If you don't want to spend $2 on a pencil, even if it is a Blackwing 602, you should try to get one of these pencil sharpeners. It's one of the strangest things I've ever seen, but it's super nice.
The case, first of all, calls it a "long point" sharpener. The meaning of that became clearer as I examined this thing. It has two steps written on the box: "Shape the wood, then the lead."
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| Shape the wood, then the lead. |
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| Two step shaping. |
As you can see, each step is numbered. The channel for step one is significantly larger than the one for step 2. At the top, there is a small reservoir type space, that says "STOP." This was a bit confusing at first, but as you sharpen, the lead extends out the back of the channels, and you stop sharpening when it reaches that line.
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| 1. Shape the wood - the lead is relatively untouched! |
Then, using the number 2 channel, you sharpen just the lead. This leaves you with an extremely precise point, and a lot of exposed lead. That means you have to sharpen it much less often. I suppose that's where the extra speed they talk about with the 602 comes from.
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| 2. Then shape the lead. - the wood is not touched in this step! |
It is vital to have sharp blades for this, and any pencil sharpening endeavor. To aid in your quest, pencil wielder, Palomino has even provided replacement blades. Now how about that?!
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| Open sharpener, with replacement blades! |
This is very very interesting! I must say I'm learning so much about art pencils from your blog. I didn't know there are 2 functions for a sharpener too! Just followed your blog so I can come back for more! :)
ReplyDeletePei Li
Thanks, Pei Li! Is there anything in particular you'd like to know about?
ReplyDelete