10 Best Pencil Sharpeners 2025 in the United States

The Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener is designed to enhance your pencil sharpening experience, making it an excellent choice for home or office use. Its standout feature is the HHC Cutter, which significantly extends the life of the cutting blade, providing four times longer sharpening capability compared to traditional models. This means you’ll spend less time dealing with dull blades and more time focusing on your tasks. The powerful stall-free motor ensures that this sharpener won't struggle with thicker pencils, which can be a common issue with lesser models, making it reliable for everyday use.

Another advantage is its space-saving design, which is particularly useful in compact home offices. This sharpener is lightweight, easy to position, and won’t crowd your workspace. The large shavings container is a real bonus, accommodating plenty of shavings before needing to be emptied, which makes maintenance less frequent.

On the safety front, the built-in safety switch is a thoughtful addition, preventing the sharpener from operating when the shavings tray is removed, which can help avoid accidents. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The sharpener is made from plastic, which might not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for more durable materials. Some users might also find that the electric operation could be a hassle if they prefer manual sharpeners for quieter environments or portability. Additionally, while the sharpener is designed for graphite pencils, it may not work well with colored pencils or other types, limiting its versatility.

The AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener stands out in the pencil sharpener category, especially for students and artists who use colored pencils. This fully automatic sharpener is designed for ease of use; simply drop in your pencil, and it takes care of the rest, which is great for young kids. The hands-free operation promotes safety by eliminating the risk of injury while sharpening, making it a fantastic choice for classrooms or home use.

One of its major strengths is its compatibility with various pencil sizes, accommodating those between 7mm and 11.5mm in diameter. It also features three sharpness settings, allowing users to choose between sharp, medium, and blunt tips, making it versatile for different artistic needs. The rechargeable battery is a plus, providing portability and convenience, particularly if you need to use it outdoors or in places without easy access to power.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the blade is replaceable, it's essential to be cautious with softer core pencils, as they may break more easily if not used with the appropriate sharpness setting. Additionally, some users might find maintenance, such as emptying the shavings container, slightly inconvenient if they are used to traditional manual sharpeners. The design is compact and visually appealing, making it attractive for kids, but it may not appeal to adults looking for a more professional-looking sharpener. With a weight of 1.35 pounds and dimensions that fit neatly on desks, it’s practical for school or home settings.

The AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener is an effective tool for colored pencil users, especially students and young artists. Its automatic features and safety aspects are commendable, though attention is needed for specific pencil types to prevent breakage.

The AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener stands out in the pencil sharpener category, especially for users who frequently work with larger or colored pencils. One of its key strengths is its rapid sharpening capability; it can sharpen a new pencil in just 5 seconds and a used one in 3 seconds, making it an excellent choice for busy environments like classrooms or studios. The sharpener accommodates a variety of pencil sizes, from standard No.2 to jumbo colored pencils, which adds to its versatility. The auto-stop feature helps prevent over-sharpening, which saves pencils and reduces waste while the large shavings container makes cleanup easy. Durability is also a highlight, with the helical blade designed to endure over 8000 uses and is replaceable when needed, allowing users to maintain its performance over time.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While it's designed for heavy-duty use, it may be less portable than manual sharpeners due to its plug-in nature, meaning it’s less convenient for on-the-go sharpening without a nearby power outlet. Additionally, while the sharpness settings are a nice touch, some users might find these options somewhat limited. The product dimensions are compact, but the weight of 1.32 pounds might make it a bit heavier compared to pocket-sized sharpeners, which could be a factor for some users.

The AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener is a strong candidate for artists, teachers, and anyone who uses colored or large pencils regularly, offering speed and efficiency. However, those who need a portable solution may want to consider their sharpening needs before making a purchase.