5 BEST Classroom Pencil Sharpener- [TOP PICKS] for My Class!

Written by: Dalia Abdalla

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Time to read 5 min

The Best Classroom Pencil Sharpener Revealed!


If you're anything like me, you know that a good pencil sharpener can make all the difference in a busy classroom. Whether it's for grading papers, jotting down notes, or helping students keep their pencils on point, the right sharpener is a trusty sidekick in the teaching world. So, I've decided to share my personal experiences with some of the best classroom pencil sharpener I've come across during my time in the classroom. No frills or fancy jargon here—just some down-to-earth recommendations to make your life as a teacher a little easier.

1. X-ACTO KS Manual Pencil Sharpener


  1. Adjustable for Eight Pencil Sizes: The sharpener can accommodate eight different pencil sizes, from beginner pencils to colored pencils, offering versatility for various needs.

  2. Manual Operation: Manual sharpeners like the X-ACTO KS are easy to use and don't require electricity. This can be advantageous in situations where access to power sources is limited or for users who prefer manual sharpening.

  3. Wall or Desk Mountable: The sharpener comes with screws and can be easily mounted on a wall or desk, saving space and making it readily accessible for users.

  4. Long Blade Life: The X-ACTO steel helical cutters are designed to last a long time, offering 33 times longer blade life than standard sharpeners without regular maintenance. 

2. Auto Stop AFMAT Pencil Sharpeners


  1. Versatility: This electric pencil sharpener can accommodate a wide range of pencil sizes, from skinny to jumbo (6-11mm in diameter), and various shapes, including round, triangular, and hexagonal. This versatility makes it suitable for a variety of pencils used in school, office, or art settings.

  2. Sharpness and Precision: The sharpener is designed to provide a sharp, even, and smooth point on each pencil it sharpens. It includes an integrated auto deburring process at the end of each sharpening cycle to ensure a precise and consistent result.

  3. Durability: It features an industrial-grade helical blade that can handle up to 7000 sharpening cycles, making it durable and long-lasting. This durability is especially valuable in a classroom setting with heavy use.

  4. Speed: The sharpener is known for its fast sharpening capabilities, taking less than 3 seconds for a new pencil and less than 2 seconds for a used one. This speed can save time, making it suitable for teachers and students who need quick access to sharpened pencils. 

3. AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener


  1. Versatile Sharpening: It is suitable for various pencil sizes, ranging from 6-12mm. This includes standard No.2 pencils, colored pencils, and even hard charcoal pencils. So, it can handle a wide range of pencil types commonly used in offices, schools, and art studios.

  2. Auto Stop Feature: The sharpener has an auto-stop function, which means it stops sharpening automatically once the pencil has reached the desired sharpness. This prevents over-sharpening and saves your pencils from getting wasted.

  3. Durable Helical Blade: The sharpener is equipped with a strong and durable helical blade that can sharpen pencils over 8000 times. This ensures a long lifespan for the sharpener, making it a reliable choice. 

4. Bostitch Office QuietSharp

  1. 65% Faster Sharpening: This pencil sharpener boasts 65% faster sharpening than many standard sharpeners, saving you time when preparing your pencils for use.

  2. 6X Longer Cutter Life: The durable hardened steel cutter in this sharpener is designed to last six times longer than typical sharpeners, ensuring longevity and cost-efficiency.

  3. QuietSharp Motor: The QuietSharp motor technology ensures quiet and stall-free operation, making it suitable for office, classroom, or studio environments where noise may be a concern. 

5. Bostitch Office QuietSharp 6

 

  1. Longer Cutter Life: The QuietSharp 6 features an extra hardened helical cutter developed by Bostitch Engineers, which allows for a longer cutter life without dulling. This means you won't have to replace the cutter frequently, saving you time and money.

  2. Quiet Mechanism: Despite its rapid sharpening speed, this sharpener is designed to be quiet. It's engineered to keep your classroom or workspace focused and efficient, even when there's a line of people waiting to use it.

  3. Stall-Free Motor: The super duty motor comes with thermal overload protection, preventing the sharpener from overheating even when sharpening a high volume of pencils back-to-back. It ensures durability and longevity.

  4. 6-Size Selector: The sharpener has a one-hand easy turn dial with an oversized base, allowing you to sharpen a variety of pencil types, including jumbo and Ticonderoga Tri-Write. 

No. 2 Pencils Are a Must In Classrooms:

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What is the best classroom electric pencil sharpener?

There isn't a single "best" classroom electric pencil sharpener as the choice depends on your specific needs. Brands like X-ACTO, Bostitch, and School Smart are popular choices among educators for their durability and performance. Consider factors like noise level, speed, and capacity to find the one that suits your classroom best.

What is the best pencil sharpener for heavy use?

For heavy use in a classroom setting, you'll want a robust and reliable sharpener. Brands like X-ACTO and Carl Angel-5 have models designed for heavy-duty sharpening. Look for ones with durable blades and large shavings reservoirs.

Do classrooms still have pencil sharpeners?

Yes, many classrooms still have pencil sharpeners, although the types and models vary. While electric sharpeners are common, some classrooms may also have manual crank sharpeners.

What is the quietest electric pencil sharpener?

Some electric pencil sharpeners are designed to be quieter than others. Brands like Bostitch QuietSharp and X-ACTO School Pro offer models that minimize noise, making them suitable for classroom use.

Is an electric pencil sharpener worth it?

Electric pencil sharpeners can be worth it for classrooms due to their speed and convenience. However, their worth depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like the volume of pencil sharpening required and noise tolerance when making your decision.

What is the best electric pencil sharpener brand?

Several reputable brands manufacture electric pencil sharpeners. Alongside the aforementioned brands, other dependable options include Westcott, Swingline, and Panasonic. It's essential to choose a model within these brands that aligns with your requirements.

Why do schools use No. 2 pencils?

Schools often use No. 2 pencils because they have a specific hardness and darkness that aligns with standardized test scoring machines. No. 2 pencils create marks that can be easily read by these machines while being resistant to smudging.

How do I get my students to stop stealing pencils?

To discourage pencil theft in your classroom, you can try a few strategies. Provide each student with their pencils, so they have a sense of ownership. You can also implement a pencil borrowing system where students must leave collateral (like a shoe) when borrowing a pencil and return it afterward. Additionally, discuss the importance of respect and sharing with your students to foster a sense of responsibility.

Modern Pink Paper Author - Dalia Abdalla

Dalia Abdalla

Owner & Head Designer, Modern Pink Paper

Dalia is the creative force behind Modern Pink Paper. With a keen eye for detail and a love for all things stationery, she embarked on this journey to provide personalized stationery solutions. When she's not crafting beautiful paper creations, Dalia is sharing her insights and inspirations on this blog, ensuring that her readers always have a touch of beauty and creativity in their lives.