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First-time sketcher or seasoned artist? Here you’ll find the right pencil sharpener for your coloured pencils, gathered into a list of truly sharp tips.
7 popular pencil sharpeners for coloured pencils
- Caran d'Ache Sharpening Machine
- Derwent Super Point Sharpener
- Dahle Sharpener 133
- Staedtler Double Sharpener Tube
- Faber-Castell Grip Trio
- M + R Double Round Brass
- KUM Automatic Long Point
Different pencils require different sharpeners, as anyone who’s ever shattered a soft colour lead in the wrong model can tell you. To get the best possible result, it's important to choose a sharpener that suits both the pencil and the user. Some are extra gentle on pigments, others work well for thicker pencils, and some are just so satisfying to use that you’ll want to sharpen constantly (no judgement here). Below, we explain what sets the models apart and help you find the right one for you.
1. Caran d'Ache Sharpening Machine
Luxurious pencil sharpener with iconic design
A cult favourite from Caran d’Ache, as functional as it is stylish. The standard colour is red, but the model is occasionally released in special editions with unique designs. Caran d’Ache is also behind the Luminance 6901 and Pablo coloured pencil ranges, so they truly know what they are doing when it comes to tip quality. The higher price is partly due to the sharpener’s build: a so-called helical blade system. The result is an incredibly smooth and precise point, every time.
2. Derwent Super Point Sharpener
Pencil sharpener for extra long points
This is the sharpener everyone is talking about, and for good reason. The points it creates are impressive. Thanks to the automatic stop, you avoid over-sharpened coloured pencils, which means less waste, fewer broken leads and a lot less frustration in the studio. The result? Extra long and neat points every time. It is also easy to clean, making it both practical and popular among coloured pencil enthusiasts.
3. Dahle Sharpener 133
Pencil sharpener with protective rubber grips
A desktop model with razor-sharp blades and several smart features. The generous shavings container means you do not have to empty it often, which is great during long drawing sessions. The automatic locking function stops sharpening when the pencil is ready, protecting delicate coloured pencil tips from unnecessary wear. And best of all? The soft rubber grips hold the pencil firmly in place without damaging the barrel, even on your most prized coloured pencils.
4. Staedtler Double Sharpener Tube
Affordable double pencil sharpener
A reliable double sharpener from Staedtler that offers great value for money. It has two holes, one of which is specially designed for coloured pencils, and is easy to use both at home and on the go. The shavings container reduces mess, and the smart lid keeps the sharpener clean in your bag or pencil case.
5. Faber-Castell Grip Trio
A classic pencil sharpener
A little time capsule from Faber-Castell, the renowned maker of iconic coloured pencils like Goldfaber and Polychromos. The Grip Trio is one of their most beloved sharpeners, and it is easy to see why. With three sharpening holes, including one designed specifically for coloured pencils, it covers most needs. The shape is ergonomic and triangular, and the shavings container is large enough for long creative sessions without mess. A classic that still holds up.
6. M + R Double Round Brass
Compact and weighty pencil sharpener
If you enjoy a solid and weighty feel in your hand, the Double Round Brass is an excellent choice. It offers great stability while still being small enough to fit in any pocket or pouch. The double sharpener is ideal for coloured pencils, with one large hole for blunter points and a smaller one for sharper tips.
7. KUM Automatic Long Point
Small sharpener for long points
With the KUM Automatic Long Point, you first sharpen away the pencil's wood in one hole, then move the pencil to another hole where the core and tip are shaped. The result is a very sharp and long point on your pencil. Again, be cautious with long points when drawing with coloured pencils, as the core is fragile. The ability to replace the blades significantly extends the lifespan of the sharpener and ensures you always have a sharp edge.
We compare sharpeners for coloured pencils
We put the favourites side by side and compare different features and functions, so you can easily see which one suits you best.
| Model | Type of sharpener | Shavings container | Pencil diameter | Auto stop | Replaceable blade/spiral | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caran d'Ache Sharpening Machine | Desktop model | Manual crank | Yes | 4 – 10 mm | No | Yes |
| Derwent Super Point Sharpener | Desktop model | Manual crank | Yes | Up to 8 mm | Yes | No |
| Dahle Sharpener 133 | Desktop model | Manual crank | Yes | Up to 11.5 mm | Yes | No |
| Staedtler Double Sharpener Tub | Handheld model | Manual | Yes | 8.2 – 10.2 mm | No | No |
| Faber-Castell Grip Trio | Handheld model | Manual | Yes | 8 – 10 mm | No | No |
| M + R Double Round Brass | Handheld model | Manual | No | 8.2 – 11.2 mm | No | Yes |
| KUM Automatic Long Point | Handheld model | Manual | Yes | 6 – 8 mm | Yes | Yes |
Scroll to the right →
Wax vs oil-based coloured pencils
The core of a coloured pencil consists of pigment mixed with wax and/or oil as a binder. Depending on the ratio of these ingredients, pencils are generally divided into two main categories: wax-based and oil-based.
The difference affects not only how the pencil feels on paper, but also how it should be sharpened. Wax-based coloured pencils are often softer and more fragile, which makes them sensitive to long points and hard-to-clean sharpeners. In this case, it is especially important to choose a model that is gentle on the core. Oil-based pencils are generally harder, more durable, and often provide a more precise point, so they handle sharpening better. When choosing a sharpener, it’s wise to consider the pencil’s base.
Examples of wax-based coloured pencils
- Tombow Irojiten
- Caran d'Ache Luminance 6901
- Faber Castell Goldfaber
- Faber Castell Black Edition
- Winsor & Newton Studio Collection coloured pencils
- Most watercolour pencils
Examples of oil-based coloured pencils
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