Last Updated on May 6, 2023 by Dee
As an artist, you understand the importance of having the right tools to bring your vision to life, and a high-quality hand crank pencil sharpener is a must-have addition to your creative arsenal. In this blog post, we’ll explore the 5 best hand crank pencil sharpeners that will keep your pencils sharp and your artwork looking its absolute best. No more frustration or dull pencils – just smooth, precise lines every time.
So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect hand-crank pencil sharpener to elevate your artistic experience! Also, make sure to check out these best pencil cases for artists.
**This page may contain affiliate links to products I have used or recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.**
Best Hand Crank Pencil Sharpeners
Sharpening pencils is essential to everyday life, especially for students, artists, and designers. Finding the best hand crank pencil sharpener can be daunting, but we’ve got you covered.
We’ve researched and tested various models to bring you the top picks for the best hand crank pencil sharpeners on the market. Our roundup includes the most reliable, durable, and efficient sharpeners that will keep your pencils sharp and ready for use.
X-Acto Ranger 55 Wall Mount Pencil Sharpener
The X-Acto Ranger 55 Wall Mount Pencil Sharpener is an exceptional choice for artists seeking a reliable and durable solution for their pencil sharpening needs. With its strong double-bearing, all-metal construction, the Ranger 55 is designed to handle the heaviest workloads and provide consistent, high-quality sharpening results.
One of the key features of the Ranger 55 is its adjustable pencil guide, allowing for the sharpening of a wider selection of pencils. This versatility ensures that you can sharpen any pencil in your collection with ease. Additionally, the sharpener’s extra-large hinged swivel receptacle makes it incredibly convenient for disposing of pencil shavings, while the twin steel cutters with 30 cutting edges guarantee a precise and clean sharpen every time.
Weighing in at a solid 1.68 pounds and constructed entirely of steel, the Ranger 55 is practically indestructible, making it an ideal choice for artists who need a heavy-duty sharpener that can withstand constant use. The wall-mount feature further enhances its functionality, as it can be easily installed in your workspace for quick and convenient access.
Pros:
- Durable, all-metal construction for long-lasting use.
- Adjustable pencil guide for sharpening a wide range of pencils.
- Twin steel cutters with 30 cutting edges for precise and clean sharpening results.
Cons:
- The wall-mount design may not be suitable for every workspace.
- The heavy weight of the sharpener may make it challenging to move around frequently.
- The price point may be higher compared to other pencil sharpeners on the market.
The X-Acto Ranger 55 Wall Mount Pencil Sharpener is an excellent investment for artists seeking a reliable and heavy-duty sharpening solution. Its impressive durability, precise sharpening results, and wide compatibility with various pencils make it a valuable addition to any artist’s toolkit. However, it’s important to consider its potential limitations, such as the wall-mount design and weight, before making a purchase.
X-ACTO Ranger 1031 Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener
If you’re in need of a sturdy, reliable pencil sharpener, the X-ACTO Ranger 1031 is a great option. It’s built to last and can handle high-volume environments, making it perfect for schools or offices.
Pros
- The dual helical cutters provide precise sharpening every time, so you won’t have to worry about uneven or broken tips.
- The included screws and mount make it easy to install on a wall, desk, or table, so you can keep it in a convenient location.
- The X-ACTO Ranger 1031 is adjustable to accommodate eight different pencil sizes, so you can sharpen all your pencils with ease.
Cons
- The manual operation can be tough on your hands, especially if you’re sharpening a lot of pencils at once.
- Some users have reported issues with the sharpener sharpening pencils off-center, which can result in uneven tips.
- The all-metal construction can make the sharpener quite heavy, so it may not be the best option if you need to move it around frequently.
The X-ACTO Ranger 1031 is a classic classroom sharpener built to withstand student use’s wear and tear. It’s sturdy construction and precise sharpening make it a great option for anyone in need of a reliable pencil sharpener.
However, the manual operation can be tough on your hands, and some users have reported issues with uneven sharpening. Overall, we recommend the X-ACTO Ranger 1031 for anyone in need of a dependable pencil sharpener.
Bostitch Office Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener
This Bostitch manual pencil sharpener is a must-have for anyone who always wants a sharp pencil. It’s easy to use, durable, and has a replaceable cutter that saves time and money. We love it!
Pros
- Tip Saver Technology ensures the perfect pencil tip every time.
- The 8-hole dial accommodates a variety of pencil sizes.
- The HHC2 dual cutter technology extends the life of the cutter by 6x, and the cutter is replaceable.
Cons
- The pencil diameter size changing wheel can be a little hard to turn.
- It doesn’t come with a suction device.
- It’s a manual sharpener, so it requires some elbow grease.
We recently got our hands on the Bostitch Office Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener, and we have to say, we’re impressed. It’s built to last, with an all-metal construction and die-cast base. It’s also easy to mount, with included screws and clamps for vertical or horizontal mounting.
But what really sets this sharpener apart is its Tip Saver Technology. It shapes the perfect pencil tip and prevents over-sharpening, so your pencils last longer. And with the 8-hole dial, you can sharpen a variety of pencil sizes with ease.
We also appreciate the HHC2 dual cutter technology, which extends the life of the cutter by 6x. And if the cutter ever becomes dull, you can simply replace it instead of throwing out the entire unit.
The high capacity shavings tray is another nice touch. It holds a high volume of pencil shavings and is easy to remove for quick cleaning.
The only downside we’ve found is that the pencil diameter size changing wheel can be a little hard to turn. And if you’re used to electric sharpeners, you’ll have to put in a little elbow grease with this manual sharpener.
Overall, we highly recommend the Bostitch Office Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener. It’s a great investment for anyone who always wants a sharp pencil.
CARL Angel-5 Pencil Sharpener
If you’re in the market for a pencil sharpener, we highly recommend the CARL Angel-5 Pencil Sharpener. It’s perfect for school, home, and office use and is quiet… and classroom-friendly.
Pros
- The manual operation is smooth and easy to use.
- The CARL Angel-5 mechanism automatically draws the pencil into the cutting chamber, producing a perfect point every time.
- The unique design prevents oversharpening, so your pencils last longer.
Cons
- It’s a bit pricey compared to some other pencil sharpeners on the market.
- The desk clamp mount can be a bit finicky to attach.
- It only sharpens 0.9mm or 0.5mm lead tips, so it may not be suitable for all types of pencils.
We’ve been using the CARL Angel-5 Pencil Sharpener for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The manual operation is smooth and easy to use, and the sharpener produces a perfect point every time. We also appreciate the unique design that prevents oversharpening, which means our pencils last longer.
One thing to keep in mind is that the CARL Angel-5 Pencil Sharpener is a bit pricey compared to some other pencil sharpeners on the market. However, we think it’s worth the investment if you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality sharpener that will last for years.
The desk clamp mount can also be a bit finicky to attach, but once it’s in place, it holds the sharpener securely and doesn’t move around during use. Finally, it’s important to note that the CARL Angel-5 Pencil Sharpener only sharpens 0.9mm or 0.5mm lead tips, so it may not be suitable for all types of pencils.
Bostitch Multi-Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener
We highly recommend the Bostitch Multi-Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile pencil sharpener.
Pros
- The 2-in-1 base allows for both temporary mounting using the vacuum base or permanent mounting using screws, making it perfect for use in any workspace.
- The heavy-duty steel cutter in a die-cast holder provides lasting cutter performance, ensuring that you can sharpen pencils easily for a long time.
- The oversized, translucent shavings bin can be easily removed for quick waste disposal, making it a breeze to keep your workspace clean and tidy.
Cons
- The suction cup doesn’t always work perfectly, so you may need to use screws to mount the sharpener permanently.
- Some users have reported that the sharpener doesn’t sharpen pencils evenly unless you allow the pencil to rotate in your hand, which can be a bit of a hassle.
- The points it makes are very long, which may not be everyone’s preferred style.
We’ve been using this sharpener for a while now and are impressed with its overall performance. The handle is comfortable to use, and the ergonomic Kid Grip design makes it easy to sharpen pencils for extended periods without experiencing any discomfort or fatigue.
The 2-in-1 base is a nice touch, as it provides the flexibility to use the sharpener in different ways depending on your needs.
The heavy-duty steel cutter is a standout feature, as it ensures that the sharpener will last for a long time without dulling or losing its effectiveness. The oversized shavings bin is another nice touch, as it allows you to sharpen a lot of pencils before needing to empty it out. And when it is time to dispose of the shavings, the bin is easy to remove and empty.
While the suction cup doesn’t always work perfectly, we’ve found that using screws to mount the sharpener permanently is a good solution. And while the sharpener doesn’t always sharpen pencils evenly, we’ve found that rotating the pencil in our hand while sharpening helps to achieve a more consistent result.
All in all, we think the Bostitch Multi-Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener is a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile pencil sharpener. It’s comfortable to use, built to last, and provides excellent value for the price. So if you’re in the market for a new pencil sharpener, we highly recommend trying this one!
MUJI Manual Pencil Sharpener
If you’re in the market for a simple, compact, and reliable hand crank pencil sharpener, the MUJI Manual Pencil Sharpener is definitely worth considering. Pros
- Sharpens pencils to a fine point without eating the pencil
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store and transport
- Sturdy construction ensures durability and long-lasting use
Cons
- Feels a bit flimsy due to its plastic construction
- May require some breaking in before it sharpens pencils smoothly
- Does not have a shavings catcher, so it can be messy to use
As someone who loves to draw and write by hand, I’ve used my fair share of pencil sharpeners over the years. And while there are certainly fancier and more high-tech options out there, I’ve found that sometimes the simplest tools are the most effective. That’s why I was drawn to the MUJI Manual Pencil Sharpener, which boasts a straightforward design and a no-frills approach to sharpening pencils.
One of the things I appreciate most about this sharpener is how well it sharpens pencils. With just a few turns of the crank, it produces a fine point that’s perfect for everything from sketching to writing. And unlike some sharpeners that can tear up the pencil or leave it with a jagged tip, the MUJI sharpener does its job without damaging the pencil.
Another thing I like about this sharpener is its compact size. It’s small enough to fit in a pencil case or desk drawer, so it’s great for people who are short on space. And because it’s so lightweight, it’s easy to take with you on the go.
That being said, the MUJI sharpener isn’t perfect. While it’s certainly sturdy enough to withstand regular use, it does feel a bit flimsy due to its plastic construction. And because it doesn’t have a shavings catcher, it can be messy to use (especially if you’re sharpening a lot of pencils at once).
Overall, I’d say that the MUJI Manual Pencil Sharpener is a solid choice for anyone who wants a reliable and no-nonsense pencil sharpener. It may not be the flashiest option out there, but it gets the job done and does it well.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a hand crank pencil sharpener, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here, we’ll go over some of the key features to look for when shopping for a hand crank pencil sharpener.
Size and Portability
One of the first things to consider is the size and portability of the sharpener. If you plan to use it at home or in the office, a larger, heavier model may be fine. However, if you plan to take it with you on the go, a smaller, more compact model may be a better choice.
Sharpening Capabilities
Another important factor to consider is the sharpening capabilities of the sharpener. Look for a model that can handle a variety of pencil sizes and shapes, including standard and colored pencils. Some sharpeners may also be able to sharpen charcoal and pastel pencils, which can be a great bonus if you work with those mediums.
Build Quality
The build quality of the sharpener is also important. Look for a model made from durable materials that can withstand regular use. Some models may also have suction cups or other features to keep them in place while in use, which can be a great added bonus.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the sharpener. While you don’t want to overspend, it’s important to invest in a quality product that will last. Look for a model that fits within your budget, but also offers the features and build quality you need.
Conclusion
The right hand crank pencil sharpener can make all the difference in your artistic endeavors by ensuring that your pencils remain sharp and ready for action. Our top 6 picks are here to help you find the perfect match for your creative needs. Now that you’ve got your sharpening game on point, why not explore our article on the Best Colored Pencils for Artists? Equip yourself with a stunning palette of colors that will elevate your art to new heights and let your creativity truly shine. With the perfect combination of sharpeners and colored pencils, you’ll be unstoppable in your artistic journey 😉
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