5 Pencil Sharpening Techniques for Pros
All the ways I sharpen all the pencils that I use. Wooded and woodless graphite pencils, 2.0 and 5.6 mm mechanical pencils, charcoal pencils, and eraser pencils. I’ll show you how to use the Blackwing 2-step hand powered sharpener, the Staedtler 2mm lead pointer, how to correctly sharpen with a blade, and how to make your own sandpaper blocks.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:06 - Wooded Graphite
05:07 - Sandpaper Variations
07:23 - Woodless Graphite
10:07 - 5.6mm Clutch
10:53 - Charcoal Pencil
15:00 - 2.0mm Mechanical
17:07 - Wacom Stylus
17:30 - Eraser pencil
Make sure to check out the premium course which offers a more comprehensive lesson on pencils and erasers! The premium Drawing Basics course also gets you access to all the full lessons, project demonstrations, and critique videos that I'll be releasing in the next 18+ months! That's at proko.com/drawing
RAZOR BLADE SAFETY:
If you’re young, find an adult to assist you. Blades are sharp and you’re gonna be holding and pushing it right next to your fingers. It’s important to be careful, ESPECIALLY if this is your first time sharpening with a blade. It’s gonna feel awkward. It’s much easier and safer to sharpen with a sharp razor blade. If it’s dull you’ll probably press harder, get frustrated and maybe break your pencil. When they get dull or rusty, throw them out. And I don't know if it's just me, but I feel really uneasy throwing a razor blade in the trash. I always cover the blade with some tape first.
RELATED LINKS:
Ultimate Guide to Sketchbooks and Paper - • Ultimate Guide to Sket...
How to Hold and Control Your Pencil - • How to Hold and Contro...
Intro to Drawing Basics - • Intro to Drawing Basics
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ABOUT PROKO:
Instructional How to Draw videos for artists. My drawing lessons are approachable enough for beginners and detailed enough for advanced artists. My philosophy is to teach timeless concepts in an entertaining way. I believe that when you are having fun, you learn better. I take pride in producing high-quality videos that you will enjoy watching and re-watching.
CREDITS:
Artist | Instructor - Stan Prokopenko (www.stanprokopenko.com)
Producer - Stan Prokopenko, Sean Ramsey (www.peoplewhodrawstuff.com),
Script - Stan Prokopenko
Production Assistance - Stephen Clark (www.peppermintgentleman.com , Sierra Tillman, Sean Ramsey, Charlie Nicholson
Editing - Sierra Tillman ( / sierra_jewel_ , Sean Ramsey, Stephen Clark, Stan Prokopenko
Publishing - Alex Otis, John Birchall
Music Used with Permission
Intro - The Freak Fandango Orchestra
Additional music by Epidemic Sound
If you’re a beginner check out my intro to basics lesson - kzhead.info/sun/Zdezg92Qr2qZjYk/bejne.html
PROKO I need you to create videos on how to draw in 3D and recommended programs
I was into drawing with pencils for years, and I guess you could call me a sketch artist. I need a professional opinion for one of my projects. Question: Is there any chance at some point in a drawing that you would need to use a rounded, dull tip on your pencil like I used to do?
69 likes 💀
Very helpful! One question if you can! Do you have a specific grit you prefer to use in regards to sandpaper? 5:21 😅 thanks lmao
I looooove your stupid jokes..and the lessons..❤❤❤🤣🤣
Finally a good tutorial for sharpening my wacom pencil.
Don't you dare
DON'T FOLLOW THIS! sand paper doesn't sharpen properly you need to use a razor
This is so cursed that the demons are arriving at 3:00pm instead of 3:00 am
I like sharpening my huion pens slightly more with a casual pencil sharpeners, but hey, you do you.
My dumbass used a sharpener for some reason 💀.
I never thought I needed to watch a nearly 20 minute video about sharpening pencils but it’s Proko and I will learn something I’m sure!
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15:58 The little hole on the mechanical pencil´s eraser cap is a built in sharpener, just put the lead and rotate it for a few seconds and will work, takes more time than with the third party pencil sharpener, but 60% of the time, It works every time.
Plus you get to spread graphite dust all over your hands! I got a little sharpener by ohto for like 6 bucks that works great and seals.
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I used to have 2 mechanical pencils with an eraser under the back cap tho one got stuck and the other got so used it cant be pulled out, i lost both their caps which was the reason why one of the erasers got stuck
That doesn't make sense
rather than razor blades, I use box cutters with retractable blades. Easy and safe to hold, easy to snap the ends off and get to that sharper bit. I use the thin ones rather than the really thick box cutters but either works the same. They're not quite as sharp as razor blades, but they're so easy to use that I think it's worth it.
Man, you're right.But please tell me,how this video and this channel has so much attention,when he didn't even know how to use a pencil sharpener,yet he demonstrates a completely wrong use of the Staedtler 2mm sharpener and everybody gives thumbs up. Not only he never realised the obvious,that the sharpener has 2 different choices for strong tip or superfine,but he also oversharpens the tip, which will just make it break,the moment he puts the tip on the paper,even with the ligetest touch. He can easily go through one lead in a go,trying to sharpen it,without even managing to draw a line. Is people for real?? Have all become so dump nowdays??
Well, some people don't like facts, truth hurts, isn't for every body. The only dump people I know of,,are those who don't respect other people's opinions. I respect yours, because it's obvious you don't know much, about the facts I mention.Wouldn't you respect mine?.Happy new Year full of health to you and yours!@@mstmay9996
@@greekveteran2715 oh no the humanity!!!!
Thanks for this super educational video Proko!!! For the other people like me who are wondering what products he’s using I’ve listed them below after much pausing and googling. 😅 Products used in order of appearance: -Blackwing Palomino Matte Pencil -Ticonderoga HB #2 Pencil -STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Pencil set -Jarlink Electric sharpener -Blackwing Sharpener or (KUM automatic) -Cretacolor Monolith wordless graphite pencil -Conté à Paris Pierre Noir - Charcoal Pencil -Koh-I-Noor Mechanical Hardtmuth Lead Holder 5.6 -Staedtler Mars Technico Lead Holder 2mm -Staedtler 502 BK A6 Mars Rotary Action Lead Pointer and Tub for 2mm Leads -Touch Copic Rubber Pencil Eraser
PRO TIP: If you are sharpening with a sandpaper pad, POLICE YOUR PAD! The graphite is not really stuck to the sandpaper, it's all too happy to fall off, on to your desk, your hands, your clothes, or _your drawing!_ Be careful with it, give it a special place to sit away from your drawing, but within reach. Don't shove it into your pencil case if it's dirty with graphite. I always tap mine off over the trash can each time I use it.
I funnel that graphite into a little sealed jar for later use Then apply to paper with some brushes or foam rubber ( any hobby brush, or make-up applicators work great )
Great call.
I leave mine in an old ash tray and tap it out before using it. Ash tray is hidden behind stuff. I collect the graphite powder so I can use it with a brush for light blending etc.
You trash all that usable graphite? What a waste.....
@@ducksoff7236 Okay, I tap it into a little jar most of the time. I thought it would sounds weird to say it in public.
I’m just getting into drawing and ordered a drawing kit with pencils, charcoal and colored pencils, shading tools, sandpaper, eraser, sharpener, even came with a sketch pad, and coloring book. Love the kit, as I can hold all my pencils and tools in one zip up binder! Been drawing and practicing. Love learning about all the tools, tips, tricks, etc… It has made me so happy. I forgot how much I loved to draw as a kid. Taking art classes in high school, and then just kind of letting life happen… stumbling back into it has definitely brought some joy back into my life ❤
The "Blackwing" sharpener is just a re-brand of the Kum Long-point. They work quite well, but the container part is a bit small and needs to be emptied every time. I've heard there are two variants, the better one has the metal insert which blades attach to instead of having molded plastic.
I have an old Boston manual pencil sharpener someone got me for a birthday as a kid in 1985. It still works great. This thing just doesn't stop working and never needs batteries.
Proko firstly i want to thank you for evey lesson you give!! You have changed my perspective to art i used to hate drawing in general but since i saw you there in nothing more than art i love thank you!!!!! Fan from africa🇪🇹
Hey if you want to use a razor blade but feel awkward with the blade you can also use an x-acto (box cutter also work) , a bit more expensive, but it has a handle and the blade is smaller!
I use a foldable stanley knife. Strong and has a handle.
Not only are you a hoot, but you did a fantastic job explaining how to sharpen different types of pencils! Awesome! Thank you :D
*me watching this taking notes slowly stopping taking notes with my wacom stylus * ..*me and my wacom stylus look at each other * *my stylus evaporates out of fear *
Sanding for using them sideways was really helpful info. Thanks!
Legit panicked at the intro lmao
I ❤️ the two step sharpener -made by KUM in 🇩🇪 but apparently rebranded for Blacking. Mine comes with replacement blades inside as well. Love it!
Fun watching this playful way of demonstrating sharpening tools. I have a few hacks for some of these I’ve developed over the years . Always fun watching you 🔝
Thank you for explaining how to sharpen the 5.6mm lead. I love using them, but I wasn’t sure how sharpen it. :)
I work at an art supply store and the first time I saw those eraser core pencils it blew my mind.
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lol. Me to. Yet my most used eraser is still a 1mm slice from an old faber castell dust-free eraser, tied tight between two ice-cream sticks for added "grippy-ness."
I have one of those mechanical 2MM pencils from staedtler. Always used the top part as the sharpener. Never knew there was a rotary action was used for. Now I know and I know what I will be getting at some point. :3 Thanks for all the tips! they were really helpful!
If your an adult find a kid to supervise you
I would say a dupe for the sanding block is using a large acrylic nail file they are cheap and have good grit
Very cool demo, love the bullet concept, thank you!!!
I love this new series! Thanks for doing it!
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Thank you! I had been struggling with sharpening pencils.
Awe, thanks that was so fun to watch definitely will share this with my class! I really appreciated the silly jokes too I actually laughed out loud...scared my cat even!!! Glad to have discovered you, so much gratitude...now can't wait to view some more of your videos!!!
I love this channel! A whole bunch of super handful tips. I am going to attend a drawing class but if I do not find it to be what I need, I will certianly consider his online courses!
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really needed this. Thx, Stan.
I just ordered my new apple sharpener. Can't wait to sharpen my apple pencil
Thank you, mr. Proko. I have learned a lot. Tadeu, Brasil.
How did I ever get through kindergarten without this?
thank you proko for doing this video a really improved drawing
Oh that's what that paddle thingy is for in pencil kits lol you made this so fun to watch 😊
My dad used to sharpen my school pencils with a blade [ box cutter or pocket knife] better than a sharpener. Video was helpful in so many way. TY
I have been studying with your channel, thank you cuz I have learned a lot from you Proko
Thank you... 🙏 😔 🙏 A good review, you covered all of them.
Sharpening charcoal pencils is especially difficult. Thanks for all the tips Stan, and everyone else at proko. Your videos especially helped me further my drawing skills. I'm forever grateful for you plethora of artistic knowledge. ;^) - NATHAN
There's also a sharpener on the back of the staedler 2mm pencil holder ;) It took me years to find it and it myself.
Try a 2.0 mm pencil and you'll never want to use anything else. They're awesome. At 2mm, the lead is the same diameter as those found in a typical wooden pencil--meaning you can shade on the size. Unlike a wooden pencil that shrinks as you sharpen it, these maintain their size and weight.
What's a 2mm pencil?
@@sunriseboy4837 I should've clarified. They're properly called Lead Holders. It's what he's displaying at 15:03. People call them mechanical pencils, but technically that's incorrect as the lead drops down differently than the traditional ones. They take a little time to figure out, but they're great once you do.
@@kjhgfdsd76654 Thanks for that.
Agreed! Plus, if you drop some pencils, especially woodless graphite, it's toast😂
This is fantastic! Subbed for sure!
Love the Wacom part! 😂😂
I'm very cheap on sharpening, my most used pencils all have two of (a pointy & a rounded) Very fine mechanical pencil, I use a scribble pad to flatten one edge, then rotate for a point Also save all your graphite dust, it's great for shading with any brush from hobby car stores ( All my brushes were for model cars, trains, or for make-up, eye shadow, foundation, etc. )
I use an exacto 11 knife for my pencils and prismacolors because it feels safer and more precise to hold compared to razors and box cutters, even when the 11 blade is quite brittle. I use a ciruclar saw to sharpen my Wacom because it's very effective.
I love this video. I wanna start drawing whit a woodless charcole pencil. Thank you for showing how to sharpen them🖐🏾👍🏾😁
I recall learning these lessons from the courses I purchased a while back. 😅
I have a Kum two blade sharpener, just like the Blackwing. It still takes off more lead than I like, so I use a cheap snap-off craft knife or an elegant teeny Opinel folding penknife
Sand or cut over a tray or trash. A utility knife may be easier for many. They have a square back that is good to scrape/ shape like sandpaper. Carpenter pencils are kinda fun, you can make cool marks. And you can make a chisel tip
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Still have my Granddads carpenter pencil in the case next to all the others, it's as hard as granite, rarely used, but makes me happy. It'd be around 50 or more years old now.
I love that, the eraser pencil has graphite on the end. Fun ending thanks!
I’m so glad about finding this goo advice
Good evening mister Staniel.
you can reuse sandpaper by cleaning off the lead with a stiff brush or literally smacking it with a rag
Where was this video years ago. I needed to learn this experimentally. The sandpaper I knew already and the electric pencil sharpener (the one shown for the eraser) is the only way to sharpen colored pencils without breaking the tips. For charcoal I use a manual sharpener with a large opening and rotate the edge of the charcoal marker. I stay away from razor blades for safety reasons. BTW my electric color pencil sharpener can be adjusted for the short eraser tips.
OMG, how did I not know my Blackwing two stage came with extra blades????? MIND BLOWN!
YOU'RE WELCOME! (I didn't know either at first)
For half the price of the black wing sharpener you can get a kum longpoint that does the same thing and also has a 2mm and 3mm sharpener built into the sides for lead holders
HAHAHAH! You keep us entertained and learning at the same time:) kudos Stan.. THUMBS UP! 👋👋
and yes! Finally, someone is showing us how to sharpen our Wacom stylists! It's TIME we knew:)
Good carpenter job...👍
Huh, video about sharpening pencils... But Stan looks really happy there, okay, lets watch it... Turned out to be pretty informative. Thank you
Glad it helped!
those two step sharpeners look amazing, definitely ordering one soon, although they seem pretty expensive
A lot of people have mentioned one from the company Kum. They have one that's a bit less expensive.
Really enjoyed your vid
The Staedtler sharpener is not a 2 stage sharpener. It just gives you 2 different angled points for whatever you need. Softer leads typically can’t hold the very sharp points so you would use the lower angled point for those. Great clutch pencils IMO.
Having tried this method , my general observation is what works for a harder material doesn't work well on more fragile material. A woodless thick graphite is probably suitable for this method, a charcoal pencil will most likely break, unless it's used with an extremely delicate touch. Don't toss your pencil sharpener just yet.
Interesting seeing the bit about rounding off the tip, which is the opposite of what I'd have expected you'd want. Also, there's a German brand called KUM (yes, I know) who produce a similar sharpener to the Blackwing one you showed, but it also has a sharpener for 2mm and 3.15mm clutch pencils where the Blackwing has spare blades
Fun fact- KUM is the OG of the long point double sharpener, blackwing replicated their design. ✨
this is exactly what I needed!
may never sharpen pencils or use charcoal but knowing theres a sharpener for the straddler 2 mil is nice to know
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing :-)
I´m learning art and english too... thanks!
Thank youu!!❤
You dont need to dispose of dirty sandpaper, graphite comes off easily with some water. You can use wet and dry emery paper which will last forever. A little soap and toothbrush helps get it all off, even stickier leads.
Thanks man, you are awesome!!!
No u! Thank you 😘
I always sharpen mine with a blade, like a little knife. gives me so much control over the tip, the length of the exposed lead, and it minimizes waste!! I hate regular sharpeners tbh, they just waste half of the pencil lead by shaving it straight off, and you have to resharpen again and again because the tip gets dull super fast
Finally a different video teacher how to sharp pencils
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A good tutorial for my 6b pen
very good video thank u
When you sharpened the woodless pencil on the sandpaper, you made a Batman image lol
Anyone noticed that He's eyes changed when he started using a razor blade.😮 After that he wasn't the same person. Interesting... Love Proko video's ❤😊
this channel is so helpful
Thank you!
consider skateboard griptape for sandpaper! It’s been the most durable sandpaper in my experience, also easy to remove with a heat gun or hair dryer if you like using the paddles 😅
Try an old sneaker sole to rub the graphite/charcoal off the paddle. Works in wood working when my sandpaper is caked with wood
I've always assumed the second blade was for a bigger pencil. Never knew it was for the graphite
I didn't know that drawing require so many details.many types of paper and pencil 😮
I also catch the fallen graphit and use brushes in my paintings to give that intentionally lost graphite a second life. Its a common method, Thats what i missed. But thanks for sharing, it helps a lot!
Pro tip, you mention drawing with graphite dust. Just so you know. You can buy graphite dust in a pint size can online if you want a lot, but you can also buy graphite dust in a tube about the size of a Neosporine ointment tube. It is sold for lubricating sticky door locks. I used to put a spoon full of dust on a large illustration board and go to town. Then seal it with Fix-it spray to prevent smudging.
@@frankligas2249 can i produce this dust on my own und sell it, so u can buy it online? 😁 Why i have to buy it, if i already have a graphit pencil?
😊Same Here 😊.. .. Why waste something still useful I funnel that graphite into a little sealed jar for later use Then apply to paper with some brushes or foam rubber ( any hobby brush, or make-up applicators work great )
Thanks a lot proko. Could you show more médiums pls?
Question- I just got roberto osti basic anatomy for artist book I was wondering what I should start learning in the book to become better at figures drawing
We want more draftsmen podcast 💀
Just stumbled across your channel. Appreciate all the tips and I really liked the jokes, too. Cheers!
Thank you. You were hilarious
Ooer, I've never had weird metal bits on my 2mm leads, how odd. Thanks for telling me what the little white dimple is for in between the two sharpener holes! Never knew that.
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Thanks Proko, very usefull.
What happened to the natural and compressed charcoal pencils? We used to use those back in my days for drawing life size nude studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts, also the utility knife can be a safer substitute then a razor, at least for us at the sculpture department we always had one near by.
Good morning, Stan! ☕😎☀️
for the 5.6, I use a regular sharpener and then sand paper. Nice long point
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An eraser pencil with graphite on the back end of it...thanks for the idea, I'm gonna be a gazillionaire when i return from the patent office
:D
7:47 a safer and more convenient option: my college drawing professor forbid us from using regular sharpeners in class and had us use a cutter (like a box cutter but smaller and slimmer) instead so we could customize how sharp our pencils can be
Thanks
For a sandpaper alternative have you tried nail files?
You can buy cleaning blocks for sand paper they are mainly meant for belt sanders but they are relatively cheap at your local hardware. I think you're a braver man than me using a razor blade I use a I suppose you guys call the a box cutter but I use the ones with the snap off blades. Can you please link the Sharpeners you use.
Thank you for the video! it's very useful! Just a question: for pastel pencils, any tips? I've broken their ends several times...
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My tip is don't sharpen them to the degree he recommends, unless you have a very light touch. Pastels are much too fragile for this, and broken pieces is predictable.
On pastel pencils, if wanting a "pointy end" Go for a chisel tip & rotate 90° to use point Chisel tip isn't ideal, but a bit more durable.
Please put a link to show where you got the items from I've been searching for hours to find the same machanical pencil
You remind me of my 7th grade history teacher and it's giving me flashbacks