6 Best Manual Pencil Sharpeners 2020
Some people like to say that the world is going paperless, but the truth is, there will always be a need for pencil and paper. Scores of students, artists, journalists and office workers continue to use traditional pencils every day.
If you fall into the category of people who love writing and drawing with pencils, you know how essential it is to have a great pencil sharpener. We’ve put together a list of the best manual pencil sharpener brands around so you don’t have to waste time and money testing them out yourself. Read on to find the best sharpener for you.
Top 6 Manual Pencil Sharpeners Chart
Picture | Name | Type | Price | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1. X-ACTO KS Manual Pencil Sharpener, Metal Finish | Wall mounted | $$$ | 4.5 |
![]() | 2. Bostitch Metal Antimicrobial Manual Pencil Sharpener, Black (MPS1-BLK) | Wall mounted | $$$ | 4.2 |
![]() | 3. Prismacolor Scholar Pencil Sharpener | Portable | $ | 4.4 |
![]() | 4. Staedtler Manual Pencil Sharpener (STD51163) Colors & Packaging May Vary | Portable | $$ | 4.5 |
![]() | 5. Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener | Portable | $$ | 4.4 |
![]() | 6. Carl A-5 Angel Classic Manual Pencil Sharpener Heavy Duty | Wall mounted | $$$$ | 4.4 |
Types of Manual Pencil Sharpeners
- Wall mounted. These pencil sharpeners are affixed to a table or wall. Therefore, they are most suitable for classrooms, art studios, or any other permanent space.
- Portable. These sharpeners require a bit more manpower to use, but the great benefit is that they are small and lightweight. They can fit snugly inside a briefcase, artist kit, or desk drawer for 100% portability.
3 Best Manual Pencil Sharpener Reviews
1. X-ACTO KS Manual Pencil Sharpener

The X-Acto Model KS pencil sharpener is an amazing product for anybody seeking a durable pencil sharpener that will last for years. This product can be mounted onto a wall or affixed to a table or cabinet, making it perfect for classrooms and permanent art spaces.
This pencil sharpener features precisely engineered dual X-ACTO steel blades that will essentially last forever – up to 33 times longer than standard sharpeners!
You’ll notice that any type of pencil you want to test will be sharpened to a fine point, with no issues. The machine will stop paring away the wood in the pencil once it has been adequately sharpened, reducing the likelihood of breakage.
The machine itself is designed to withstand years of continual use. The exterior of the sharpener is metal, and the compartment that stores the shavings is nickel plated for durability.
This sharpener has a classic design that will fit well with the aesthetic of any classroom or workspace. It’s easy to set up and comes with four screws so it can be mounted straight out of the box. It has a manual hand crank that is smooth and also easy for kids to use.
The great thing about this pencil sharpener is its versatility. It can be adjusted to fit eight different pencil widths, so you will be able to sharpen virtually every type of pencil in your arsenal, including professional grade colored pencils.
If you’re looking for the best manual pencil sharpener on the market and have a permanent space in which to house it, your best bet is this model from X-Acto.
2. Bostitch Metal Antimicrobial Manual Pencil Sharpener

If you’re a teacher or school administrator seeking the perfect manual pencil sharpener to withstand years of use in classroom settings, look no further than the Metal Antimicrobial Manual Pencil Sharpener by Bostitch.
This company has maintained a reputation since 1896. Their pencil sharpeners are engineered with students in mind. This model features eight different settings to accommodate all types of traditional and colored pencils that would be used during the schoolyear.
This model has a proprietary blade that sharpens pencils to a gentle slope with a fine point for a long lasting finish. The cutters are replaceable, though there should be no need to change them often – these blades last 6 times longer than standard sharpeners.
Another key benefit of this sharpener is that it has a built-in Tip Saver. It prevents overzealous youngsters from over sharpening their pencils, causing lead breakage or involuntarily jamming the entire machine.
Finally, the metal casing on this sharpener is antimicrobial protected, which is a must in classroom environments, particularly during cold and flu season.
The sharpener can be mounted vertically or horizontally, depending on the needs of your space. It comes with all hardware needed to set it up right away.
This is a great model to install in any classroom. It’s a great bargain for the price, as it will last for years to come.
3. Prismacolor Scholar Pencil Sharpener

The Prismacolor Scholar Pencil Sharpener is a great product designed by a trustworthy brand within the art world. If you own any Prismacolor pencils, this product is a must have for your kit. Even if you don’t have Prismacolor products in your kit, rest assured that this sharpener is perfect for other types of pencils as well.
This sharpener is completely portable and fits into any briefcase or art kit. It has a translucent compartment for storing pencil shavings, so that you can easily see when it’s ready to be emptied.
The sharpener itself features powerful steel blades that results in a finely tuned pencil point each and every time. The blades are so refined that it requires very little elbow grease to sharpen the pencil – just gently rotate the case a few times, holding the pencil steady with your other hand, and you’ll have a perfectly sharp pencil in seconds.
Whether you’re an artist looking for a reliable, lightweight pencil sharpener to fit into your art supply kit or an aficionado of the classic number 2 pencil, this is an affordable, durable, high quality tool that will prove its worth time and time again.