Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Back to Basics and the Zen of Traditional Pencil Sharpening (In Three Stages)

a well-used pencil in need of a thorough sharpening

There is something remarkably zen-like about the process of sharpening a pencil by hand with a traditional pen knife.

Phase 1 - the wood sheath has been tapered and lead is exposed 

When I'm feeling particularly frazzled by all the details and distractions of the day, sitting down and investing a bit of time in creating a truly fine point on each of my pencils before I actually get underway with a drawing session allows me to contemplate, to focus, to lower my heart rate and my respiration; it's sublime!

Phase 2 - lead has been tapered


Phase 3 - tip finished and ready to draw

 for quick reference while working I place my sharp pencils point up in the tin, 
and my dull pencils point down


If you've never sharpened your own pencils by hand before, I offer this little demonstration for your consideration. Who knows, you might just find the it as rewarding as I do (and, in the process, discover what a truly sharp pencil can do.)

Cheers!




two examples of the penknives frequently packed in my kit 

PS. If (like me) you travel everywhere with your sketch kit just remember: you can pack your pencils, pens, aper and erasers in your carry-on. But wait till you reach your destination to begin your adventure and ALWAYS pack your pocket knife in your checked luggage.

5 comments:

  1. Thanks Earnest. I knew the first part but never remember how to get the point

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  2. Hi Cheri,

    You're so welcome. (I'm glad you found it useful.) By the way, two added perks of really sharp pencils: added incentive to vary pressure on you pencils (to protect those fine tips) will give you a wider range of line quality/intensity in your drawings; and a desire to protect those points you've worked so hard to create gives you a great excuse to get a pencil box (either a modern pencil tin that will hold up to working on location, or maybe even an antique wooden pencil box that you happen across in an antique shop.)

    Have fun! :-D

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  3. Cool! Who knew? Zen in pencil sharpening! I started the video thinking it would be good to know but I'd probably never do it. Then I watched and thought, I've gotta try this! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks Betsy. Hand-sharpening pencils probably isn't for everyone. (Then again, what is?) But, for those of us who sometimes enjoy an "unplugged" lifestyle, it can be a whole lotta fun to do things -- from time to time -- that don't include batteries. :-D

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  4. I enjoyed your video! I have never tried to do mine with a knife (I am accident prone) but love the idea of it. Have many sharpeners that I HATE, and only have found the bullet ones (fit in my hand) and are sharp that work well. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

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