The RIGHT Way to Sharpen a Colored Pencil

[@justacatwhocantype]

I used to be a handheld sharpener kind of girl for basically all of my life, and just a few months ago I got the Dahle 133 (it's a helixblade handcrank) and I never looked back. Won't stick my pastel pencils in there, I use regular box cutters for those, but any colored pencil or watercolor pencil, or just a regular pencil, goes into the Dahle. I am in awe of this thing, even my softcore pencils have not broken off once using this sharpener. Since you are looking for a new helix sharpener, I highly recommend you try this one. It also does not leave marks on the pencil from holding it. - Oh and Dahle is a German company, that should make you happy.

[@BeardedBarley1]

I know this might sound strange, but I invested in some woodless graphite pencils. Initially it was so that, when I draw, I could shade in large areas effortlessly for say a background graphite drawing. But now I’ve found that, when I maintain my electric sharpener that is about 50 years old (no joke since my husband has had it since he was a wee small child and we are in our mid 50s), I use the full graphite woodless pencils in it. The graphite more completely touches those blades and really works very well so the wood on the pencils more evenly get shaved off without crunching it. I don’t know if it’s a mental thing, but it sure does seem to work better for me. And I can use the shaved off graphite by putting it in a jar and then using regular Sofft tools or paint brushes to brush it on my drawings. I stumbled across this idea really just by accident one day. I’m sure others have figured this sort of thing out long ago. But it was still something I figured out on my own and may be found helpful to others. The woodless round graphite pencils are inexpensive and affordable, too.

[@tameramorrison8966]

The graphite lubricates the sharpener, too. And since you're saving it, you can use it on your keys to lubricate locks.

[@mjpete27]

It never hurts to go back to basics! Reminders and good basic instructions are never un-towards! Thanks!

[@ColoringBliss]

You’re welcome. 😊❤️

[@monicabentodemello1543]

Tks a lot for this video! I've always sharpened my pencils in the wrong way and a lot of times they used to break a lot.

[@hopewilson9319]

You should try the Dahl 133. It's made similar but the clamps don't leave marks on the pencils.

[@ColoringBliss]

Thanks for the suggestion Hope. 👍

[@brendawalrath4823]

Thankyou for all the good information

[@rosecruz3128]

Thank you so much for your info. On sharpening pencils, having trouble with the wood turning into a point. Will try these sharpeners👍👍👍

[@suehammond6402]

I purchased a dahle 133 for my brutfuner square pencils. Great sharpener, does different lead points and doesn't leave teeth marks on the pencil body.

[@TeriHamlin-g2q]

Thank you for this video. Although I draw, occasionally, I found your video when searching for the right Sharpener to sharpen my wax-based Eyebrow Pencil. I love the tips, like looking for German blades, (and in my case) rotating the Sharpener instead of the pencil. That will save me a lot of chewed-up pencils and frustration. Also, using a #2 graphite pencil to clean the wax from the blade is 👍🏼👍🏼 too! This video has been the most needed information to affect my everyday activity, than any information I have ever gotten online. Thanks, again! I am so glad that my own artistic nature led me to compare my art pencils to my makeup pencils. 😊

[@iSheree]

I have had sooo many sharpeners and I got the Dahle 133 and have never looked back!

[@dyannalamb6151]

Thanks for the tips...I learned a lot! And I'm going to start collecting the shavings & put them in unique jars!

[@LifeinGlow]

Thank you! Also had an impression that method could help. A year ago bought a few packs of pencils (color, sangine, charcoal) and tried a few simple sharpeners, lost almost 30% of pencils' length as they would keep breaking while being sharpened.

[@cathycannon5314]

Dahl 133 doesn't leave marks but the shavings are the same as Carl....still the 133' a great sharpener!

[@ColoringBliss]

Thanks Cathy. I have put it on my list for future purchases

[@justacatwhocantype]

Yes, it's amazing. First handcrank I have ever had and I absolutely love it.

[@christinasanders2742]

I've been using the Prismacolor sharpener for a while and I really like it. Thanks for your videos. I just ordered some swatch books from you and I'm excited to get them!

[@ColoringBliss]

Thanks so much for your purchase. I hope you love your book.

[@kahnaemery7767]

I started saving the color shavings from the pencils but I didn't have enough containers to keep the colors separate. I wanted to see if I could mix the color with water and paint with it.

[@alexcialynne]

This video was helpful, great tips and affirms I am learning well. I have a dahl 133 LE and a afmat electric. I have a big color pancil collection that is always growing

[@ColoringBliss]

I’m glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching

[@janeteggleston4764]

In using the Prismo sharpener I never knew the blades were angled for different points. I have used one for over 5 years and would just choose the opening which best matched the size of the barrel. Thanks for the info.

[@OurWorldOfWonders]

Wonderful tips...I never knew about the graphite pencil trick

[@ColoringBliss]

Glad I could help!

[@animejunkie10]

I HIGHLY recommend a Mitsubishi Uni KH-20 Hand Crank Wooden Pencil Sharpener. I LOVE mine and you can adjust the tip style (blunt or super sharp). It's great on my prismacolors because you actually can't over sharpen it. When you use it, you can feel and hear when the pencil is at its desired point. I'd love to see your review on it since you have a bigger selection of pencils.

[@BarbBColorReader]

I have the DAHLE 133. Great sharpener.

[@ColoringBliss]

Good to know. I have heard a lot of good things about it

[@kimberlymorris2998]

New subscriber...sort of binge watching as I work on a project. I remembered you mentioned in one of yor videos that you were saving your shavings for a future project. I think a resin table top would sure be fun! Just a thought. Thank you for this channel. Enjoy the day...

[@wendymaddock7705]

Thanks 🙏 for showing us how to sharpen pencils ✏️ xx 😘

[@marytesta3003]

Thank you Jennifer. This was very useful information. Tummy rubs Rosie🐾🐾

[@ColoringBliss]

Mary I’m so glad it was helpful. 😊❤️

[@dianalynn6899]

Jennifer, thank you for this very helpful video. It came at the perfect time and helped eleviate my angst and frustration with my pencil sharpeners. ⭐

[@ColoringBliss]

So glad I could help. Have fun sharpening 😊❤️

[@Cosmictraveler71]

If you use a medium grit sandpaper you can sharpen the blades pretty easy

[@caronboler4048]

Thank you

[@Menoetia]

I have the Prismacolor sharpener and after a bit of use, that tight lid issue does eventually go away (or, you can cheat and use just the tiniest smidge of Burt's Bees balm or similar to make it slide easier, like I did). I got it because I noticed the two sharpening angles and I actually don't like my pencils overly long and pointy, but no other brand makes a sharpener with that same wider, more blunt angle.

[@beckywebster90]

I've found a cheap manual crank I found on Amazon (looks like a camera) Deli I think? I've seen Renee on my coloring corner use it (lol). But I have spent so much on sharpeners of all kinds. I like the Swordfish (for thinner pencils), Dahl 133 is 'ok' but doesn't offer a replacement blade. I also have Jakar manual helix (for expensive pencils) offers a replacement blade. I like the M&R two hole brass handheld (because I can replace the blade) also the Kum, Tgaal, prisma, faber castel, yada yada. I've fed graphite sticks through all my sharpeners to keep them fresh. It just doesn't matter. I switch around.i really don't care about bite marks since I use the pencil up anyway. Sometimes, I have to resort to sharpening by hand with my util blade (esp for Caran Dache Paster pencils). I really like the fine point hand sharpener (Kum?) I've seen you use it. Nice shavings (lol). I've come to the conclusion that sharpening pencils is just the nemesis for pencils artist (lol)

[@LaraCroft2169]

This is the best . I’m sure eventually I’ll have twenty different ones too !

[@kelleerens1]

Dahl 155 for a lot to do and has great settings and smaller than 133. I love it

[@bethmegansmith4642]

I just have the one sharpener, it is Faber castell ....I have had it for many years. Love your videos.

[@ColoringBliss]

That’s fantastic that your sharpener has lasted so long. I bet it has a German Blade! 😉😊

[@bethmegansmith4642]

@@ColoringBliss Yes they are, I checked while I watched your video xxxx

[@winterrain1947]

Do you have any videos that talk about the "middle of the road" kind of markers or color pencils or pens or any kind of art product.

[@ColoringBliss]

Hi Winter. I have a lot of reviews on this channel. I also teach buying and storage strategies in our workshop tutorials. I go into great detail about what to look for, brands I like, things to avoid, and more in those video classes. There is a tutorial series for every commonly used coloring tool and some that aren’t as common. Many hours of research and work went Into providing helpful information. Come check out the Bliss Partner workshops on my website.

[@NekoSimiColoring]

Thank you for all the useful info.

[@wendymaddock7705]

Got the shapers the and the blades I love ❤️ the little bullet look very sturdy xx 🦋🌺🥰 😘 xx

[@ColoringBliss]

It is super sturdy…honestly, I’m a little surprised I haven’t lost it yet…it’s so small!!

[@wendymaddock7705]

@@ColoringBliss sent for them yesterday and they said there coming tomorrow can’t wait am doing more and more colouring in I’ve just had a stroke but thank god I can still craft xx I’ve just passed a craft exam xx that was done b4 I was ill l love ❤️ your Chanel xx thank you 🙏 for bring good videos xx 😘

[@junedecarlo3604]

Very informative thank you!

[@lisa1ramaglia2]

I have the prisma color sharpener. The lid will loosen up after using a while.

[@shadowguard3578]

Yes it does. Sometimes I can’t put it back on.

[@jG-iw2gb]

I get frustrated with the Prismacolor sharpener. I continually have tips break off and get stuck so that I have to go through rig-a-ma-roll to get it out!

[@ColoringBliss]

Thanks for letting me know what to expect as I use it more. JG…there are many factors that could be causing this to happen more frequently. First thing I would do, is try cleaning the blades with graphite.

[@ChelleBeeby]

💜💜💜tfs💜💜💜 due to dexterity issues with my hands I've had to start using an electric, I actually love how quick it is and how pointy my pencils get, but would love to see this type of vid on your fav electrics as well (I did have my own "Karl" for a while, but I hated how it ate up the sides of my pencils :( so stopped using it)

[@nattyw495]

I just watched your uodated pencil sharpener video im gonna purschase the exacto electric sharpener school version, i was wondering if you could recomend sone good pencil cases for cokor pencils watercolor oencils and jelly pens...thank you for your reviews they are very helpful in teaching us about good suppkies i have a kum but had surgery and in rehabing my arm i cant hand crank ny sharpener so your video on the exacto ekectruc was perfect for me..... mikelle art mom 👩‍🎨✍🎨🎃

[@dionst.michael1482]

Wish I knew someone like you personally who lived close by that was creative.

[@amypanddirtytoo1926]

Also, I have the Derwent Manual Helical Sharpener. Looks almost exactly the same as Carl except mine is black and the thing that grabs the pencil and keeps it from moving back and forth as you sharpen doesn't have the "teeth" that Carl has on his so no bite marks!

[@ColoringBliss]

Thanks for the recommendation. I have looked at that sharpener before and wondered about it.

[@Bastion90]

@@ColoringBliss Just be sure that it is the desk version (the one with the antenna). I have the Derwent mini manual sharpener (slightly smaller and no antenna), and that leaves teeth marks.

[@MiraSmit]

I find the blades from the kum long point sharpener dull fast.

[@hege_r80]

I curious about the reason for keeping the pencil still rather than rotating the pencil? Wouldn’t moving the pencil give you better control?

[@ColoringBliss]

It’s all about protecting the tip and core of the pencil. Holding the pencil still prevents accidentally snapping that core or tip. It is very easy to torque that pencil at a weird angle while twisting your wrist. By holding the pencil still and focusing on rotating the sharpener, that core stays much more steady.

[@hege_r80]

@@ColoringBliss Thank you for the explanation :)

[@crazy8adventures553]

Maybe use those shavings to make candles??? I think they would be very pretty and unique!

[@colleenkleinhans849]

Is the little glass sharpener with the wimpy blade holder, a german blade?

[@ColoringBliss]

Yes! It is a single hole Kum with a German blade. The only bad thing about that sharpener is the plastic cradle that holds the Kum.

[@jenjetson4661]

I’m telling you the Afmat is amazing for electric and helix has auto stop all sizes and shapes (well maybe 🤔 your cretacolor mega *may* not but probably will) and I haven’t had any problems with soft cores either

[@ColoringBliss]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will keep it in mind for sure if I decide to invest.

[@kiwess1]

Jen, you are right. I have an Afmat and it is awesome! Of course, Jennifer will not like the dust it makes in the chamber, but it sharpens very nicely. And I do use manual pencil sharpeners as well. Thanks you to you, Jennifer, I properly sharpen my pencils. I never really thought about that until you talked about this subject a while back. Thanks!

[@eagercrafter_9014]

I love my Kum was well, keep them all over the house and all my bags. But I also love my horizontal AFMAT, is fast and doesn't over sharpen at all.

[@ColoringBliss]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the electric sharpener. I think I would like one some day.

[@Tzuriah]

I agree with you. German blades just seem to sharpen better and maintain their edges longer. A trick I’ve learned is to hold the sharpener with my weaker hand so I don’t put too much pressure on the pencil. (And, for all of you who are into bushcraft/camping etc, the pencil shavings look like good tender and Carl’s shavings would really work well in the “bird’s nest” for catching flame from an ember………. Yep, I’m a girl of many interests!! Lol!)

[@landlady1975]

I am fascinated by my pencil shavings but then feel compulsed to throw them away even though I have a repurposed candle jar with a lid that's sole purpose is to collect pencil shavings to admire! 😂 I do have a smaller jar that I think is neat and I use it to collect & display all of the larger chunks of colorful core that did not made it through the pencil sharpening process.

[@ColoringBliss]

It is so fascinating to watch those shavings come off the pencil. ❤️❤️

[@dianar.4374]

@@ColoringBliss This comment made me smile. In our fast-paced world filled with technology, I'm glad there are still a few of us fascinated by the simple things in life. A good pencil sharpener is the difference between Coloring Bliss and Coloring Insanity! :-) Thank you for another great video!

[@sonileesmith2256]

The comment with the word "satisfying" is my 8 year old grand daughter!! She find so many simple things so satisfying...and she is an artist too!

[@dianar.4374]

@@sonileesmith2256 That's awesome! Electronic gadgets certainly have their place but they can interfere with keeping our young ones engaged in creativity or The Great Outdoors!

[@annieliz1965]

I didn't know about the graphite pencil trick, so thank you. I will try that right now. I keep my shavings in a jar and use them to light our log-burner 😁

[@ColoringBliss]

I hope the graphite helps. Thanks for watching

[@melehu8368]

There's actually a trick to the prismacolor sharpeners and getting the open. There's a slight divot on the side near the top (google for a video) and that's where you push to open it. I just used a marker to show the spot (and where to line it up to close it again), and now it's a breeze

[@TheBicycleLadyThings]

I have a Dahl 133 just like Cathy shaarpen great and does not leave marks. how ever other models od dahl do leave marks

[@ColoringBliss]

Thanks for the feedback on your sharpener.

[@artandmorewithrachelnicole]

Keep up the awesome videos 😊

[@ColoringBliss]

Thanks 😊

[@artandmorewithrachelnicole]

Your welcome 😊

[@marcwheeler4406]

I like the idea about putting a graphite pencils thru to help the blade retain it sharpness....I actully use my shaving in a empty toilet roll with my dryer lintel its makes a good firestarter for our outside fire pit.....mikelle art mom✍🎨 I kinda feel bad now...lol but I imagine you could also repurpose them on a canvas for mixed media design I bet tom Quigley has a video on using them I can see them as a flower or waves....

[@11556sunshine]

Thanks!! Great to learn the graphite trick💝

[@ColoringBliss]

I’m glad you liked that little trick. Hope it helps.

[@katemmart]

I only save my inktense pencil shavings in small pillbox type thing so I can activate them with water and use them when I need to.

[@recoveringsoul755]

I wouldn't collect pencil shavings of this sort, maybe parts of water soluable colored pencils, just the pigment portion. I do, however, save dryer lint. I plan to make lots of fire starters with it for going camping if the conditions are wet and you need a firestarter. Lint is very flammable.

[@mariaelenacruzflores5920]

Realy? I dont know that, thank you.

[@christianegreven7011]

Yes indeed I have 2 sort of those sharpers. One bites my pencils and the other Dahle 133 doesn't do that.

[@ColoringBliss]

I’ve heard good things about the Dahle 133. Thanks for sharing your experience

[@carolestevenson1051]

Why turn the sharpener instead of the pencil?

[@catherinetindall4034]

I keep my shavings, too. But I keep them as fire starters in case of emergencies. 😁

[@ColoringBliss]

Great idea! I’ve seen those fire starter blocks they make with sawdust and I’ve thought using the shavings would be so pretty and make a nice gift.

[@catherinetindall4034]

@@ColoringBliss That is a good idea, too! they are so pretty.

[@melaniethielepape5750]

Hi

[@SquishyChameleon]

Hah! Out of curiosity, I checked the pencil sharpener that I have had for... gosh. I think over 20 years, and it says Germany!

[@valeriemckay7064]

I never considered keeping the pencil still but it makes perfect sense, I can feel the difference just thinking about it, I love good info, thanks. I have a few of the good handheld German sharpeners, I used to be a surveyor and needed to keep my pencils sharp for keeping notes in the field. The US used to make great steel but we gave that job to the worst, China. Germany has always been the best also, most anything German made was great and still is. I gave some colored pencils and adult color books to my granddaughter and she is coming over here to stay soon so I can share my better pencils and watch your videos together. And I keep strange things also, and those wood shavings, even the fine stuff would make pretty fire starters ... now who's strange?

[@amypanddirtytoo1926]

You could put things in your shaving jars! Like flowers, feathers, or other things, the shavings would be like the sand or glass pebbles other people use as the filler for their vases!

[@ColoringBliss]

Fun idea. Thanks.

[@EbonyHidefumi]

I collect the LEDs of colored pencils I have a lot of them ❤

[@colorfulchameleon7944]

I save my sharpenings too, but we throw them in a campfire. They turn the flames colors briefly!

[@sometimeswrite239]

Life goal - get sharpener curls like Jennifer.

[@rochellenowik9875]

I think you puppy like jar number 3

[@ColoringBliss]

😂🥰❤️ I agree.

[@catdaniel6570]

I was just sharpening my pencils with the only one I’ve got, a cheapie, complaint about how bad it is!!!

[@ColoringBliss]

Time to invest a few dollars in a nice German blade. Enjoy!

[@bette-annflood835]

My Prismacolor sharpener was junk. Didn't sharpen well and like you the lid didn't come open. It broke. So therefore it went in the garbage can.

[@DaniDoesThingz]

I hate to say this but I’m to lazy to use a hand held sharpener give me an electric sharpener any day.

[@beckywebster90]

Ok... now I'm pissed. The Dahl fits my big Caran Dache pastel pencils but broke the tip 3x in a row. These are expensive pencils... that pigment is precious. I vote NO on that Dahl 133

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

T-Gaal…gimmicky is right. Not a sharpener to buy.

[@maureenodell1519]

Know what's really sad? All but one of the comments mentioning a sharpener name the Dahl 133. Such a red flag for influencing the reader. How can anyone not think these are 'paid' advertisers and this is a setup by the product company, not a real reader response? So sad.

[@elainewines1134]

Not true. I am not an influencer but like the Dahl.

[@maureenodell1519]

@@elainewines1134 Oh, dear. Let me add to the sadness. The fact that I was not responding to your post yet you responded within a half hour makes me believe you are monitoring this web site and disbelieve your denial. wow.

[@lorismith4106]

Maureen, I have many sharpeners and my favorite ones are the Kum handheld and the Dahle 133. The Kum sharpener is great for travel and to keep all over the house and the Dahle 133 is great for leaving in your designated coloring area. It doesn’t leave marks on your pencil like the Derwent one (I have that one, too). I guess you won’t believe me, but I’m not an influencer in the least, nor do I work for the company. I’m retired. Also, I hate the T gaal. I’ve had 2 or 3 because people say they are good, but I don’t like them at all.

[@RaySchmidt]

@Maureen Odell I'm not sure how you can assume that the comments are paid advertisers. The majority of the comments that mention the Dahl sharpener are 5+ years old which is a good indicator that they are legitimate accounts. I'm also not sure how a few casual mentions of a specific product buried in comments of a video that actually does NOT fully endorse that type of sharpener equates to influencing the reader. I did read through all the comments and I have no insatiable need to suddenly purchase the Dahl 133. Finally, has it ever occurred to you that it might just be a very good quality sharpener and that's why people mention it all the time? The only sad thing here is that you felt the need to post a negative comment without any proof or offer any of your favourite options as alternatives. Do you even colour at all?

[@beckywebster90]

The Dahl is just 'ok' in my book. Not sure why everyone raves. It gets dull and stops giving a good point. I'll never buy it again

[@AmandaA-zf3qo]

Hate TGAAL