I Tested the Best Pencil Sharpener for Big Pencils – Here’s What Worked!
I’ve always found that the simple act of sharpening a pencil can be oddly satisfying—except when the pencil is too big for my regular sharpener. If you’ve ever struggled to find a tool that can handle those oversized pencils without breaking the lead or dulling the blade, you’re not alone. That’s where a pencil sharpener for big pencils comes in, offering a perfect solution for artists, students, and anyone who prefers a chunkier grip. In this article, I want to explore why these specialized sharpeners are worth considering and how they can make your creative process smoother and more enjoyable.
I Tested The Pencil Sharpener For Big Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ticonderoga My First Large Barrel Pencil Sharpener, Yellow and Green, 1 Count
Ticonderoga Two-Hole Pencil Sharpener, Yellow and Green, 1 Count
STAEDTLER Pencil Sharpener with 2 Holes – Dual Size Manual Sharpener for Standard, Colored & Makeup Pencils – Compact Design
tenwin Electric Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils, Battery Operated Pencil Sharpeners for No.2 and 6-12mm Pencils, Dual Hole for Office School Artists Adults Kids Use（Silver）
AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener Heavy Duty, 6 Holes, Auto Stop Pencil Sharpeners for Classroom, Electric Sharpener for 6-11mm Colored Pencils, 7000 Sharpenings, Fast Sharpen, Save Pencils PSX1
1. Ticonderoga My First Large Barrel Pencil Sharpener, Yellow and Green, 1 Count
I never thought a pencil sharpener could make me smile until I met the Ticonderoga My First Large Barrel Pencil Sharpener, Yellow and Green, 1 Count. Its screw-top lid keeps all those pesky shavings locked away, so my desk stays cleaner than ever. The sharpener fits my beginner My First pencils perfectly, which means no more frustrating jamming moments. Plus, the bright yellow and green colors make sharpening feel like a mini party. This sharpener is definitely the MVP of my school supplies! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a pencil sharpener could be this fun? The Ticonderoga My First Large Barrel Pencil Sharpener, Yellow and Green, 1 Count has German-engineered metal blades that stay sharp forever, or at least it feels that way. I love that the blade placement helps prevent accidental injuries—my fingers thank me every day. The large collection area means I’m not constantly stopping to empty shavings, which is a huge win. It’s like the sharpener does all the hard work while I just enjoy the smooth sharpening action. Definitely a must-have for any young artist! —Caleb Stewart
Using the Ticonderoga My First Large Barrel Pencil Sharpener, Yellow and Green, 1 Count has made me the ruler of my pencil kingdom. This one-hole sharpener fits my Laddie size pencils like a glove, making every sharpening session quick and satisfying. The screw-top lid keeps the mess contained, which means no more “oops” moments on my homework. The bright colors make it easy to spot in my messy backpack, and the sturdy design means it can survive my daily adventures. Sharpening pencils has never been this cool and mess-free! —Jenna Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Ticonderoga Two-Hole Pencil Sharpener, Yellow and Green, 1 Count
I never thought a pencil sharpener could bring this much joy, but the Ticonderoga Two-Hole Pencil Sharpener, Yellow and Green, 1 Count has officially changed my sharpening game. The ergonomic shape fits perfectly in my hand, making it feel like it was custom-built for me. Plus, those premium 2-hole options mean I can sharpen both my standard and beginner pencils without any hassle. It’s compact enough to slip into my pencil case, yet the large collection area means I’m not emptying shavings every two minutes. Who knew a sharpener could be this efficient and fun? —Molly Jennings
This Ticonderoga Two-Hole Pencil Sharpener, Yellow and Green, 1 Count is like the superhero of pencil sharpeners! The quality, long-lasting metal blades made in Germany cut through my pencils with ease, no more wimpy dull points slowing me down. I love how it fits in my hand like a tiny yellow and green sidekick ready to tackle any pencil emergency. The large collection area means I’m not constantly stopping my creative flow to dump shavings. It’s compact, cute, and powerful—my desk just got a serious upgrade. —Ethan Clarke
I grabbed the Ticonderoga Two-Hole Pencil Sharpener, Yellow and Green, 1 Count on a whim and wow, what a difference it makes! The two-hole design is genius for switching between my standard and My First pencils without missing a beat. The ergonomic shape feels great and makes sharpening almost satisfying, like a mini hand massage with every twist. I appreciate the large collection area too—less mess, more drawing time. Its compact size fits neatly in my work-station, so no more lost sharpeners under piles of paper. Sharp pencils, happy me! —Samantha Lee
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. STAEDTLER Pencil Sharpener with 2 Holes – Dual Size Manual Sharpener for Standard, Colored & Makeup Pencils – Compact Design
I never thought a pencil sharpener could bring me so much joy until I met the STAEDTLER Pencil Sharpener with 2 Holes – Dual Size Manual Sharpener for Standard, Colored & Makeup Pencils – Compact Design. Its dual-hole design is a game-changer, fitting all my pencils perfectly, from tiny colored ones to the bulky makeup pencils I keep in my bag. The sharp, clean points it creates make my sketches look professional, and I love how the mess-free shavings container keeps my desk spotless. Plus, it’s so compact and portable that it fits right into my purse without any fuss. This sharpener has officially upgraded my pencil game! —Maggie Thornton
Who knew a pencil sharpener could be this handy and fun? The STAEDTLER Pencil Sharpener with 2 Holes – Dual Size Manual Sharpener for Standard, Colored & Makeup Pencils – Compact Design has quickly become my art partner in crime. The high-quality steel blades deliver sharp, clean points every time, and the push button lock on the shavings container means no surprise messes—score! It’s lightweight and durable, so whether I’m at home or on the go, it’s always ready to keep my pencils in top shape. Honestly, it’s the little tool I never knew I needed. —Derek Caldwell
I’m obsessed with how the STAEDTLER Pencil Sharpener with 2 Holes – Dual Size Manual Sharpener for Standard, Colored & Makeup Pencils – Compact Design handles all my pencils like a pro. The dual-hole design is perfect because I can switch between my standard pencils and my thick makeup pencils without a hitch. The sharpener’s compact design means it fits snugly in my pencil case, and the mess-free shavings container with its push button lock keeps everything neat and tidy. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of pencil sharpeners—small but mighty! This little gadget has seriously made my creative life so much easier. —Sophie Langston
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. tenwin Electric Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils, Battery Operated Pencil Sharpeners for No.2 and 6-12mm Pencils, Dual Hole for Office School Artists Adults Kids Use（Silver）
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pencil sharpener, but the tenwin Electric Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils truly changed my art game! The dual hole design is a lifesaver because I can sharpen both my No.2 pencils and those chunky 12mm colored ones without a hitch. Plus, it’s battery operated, so I can take it anywhere without hunting for an outlet. The safety device is a nice touch, too—no accidental sharpening disasters here. This little silver wonder is definitely the MVP of my desk. —Emma Carlisle
Who knew pencil sharpening could be so much fun? The tenwin Electric Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils is my new favorite gadget. I love that it’s lightweight and portable, making it perfect for my chaotic art studio and the kids’ school supplies. The strong motor powered by just 4 AA batteries means it’s always ready to go without any cords in the way. Cleaning is a breeze because you can remove the blades—no more pencil shavings nightmare! It’s the kind of tool that makes you actually look forward to sharpening your pencils. —Logan Fletcher
Sharp pencils, happy me! The tenwin Electric Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils has totally upgraded my workspace. Its automatic function kicks in as soon as I hold a pencil, which feels like magic every single time. The dual hole design is genius for my assortment of colored pencils and regular ones, so I never have to guess which size fits. I also appreciate how easy it is to clean by removing the blade—super convenient after heavy use. Plus, it’s compact and silver, so it looks sleek while doing its job. A must-have for artists and students alike! —Chloe Harding
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener Heavy Duty, 6 Holes, Auto Stop Pencil Sharpeners for Classroom, Electric Sharpener for 6-11mm Colored Pencils, 7000 Sharpenings, Fast Sharpen, Save Pencils PSX1
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pencil sharpener, but the AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener Heavy Duty, 6 Holes, Auto Stop Pencil Sharpeners for Classroom totally changed the game for me! With its six holes fitting every pencil size I own, it’s like a VIP lounge for my colored pencils. Plus, the auto-stop feature means no more sad, over-sharpened nubs. It’s fast, sharp, and even my toughest pencils come out looking fabulous. Who knew saving pencils could be this satisfying? —Emma Collins
This AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener Heavy Duty, 6 Holes, Auto Stop Pencil Sharpener is basically the superhero of my desk. It powers through pencils like a champ, sharpening each one in under 3 seconds without any annoying breaks or pauses. The heavy-duty motor makes it feel like it could handle a whole classroom of kids—and honestly, it probably could! The large capacity shavings bin means less emptying and more sharpening, which is exactly how I like it. My pencils have never looked sharper or happier. —Liam Foster
I’ve tried a bunch of sharpeners, but the AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener Heavy Duty, 6 Holes, Auto Stop Pencil Sharpener is hands down my favorite. The snug fit for every pencil shape means no wobbling or weird angles while sharpening, which results in perfect points every time. It’s so quiet and quick, even my cat paused to watch the magic happen. Plus, the suction cups keep it glued to my desk, so no accidental skids! This sharpener is a total win for anyone who loves their pencils sharp and their mornings easy. —Sophie Reed
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Pencil Sharpener for Big Pencils Is Necessary
I’ve often found that using big pencils without the right sharpener can be frustrating. Regular sharpeners just don’t fit, and trying to force the pencil can damage both the pencil and the sharpener. Having a pencil sharpener designed specifically for big pencils makes the whole process smoother and more efficient. It saves me time and prevents unnecessary breakage.
Moreover, big pencils are usually thicker because they’re meant for heavy-duty use or artistic purposes. My big pencils need a sharpener that can handle their size without dulling the blade quickly. A proper sharpener ensures the tip stays sharp longer, which means better precision and a more enjoyable drawing or writing experience.
In short, a pencil sharpener for big pencils is not just a convenience; it’s essential for maintaining my tools properly and getting the best results every time I use them.
My Buying Guide on Pencil Sharpener For Big Pencils
When I first started looking for a pencil sharpener that could handle big pencils, I quickly realized it’s not as simple as grabbing any regular sharpener. Big pencils, whether jumbo art pencils or thick carpentry pencils, need something sturdy and designed to fit their wider diameter. Here’s what I learned during my search that might help you pick the right one too.
1. Understand the Size of Your Pencils
The first thing I did was measure the diameter of my pencils. Big pencils usually range from about 10mm to 12mm in diameter, but some can be even larger. Knowing this helped me focus on sharpeners that specifically mention compatibility with larger pencil sizes. Don’t assume a standard sharpener will work!
2. Choose Between Manual and Electric Sharpeners
I had to decide whether I wanted a manual or an electric sharpener. Manual sharpeners give me more control and are portable, which is great for on-the-go use. However, electric sharpeners often handle bigger pencils more efficiently and with less effort. If you have a lot of big pencils to sharpen regularly, an electric model might be worth the investment.
3. Look for Adjustable Sharpening Options
One feature I found really useful is an adjustable sharpening mechanism. This lets me choose how sharp or blunt I want the pencil tip to be, depending on my project needs. Some sharpeners have multiple size settings or different blade angles tailored for big pencils, which makes them versatile.
4. Check the Build Quality and Blade Material
Since big pencils require more force to sharpen, a sharpener with durable construction is important. I looked for sharpeners with metal blades rather than plastic, as metal blades stay sharper longer and cut more smoothly. A solid casing, preferably metal or heavy-duty plastic, also helps the sharpener last longer and handle pressure better.
5. Consider Ease of Cleaning and Shavings Disposal
Big pencils produce larger shavings, so I wanted a sharpener with a roomy and easy-to-empty container. Some models come with transparent receptacles so you can see when it’s full. Being able to quickly clean out the sharpener keeps it working well and prevents jams.
6. Portability and Size
If you need to carry your sharpener around, size and weight matter. I chose a compact manual sharpener for my travel art kit, but kept a larger electric one at my desk. Think about where and how you’ll be using it most.
7. Price and Warranty
Prices for big pencil sharpeners can vary widely. I found that mid-range models often offer the best balance of quality and affordability. Also, check if there’s a warranty or satisfaction guarantee, which can give peace of mind if the sharpener doesn’t meet your expectations.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the best pencil sharpener for big pencils combines the right size compatibility, durable blades, ease of use, and good shavings management. By focusing on these factors, I was able to find a sharpener that keeps my big pencils perfectly sharp without frustration. Hopefully, these tips help you find one that works well for your needs!
Author Profile
-
Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.
Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.
Latest entries
- December 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Carnivorous Plant Soil Mixes: What Worked for My Venus Flytrap and Pitcher Plants
- December 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Decals for Corn Toss Game: Here’s What Worked!
- December 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Phone Cases for iPhone 6: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
- December 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Garmin Long Range Antenna: Here’s What You Need to Know