Pencil Sharpeners

The first pencil sharpener was created in 1828, and after being perfected and made commercially available in 1940, these devices quickly became a staple in offices, homes and schools. With so many different styles to choose from, getting the right sharpener is easy. Staples has a selection of office supplies and pencil sharpeners from well-known brands to give you the pencil point you want.

What to Look for in a Pencil Sharpener
All pencil sharpeners work differently and sharpen different sized pencils. The size of the pencil diameter determines the type of sharpener needed. Most sharpeners accommodate an 8 millimeter pencil, the standard pencil diameter. Larger pencil sharpeners work for pencils up to 10.5 millimeters in diameter. Sharpeners also handle different shapes of pencils, including triangular, hexagonal or circular. The sharpening angle can vary, as can the gentleness of the blade. The sharpening cleanliness may also vary, depending on the blade and size of the sharpener.

Choosing a Pencil Sharpener
When you select a pencil sharpener, keep in mind the sharpening angle you want. A larger angle cuts more of the wood away, giving the pencil a longer lead tip. A shorter angle produces a smaller, more durable tip. The lead point also varies, so look for a sharpener that creates either a sharp or blunt tip, depending on your preference. If you have large pencils, like children's over-sized pencils, then choose a sharpener with at least two diameter options. Some sharpeners have 10 or more options with a panel you can rotate to get the closest fit. The correct diameter helps hold the pencil in place while it's being sharpened. Cleanliness may matter to you, and if so, choose a sharpener that doesn't leave graphite marks behind on the wood. Some lower-quality sharpeners also leave behind residue that gets stuck on the blade.

What Kinds of Pencil Sharpeners Are There?
Common, basic sharpeners have one 8 millimeter opening and a single blade. These usually have razor blades inside, which are guarded with plastic or metal casings. The hole is conical, producing the pointed lead tip. Planetary sharpeners mount to a desk or wall and have a crank that turns a rotating blade or grinder. Some models of pencil sharpeners allow the pencil to twist back and forth instead of rotating it 360 degrees to achieve the right sharpness. The blade inside actually moves with you as you sharpen the pencil to prevent wrist fatigue. Long-point sharpeners produce long, super-sharp points. Whichever kind you are looking for, pencil sharpeners are a great addition to any school supplies list.

Which Is Better: Electric or Manual Pencil Sharpeners?
Electric pencil sharpeners sharpen colored pencils when they are pressed inside the sharpener's hole. It recognizes the presence of the pencil and switches on, quickly rotating its blades to sharpen the pencil. Electric sharpeners make it easy for children to get good points on their pencils or crayons. If many pencils have to be sharpened, an electric sharpener does most of the work for you. Manual pencil sharpeners don't have power, so you twist the pencil to get the blade to cut the lead. This allows for better precision, and you can angle the pencil to sharpen just the tip or continue sharpening it until the entire top has the shape you desire. Pencil sharpeners do not work with mechanical pencils. More Less

STAPLES® HEAVY DUTY ELECTRIC PENCIL SHARPENER (21834)

Item : 356332 / Model : 21834

(220)

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Electric pencil sharpener
Black color
Recommended for large office or classroom use (up to 20 uses per day)

$44.99

Each

Stanley Bostitch Compact Desktop Pencil Sharpener, Electric, Blue (BOSEPS4BLUE)

Item : 854046 / Model : BOSEPS4BLUE

(62)

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Electric pencil sharpener for smooth, efficient use in offices and classrooms
Blue plastic design provides a modern look
Designed for efficiency under normal conditions

$14.89

Each

Staples® Battery Powered Pencil Sharpener

Item : 788407 / Model : 27661

(30)

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Assorted colors selected at random
Portable design
Transparent bin

$9.99

Each

Stanley Bostitch Compact Desktop Electric Sharpener, Black

Item : 901538 / Model : EPS4-BLACK

(16)

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Powerful motor for stall-free operation under normal use
Space-saver compact design
High capacity easy clean shavings tray

$22.49

Each

STAPLES® MANUAL DUAL-HOLE PENCIL SHARPENER, ASSORTED (10898)

Item : 935650 / Model : 10898-CC

(846)

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Manual pencil sharpener
Assorted colors include blue, red, green (may vary)
Recommended for personal use

$2.49

Each

Bostitch® Twist-N-Sharp™ Pencil Sharpener, Manual, Assorted (PS1-ADJ)

Item : 1641097 / Model : PS1-ADJ

(3)

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Sharpening type: Manual
Color: Assorted
Twist pencil back and forth for fast ratchet sharpening

$2.99

Each

STAPLES® MANUAL SINGLE-HOLE PENCIL SHARPENER, ASSORTED (10896)

Item : 211672 / Model : 10896-CC

(14)

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Manual pencil sharpener
Assorted colors include blue, red and green
Recommended for personal use

$1.49

Each

Westcott iPoint Ball Battery Powered Pencil Sharpener

Item : 185011 / Model : 15570

(22)

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Battery Powered (4 AA batteries)
A design that delivers a unique performance
Featuring a proprietary two-blade technology the iPoint® Ball sharpens pencil two times faster than other sharpeners in its class

$17.99

Each

STAPLES® LIGHT DUTY ELECTRIC PENCIL SHARPENER (39668)

Item : 884259 / Model : 39668

(273)

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Electric pencil sharpener
Black color
Recommended for personal or small office use (up to 5 uses per day)

$24.99

Each

STAPLES® SLIM BATTERY-POWERED PENCIL SHARPENER (17813)

Item : 796619 / Model : 17813

(903)

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Manual pencil sharpener
Silver/black color
Recommended for personal or home office use

$14.99

Each

X-ACTO Helix 1900 Electric Pencil Sharpener Silver

Item : 330250 / Model : 1900

(623)

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Desktop pencil sharpener
Electric operation
Exclusive Pencil-Saver® prevents over-sharpening

$27.99

Each

X-ACTO School Pro 1670 Electric Pencil Sharpener

Item : 436632 / Model : 1670

(363)

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For continuous school use
Color blue
Multiple-size dial sharpens wood, composite, and recycled pencils (regular or children's thick size)

$44.99

Each

Boston® KS Multi-Size Manual Pencil Sharpener

Item : SS976928

(88)

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Pencil saver prevents over sharpening
Positive-lock guide sharpens 8 different pencil diameters
Solid steel X-ACTO cutters

As low as $13.99

STAPLES® MEDIUM DUTY ELECTRIC PENCIL SHARPENER (21835)

Item : 356331 / Model : 21835

(338)

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Electric pencil sharpener
Gray color
Moderate usage; Recommended for personal or small office use (up to 10 uses per day)

$27.99

Each

Bostitch® Vertical Electric Pencil Sharpener, Black

Item : 1624685 / Model : EPS5V-BLK

(67)

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Electric HHC™ cutters last 4X longer
Sleek black and graphite, modern design is perfect for any work space
Powerful motor is stall-free under normal use

$19.99

Each

Royal® P10 Electric Pencil Sharpener

Item : 208489 / Model : ROY16959T

(28)

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Auto start
Helical steel cutting blade
Non skid rubber feet

$24.99

Each

Stanley Bostitch Quiet Sharp 6 Desktop Electric Pencil Sharpener, Blue

Item : 616851 / Model : EPS10HC

(42)

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XHC cutter technology for 70% faster sharpening and longer life
QuietSharp super duty motor for quiet stall-free operation under normal use
MagnaSafe tamper proof safety switch shuts down motor when shavings tray is removed

$44.99

Each

Stanley Bostitch® Antimicrobial Manual Pencil Sharpener

Item : 616855 / Model : MPS1BLK

(67)

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Antimicrobial protected
HHC2™ dual cutter technology for longer life
Oversized ergonomic Kid Grip™ for ease of use

$19.71

Each

X-Acto 1675 Electric Pencil Sharpener

Item : 758039 / Model : 1675

(50)

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Pencil sharpener for continuous school use
Electric operation
X-ACTO hardened steel cutters

$44.99

Each

X-ACTO Ranger® #55 Pencil Sharpener

Item : 384670 / Model : 1001

(22)

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Pencil sharpener mount type: Desktop
Pencil sharpener selector dial: 8 holes
Pencil sharpener power type: Manual sharpener

$32.89

Each

X-ACTO ProX® 1612 Electric Pencil Sharpener

Item : 264898 / Model : 1612

(11)

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Commercial Grade heavy duty sharpener
Metal construction for extreme durability
Built with the patent pending SmartStop® feature which indicates when the pencil is sharpened through illumination of blue LED light

$64.99

Each

X-ACTO ® Quiet Desktop Electric Pencil And Crayon Sharpener, Black/Silver

Item : 810743 / Model : 1750

(9)

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Quiet pencil sharpener offers a patented quieting system that reduces noise by 40 percent
SmartStop system LED indicates when you have the perfectly sharpened pencil
8 13/32" H x 5 5/32" W x 4 31/32" D

$50.99

Each

STAPLES® BOTTOM-EMPTY ELECTRICAL PENCIL SHARPENER (17445)

Item : 790029 / Model : 17445

(191)

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Electric pencil sharpener
Silver/black color
Moderate usage; Recommended for personal or small office use (up to 10 uses per day)

$20.99

Each

Office + Style 48 Colored Pencil Sharpeners

Item : 2512380 / Model : OS-48SHARPENERS

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ASSORTED COLORS: Office Style's Assorted Pencil Sharpeners come in a wide array of fun and bright colors (Pink, Green, Blue Yellow, Purple, Orange) that make a bold statement.
NON-EXPOSED BLADE: Office Style's Assorted Plastic Pencil Sharpeners are completely safe to use. The non-exposed blade is hidden inside the shavings tray for maximum security.
7 x 4.3 x 4.3 inches

$13.79

48 Pack