5 Pencil Sharpening Techniques for Pros

Proko2 minutes read

Sharpen various pencils using different tools based on the type of pencil, with specific recommendations provided for wooden, Black Wing, woodless graphite, charcoal, and mechanical pencils. Tips on using sandpaper, razor blades, and sharpeners to achieve desired pencil points and finishes are included in the premium lesson available on broker.com drawing.

Insights

  • Different pencil types require specific sharpening tools: electric for wooden pencils, Black Wing sharpener for graphite pencils, razor blades for woodless graphite, and sandpaper for charcoal pencils, emphasizing the importance of using the right tool for each type to maintain quality and precision.
  • The detailed lesson on pencil types and erasers available on broker.com highlights the significance of understanding recommendations and proper usage, underscoring the value of knowledge in enhancing drawing techniques and achieving desired results.

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Recent questions

  • How do you sharpen wooden pencils?

    Wooden pencils can be sharpened using an electric sharpener for detailed work, with a battery-powered one recommended for convenience.

  • What is the preferred sharpener for Black Wing pencils?

    The Black Wing sharpener is preferred for wooden graphite pencils due to its two-point system and consistency.

  • How do you sharpen woodless graphite pencils?

    Woodless graphite pencils can be sharpened using razor blades to expose more graphite or create longer points.

  • What is the recommended tool for sanding charcoal pencils?

    Charcoal pencils require careful wood removal with a razor blade to avoid damaging the charcoal, followed by sanding for a smooth finish.

  • How do you maintain a rounded tip while sanding pencils?

    Twisting the pencil while sanding helps maintain a rounded tip and avoid flat planes, ensuring better control and softer gradations.

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Summary

00:00

"Pencil Sharpening Techniques and Recommendations"

  • The process involves sharpening various pencils using different tools: electric sharpener for wooden pencils, non-electric sharpener for Black Wing pencils, razor blades and sandpaper for woodless graphite and charcoal pencils, and Stadler rotary sharpener for 2mm mechanical pencils.
  • A premium lesson on pencil types and erasers is available on broker.com drawing, covering recommendations and usage.
  • For wooden pencils, an electric sharpener is convenient for detailed work, with a battery-powered one recommended for ease of use.
  • The Black Wing sharpener is preferred for wooden graphite pencils due to its two-point system and consistency.
  • Sandpaper is used to round out the tip of wooden pencils for softer edges and better control.
  • Different sandpaper grits are recommended for charcoal and graphite pencils, with larger sanding blocks being more economical.
  • Razor blades are used to sharpen woodless graphite pencils to expose more graphite or create longer points.
  • Sandpaper is also used for 5.6mm mechanical pencils to create tapered points.
  • Charcoal pencils require careful wood removal with a razor blade to avoid damaging the charcoal, followed by sanding for a smooth finish.
  • Twisting the pencil while sanding helps maintain a rounded tip and avoid flat planes, ensuring better control and softer gradations.

14:58

"Thin lines with mechanical pencils and Sharpie"

  • Use two-millimeter mechanical pencils with specific refills for thin lines; remove metal pieces for thicker pencil holders. Sharpen the pencil using a sharpener with two holes, adjusting the length by pressing and releasing to achieve desired sharpness.
  • For a Wacom stylus, use sandpaper as a joke, then reveal a Sharpie; sharpen an eraser pencil by chopping off excess length for a sharp tip, allowing for gradations in drawing.
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