharp in place. Put another way, you sharpen away the wood, leaving the exposed pencil core protruding from the device.
It does actually write.
Here is a photo showing what you are actually doing to the pencil:
Unusual as it is, I’m wondering – what is it for? What is the problem it solves?
Would you buy one? What do you think of it?
See some other reviews at:
I’d like to thank Gripsharp for sending this sample to me.
I wouldn’t buy one – it’s not sharpened the lead to a point (my reason for using a sharpener). Give me a quality propelling pencil any day!
Strange, it seems a little clunky, and perhaps even less ergonomic than a bare pencil.
I would buy one. if I don’t have to hunt for a sharpener thats fantastic. That is, it seems to always stay on your pencil! Thats a huge plus for me. thanks.
Could be usefull for thoese who like long exposed leads so you can use it a tad like a paintbrush
All, thank you for the comments.
I think I was considering this item in the context of using a pencil as a writing instrument. But when using a pencil as a marking tool – perhaps that is the Gripsharp’s niche.
Since this “sharpener” stays on the pencil and it has a grip so you can write with it, in my eyes it’s sort of a mechanical pencil that uses wooden pencils as leads. :P It doesn’t make much sense, I think, but at least you don’t have to reach for your sharpener when this pencil needs sharpening…
While searching for something completely different I came across “Antique Small Pencil Sharpeners 1837–1921” at the Early Office Museum. That page lists two sharpeners that are surprisingly similar to the Gripsharp, namely “Downs Pencil Sharpener and Point Protector” from 1878 and “Stone’s Pencil Sharpener and Pencil Point Protector” from 1879.
Gunther, thank you for the citations. Is history reinventing itself?