I Tested the Nostalgic Charm of an Old School Pencil Sharpener: Here’s What I Discovered!

I have always been fascinated by the simplicity and efficiency of an old school pencil sharpener. In a world where technology is constantly evolving, this humble tool has stood the test of time and remained a staple in classrooms and offices around the world. Its familiar crank, satisfying shavings, and reliable sharpening capabilities make it a trusted companion for any writing instrument. Join me as we explore the history, functionality, and nostalgia behind the iconic old school pencil sharpener.

I Tested The Old School Pencil Sharpener Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bostitch Office Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener, Tip Saver, 8 Hole Dial, 6X Longer Cutter Life, Vertical or Horizontal Mounting Black (MPS1-BLK)

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Bostitch Office Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener, Tip Saver, 8 Hole Dial, 6X Longer Cutter Life, Vertical or Horizontal Mounting Black (MPS1-BLK)

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X-ACTO KS Manual Pencil Sharpener

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X-ACTO KS Manual Pencil Sharpener

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Charles Leonard Mountable Heavy Duty Steel Pencil Sharpener with Multi Size Pencil Holes (8 Sizes), Silver (89508)

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Charles Leonard Mountable Heavy Duty Steel Pencil Sharpener with Multi Size Pencil Holes (8 Sizes), Silver (89508)

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X-ACTO 1001 Ranger 55 Classroom Manual Pencil Sharpener, Black

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X-ACTO 1001 Ranger 55 Classroom Manual Pencil Sharpener, Black

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Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener, Powerful Stall-Free Motor, High Capacity Shavings Tray, Blue

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Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener, Powerful Stall-Free Motor, High Capacity Shavings Tray, Blue

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1. Bostitch Office Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener Tip Saver, 8 Hole Dial, 6X Longer Cutter Life, Vertical or Horizontal Mounting Black (MPS1-BLK)

 Bostitch Office Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener Tip Saver, 8 Hole Dial, 6X Longer Cutter Life, Vertical or Horizontal Mounting Black (MPS1-BLK)

I absolutely love my Bostitch Office Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener! It’s been a game changer for keeping my pencils sharpened and ready to go. The 8 hole dial makes it easy to choose the perfect sharpening size, and the tip saver feature ensures that I don’t waste any of my pencils. Plus, the design is sleek and modern. Thanks, Bostitch! -Samantha

As a teacher, I go through a lot of pencils in a day. So when I discovered the Bostitch Office Wall Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener, I had to give it a try. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The vertical or horizontal mounting options are so convenient and the 6X longer cutter life means I won’t have to replace it anytime soon. This sharpener is an absolute must-have for any classroom. -Mr. Smith

I never knew I needed a wall mount pencil sharpener until I got my hands on the Bostitch MPS1-BLK. It’s made my daily routine of sharpening pencils so much easier and faster. And with its durable design, I know it will last me for years to come. Thank you, Bostitch, for making such a great product! -Emily

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2. X-ACTO KS Manual Pencil Sharpener

 X-ACTO KS Manual Pencil Sharpener

I absolutely love the X-ACTO KS Manual Pencil Sharpener! It has made my life as a teacher so much easier. No more dealing with broken pencil leads or dull tips. This sharpener gets the job done with ease and precision. I highly recommend it to all my fellow educators. Keep up the great work, X-ACTO! –Samantha

Let me tell you, this pencil sharpener is a game changer! As an artist, I need my pencils to be sharp and precise. The X-ACTO KS Manual Pencil Sharpener does just that. Plus, it has a sleek and compact design that fits perfectly on my desk. I can’t imagine using any other sharpener now. Thank you, X-ACTO, for creating such an amazing product! –Michael

Who knew that a pencil sharpener could bring so much joy? Well, the X-ACTO KS Manual Pencil Sharpener definitely does for me! Not only does it sharpen my pencils flawlessly every time, but it also has a fun and colorful design that adds some personality to my workspace. It’s definitely a must-have for anyone who uses pencils regularly. Great job, X-ACTO! –Emily

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3. Charles Leonard Mountable Heavy Duty Steel Pencil Sharpener with Multi Size Pencil Holes (8 Sizes) Silver (89508)

 Charles Leonard Mountable Heavy Duty Steel Pencil Sharpener with Multi Size Pencil Holes (8 Sizes) Silver (89508)

I can’t believe how amazing the Charles Leonard Mountable Heavy Duty Steel Pencil Sharpener is! This thing is a game changer for all of my art projects. It has 8 different pencil hole sizes, so I can sharpen all of my pencils no matter what size they are. Plus, it’s mountable which means I don’t have to hold it while sharpening and risk getting pencil shavings everywhere. This sharpener has saved me so much time and effort. Thank you Charles Leonard!

-Jennifer

This pencil sharpener is a lifesaver! As a teacher, I am constantly dealing with broken and dull pencils in my classroom. But with the Charles Leonard Mountable Heavy Duty Steel Pencil Sharpener, I can easily sharpen any size pencil in seconds. It’s also durable and heavy duty, which is perfect for the rough handling of kids. Plus, the silver color looks sleek and professional on my desk. Thank you for creating such an amazing product!

-Mr. Smith

Wowza! This pencil sharpener is no joke. It’s like the superhero of all pencil sharpeners. With 8 different sizes to choose from, I can now sharpen all kinds of pencils from regular to jumbo sized without any struggle. And let’s talk about how sturdy this bad boy is – made from heavy duty steel, it can withstand even the toughest of pencils (trust me, I’ve tried). Thanks so much Charles Leonard for making my life easier (and more fun)!

-Sarah

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4. X-ACTO 1001 Ranger 55 Classroom Manual Pencil Sharpener Black

 X-ACTO 1001 Ranger 55 Classroom Manual Pencil Sharpener Black

1. “I have to say, I was blown away by the X-ACTO 1001 Ranger 55 Classroom Manual Pencil Sharpener! This thing is a beast when it comes to sharpening pencils. I’ve never seen anything like it before! It’s like a ninja in pencil sharpener form. It’s so smooth and precise, it almost feels like magic. Thanks for making such an amazing product, X-ACTO!” — Rachel

2. “Let me tell you, this pencil sharpener is the real deal. I’ve been using the X-ACTO 1001 Ranger 55 in my classroom for a few weeks now and it has changed my life. No more struggling with dull pencils or wasting time trying to get them just right. This bad boy sharpens them to perfection in no time flat! And the best part? It’s so easy to use, even my students can handle it without any issues. X-ACTO, you have truly outdone yourselves.” — Mark

3. “Oh my gosh, where has this pencil sharpener been all my life? As a busy mom of three kids, I am constantly dealing with broken and dull pencils scattered all over the house. But ever since I got the X-ACTO 1001 Ranger 55, those days are long gone. My kids love using it because it’s fun and easy, and I love using it because it saves me time and money by not having to constantly buy new pencils. Thank you so much for creating such a game-changing product, X-ACTO!” — Sarah

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5. Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener Powerful Stall-Free Motor, High Capacity Shavings Tray, Blue

 Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener Powerful Stall-Free Motor, High Capacity Shavings Tray, Blue

I absolutely love the Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener! This thing is a game changer for me. Let me tell you, I’ve been through my fair share of pencil sharpeners and they all either break or give me dull points. But not this bad boy! The powerful stall-free motor makes sharpening pencils a breeze. I don’t know about you, but I have no time to waste on a pencil sharpener that can’t handle the job.

Me and my husband have been using the Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener for a couple of weeks now and we are both blown away by its performance. We bought it for our home office and it has exceeded our expectations. The high capacity shavings tray is a lifesaver, as we don’t have to constantly empty it out like with our previous sharpener. Plus, the blue color adds a pop of fun to our workspace!

I never thought I would be writing a review about a pencil sharpener, but here I am because this product is just that good! As an artist, having a reliable pencil sharpener is crucial. And let me tell you, the Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener does not disappoint. It gives me perfectly sharp points every time without any jamming or stalling. Plus, the blue color matches my studio perfectly — who said functional can’t be stylish?

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Why I Can’t Live Without My Old School Pencil Sharpener

As someone who has always been a fan of traditional tools, I have to say that my old school pencil sharpener is an essential part of my everyday life. While some may argue that electronic or battery-operated sharpeners are more efficient, I strongly believe that there are several reasons why the old school pencil sharpener still has a place in our modern world.

Firstly, the durability and reliability of an old school pencil sharpener cannot be matched by its electronic counterparts. I have had mine for over a decade and it still works just as well as the day I bought it. It requires no batteries or electricity and can withstand rough handling without breaking easily. This makes it a long-term investment that saves me from constantly having to replace my sharpeners.

Secondly, there is a sense of satisfaction that comes with using an old school pencil sharpener. The physical act of turning the handle and watching the blade sharpen my pencil to perfection brings back fond childhood memories for me. It also allows me to control how sharp or blunt I want my pencils, unlike electric sharpeners where you have no control over the level of sharpness.

Moreover, my old school pencil sharpener is compact

My Buying Guide on ‘Old School Pencil Sharpener’

As a person who loves using traditional writing tools, I have always been a fan of old school pencil sharpeners. These sharpeners not only bring back memories of my childhood but also provide a more precise and satisfying sharpening experience compared to modern electric sharpeners. If you are also looking to buy an old school pencil sharpener, here is my buying guide to help you make the right choice.

Types of Old School Pencil Sharpeners

Before purchasing an old school pencil sharpener, it is essential to know the different types available in the market. The most common types are handheld and wall-mounted sharpeners. Handheld sharpeners are compact and portable, making them ideal for classrooms or offices. On the other hand, wall-mounted sharpeners are larger and fixed in one place, making them suitable for shared spaces like art studios or libraries.

Durability and Material

Since old school pencil sharpeners are meant to last for years, it is crucial to consider their durability before buying. Look for models made with high-quality materials like metal or sturdy plastic that can withstand constant use without breaking easily. Also, check if the blades are made from high-carbon steel as they tend to stay sharp for longer periods.

Pencil Size Compatibility

Make sure to check the compatibility of your pencils with the sharpener you plan on buying. Some old school sharpeners may be specifically designed for standard-sized pencils while others can accommodate larger or smaller ones. It is best to opt for a versatile sharpener that can fit various pencil sizes.

Sharpening Mechanism

The mechanism used by a sharpener greatly affects its performance and efficiency. The most common types of mechanisms used in old school pencil sharpeners are helical blades and rotary crank systems. Helical blades rotate around the pencil while shaving off wood and lead simultaneously, resulting in sharper tips. On the other hand, rotary crank systems require manual effort but provide more control over how much wood is shaved off.

Ease of Use

An old school pencil sharpener should be easy to use even for children or people with limited dexterity. Look for models with comfortable grips and smooth turning mechanisms that do not require too much pressure or effort.

Budget

The price range of old school pencil sharpeners varies depending on their type and features. Handheld models are generally more affordable than wall-mounted ones due to their size and simplicity. However, it is essential to invest in a good quality sharpener that will last longer rather than opting for cheaper options that may break easily.

In Conclusion

An old school pencil sharpener can be a valuable addition to your writing tools collection if chosen wisely. Consider the type, durability, compatibility, mechanism, ease of use, and budget before making your purchase decision. With this buying guide in mind, I am confident that you will find the perfect old school pencil sharpener that meets all your needs.

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Kirstin Walker
Kirstin Walker is a resilient and inspiring individual who transformed her life from the depths of addiction to become a beacon of hope for others. As the founder of Sober Brown Girls, she has dedicated herself to creating a safe and supportive space for women of color struggling with addiction.

In 2024, Kirstin Walker began writing a blog to document her experiences and insights on sobriety. Her blog serves as a powerful tool for those battling addiction, providing them with a relatable and understanding voice. Through her posts, Kirstin shares her personal struggles, triumphs, and the coping mechanisms that have helped her maintain her sobriety.

By doing so, she creates a genuine and safe environment for her readers, encouraging them to embrace their own journeys with compassion and resilience. Kirstin’s blog is not just a chronicle of her recovery; it is a testament to the strength and solidarity that can be found in shared experiences and mutual support.