How to Sharpen a Pencil With a Craft Knife

1 First Shape the Pencil With a Craft Knife

For a controlled point that exposes more of the core, sharpen your pencil with a craft knife and sandpaper pad. Grip the pencil in one hand, with the point away from you, and the craft knife in the other. Push the thumb holding the pencil against the thumb holding the knife to create leverage so the blade cuts into the pencil. Cut, then turn the pencil and repeat the process until you’ve worked the area into a point.

2 Then Sharpen the Core With a Sandpaper Pad

Sand the core back and forth on the sanding pad for a sharp point.

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Identifying Your Pencils

To avoid having to search and squint to read the markings on the sides of your pencils, label the pencil ends with nail polish or colored tape. Place the nail polish or tape toward the top of the pencil, but avoid covering the rating stamp or placing it where the pencil extender would cover it.

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