My colored pencils are precious (and not cheap!), so I’ve tested plenty of colored pencil sharpeners to find the best ones. Here’s my top list to help you pick the right one too:
Overview: Best Pencil Sharpeners for Colored Pencils in 2026
Best Manual Pencil Sharpener for Prismacolor Colored Pencils
With Closed Reservoir
Best Rechargeable Electric Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils (6 - 12mm)
Auto Stop, Fast Sharpen in 3s, Large Hole Pencil Sharpener Plug in for 6-12mm - No.2 to Jumbo Pencils
Best Electric Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils
Compatible with both wax-based and oil-based colored pencils of different shapes - round, hexagonal, triangle and jumbo size :: Quiet mechanism :: Tamper proofed
6 Sizes for 6-12mm Colored Pencil Sharpener Handheld with Adjustable Point
Best Basic Manual Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils
Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener: Best Manual Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils With Closed Reservoir
Best Manual Pencil Sharpener for Prismacolor Colored Pencils
With Closed Reservoir
A basic and simple yet incredibly effective pencil sharpener for all kinds of art pencils, the Prismacolor Premier is inexpensive yet has a surprisingly premium feel to it – at least for an all-plastic product. For performance and overall quality it is a great value, and one of the best sharpeners you can get for colored pencils.
Video: Why I Love This Sharpener For My Colored Pencils
In my video below, I share how you can use the Prismacolor sharpener to sharpen your colored pencils and quick guide on how to empty it:
AFMAT PS91: Best Value Electric Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils
Auto Stop, Fast Sharpen in 3s, Large Hole Pencil Sharpener Plug in for 6-12mm - No.2 to Jumbo Pencils
The AFMAT PS91 is also one of the best electric pencil sharpeners you can get for colored pencils – adjustable for six different pencil sizes, and with an incredibly sharp blade that sharpens art colored pencils to a perfectpoint and stops automatically to prevent over-sharpening and damage.
AFMAT PS29: Best Rechargeable Electric Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils
Best Rechargeable Electric Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils (6 - 12mm)
Recently, a colleague let me try their Afmat pencil sharpener, and it was everything I was looking for – three sharpness settings, six pencil sizes, strong and quiet, long lasting battery and surprisingly solid and robust construction.
Bostitch QuietPro: Best Electric Sharpener for Colored Pencils
Best Electric Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils
Compatible with both wax-based and oil-based colored pencils of different shapes - round, hexagonal, triangle and jumbo size :: Quiet mechanism :: Tamper proofed
One of the finest premium electric pencil sharpeners on the market today, the Bostitch QuietPro 6 is great for lots of reasons. It is one of the easiest sharpeners to use, with both an indicator light for optimal sharpness and an auto-off function.
The sharpener face has six hole sizes for different pencil thicknesses. And the heavy duty motor, ultra-quiet operation, super fast sharpening, high capacity pencil shavings reservoir and anti-microbial protection make this an ideal sharpener for a busy commercial art studio – or just a busy artist.
ZMOL: Best Handcrank Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils
6 Sizes for 6-12mm Colored Pencil Sharpener Handheld with Adjustable Point
This handcrank colored pencil sharpener is designed and optimized for just those types of pencils, and brings a lot to the table, including an extra-hard and extra-sharp rotary blade assembly that is easy to clean and ideal for colored pencils’ softer cores, a strong and stable desk clamp, and excellent overall design, material and construction quality.
Mobius Brass: Best Basic Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils
Best Basic Manual Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils
The extremely sharp (be careful!) blades treat wax-core colored pencils with respect, sharpening them to very fine point without ever breaking or damaging them, and there are two openings for smaller or larger pencils, ensuring not just versatility but perfect alignment and ideal tips each time.er resources for commercial artists, fine artists, art students and beginners, crafters and anybody else exploring their own creative side!
How to Choose a Pencil Sharpener for Your Colored Pencils
Colored pencils aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are sharpeners.
Whether you’re working with soft, buttery wax cores or firmer oil-based leads, the right sharpener should respect the pencil: clean cut, centered core, no drama. It’s about matching point geometry to core strength, and knowing when to go slow, shallow, or sharp.
Core Hardness & Point Style
Not every pencil wants a razor tip.
- Soft/waxy cores (think Prismacolor, Chromaflow): Go for a short to medium point—steeper angle, less exposed lead. That blunt taper gives you some buffer before a snap.
- Firm/oil-based cores (like Polychromos or Lightfast): Can handle a long point for detail and crisp lines without crumbling.
- Mixed sets? You’ll want either a dual-sharpener setup or a tool with an adjustable angle so you’re not forcing soft cores into long-needle tips they’ll never survive.
Mechanism & Cut Quality
The mechanism matters more than people think. It’s not just about sharpness, it’s about how the blade interacts with the barrel and the core.
- Helical (hand-crank/desk): Slow, clean, and cool. The go-to for minimizing breakage and keeping points concentric. Perfect for studio work and daily drivers.
- Handheld (single- or dual-hole): Great for portability. Two-step long-point models work best with firm cores. For waxy pencils, standard cones with a short taper are safer.
- Electric: Only worth it if it has gentle feed + auto-stop + overheat protection. Otherwise, you’re grinding wax and wasting pencils.
Angle Control & Auto-Stop
- Adjustable angle gives you the flexibility to switch between a snub point and a long taper. It’s ideal if your colored pencil collection is a mixed bag.
- Auto-stop is underrated, especially if you use soft core colore dpencils. It prevents over-sharpening and leaves the structure intact.
Barrel Fit & Shape Compatibility
Standard isn’t always standard. Most artist-grade pencils fall into the 8–9 mm range, with jumbos hitting 10+ mm. A good sharpener:
- Handles round, hex, and triangular barrels
- Holds the pencil securely without scuffing the wood
- Centers the core without spiraling or jamming
Feed Pressure, Stability & Core Centering
- Desk models with front clamps or tight handhelds help keep everything steady.
- The less you wiggle, the fewer micro-fractures you’ll create.
- If the point starts spiraling or splitting? That’s a runout issue and it’s time to switch sharpeners.
Blade Quality, Cleaning & Longevity
- Hardened steel blades or quality replaceables make all the difference.
- Dull blades crush cores and chew up softwood. Keep extras on hand.
- Cleaning: Wax builds up fast—especially with soft pencils. Wipe with isopropyl or mineral spirits, let it dry fully. Never oil your blades.
Electric Models: Heat, Speed & Sound
- Soft cores don’t like heat. Go for motors that run cool and slow, with stall detection and auto-stop.
- If it’s USB-powered, fine for travel. If it sounds like a blender, skip it.
- Some electric models eat through pencils like a woodchipper—test before trusting.
Shavings Box & Mess Control
- A clear, tight shavings container is non-negotiable.
- Look for an easy-off lid that won’t fling shrapnel across your desk.
- Static build-up is a real thing, especially on glossy casings. A soft drafting brush helps.
Portability & Ergonomics
- Pocket sharpeners with lids are great for on-the-go sketching.
- In-studio? A crank or high-quality handheld will serve you better long-term.
- Non-slip base and ergonomic grip = fewer snapped points, fewer curses.
Budget & Smart Studio Setup
You don’t need five sharpeners. You need two that do their jobs well:
- One reliable desk sharpener with angle control or auto-stop
- One handheld for fieldwork or sketchbook sessions
- Anything with replaceable blades and easy access to clean wins out over gimmicks
Quick Matches by Core Type
- Very soft/waxy (e.g. Prismacolor): Short-point handheld or a helical set to short angle. Auto-stop is your best friend.
- Medium cores (Chromaflow, Premier): Standard helical or long-point two-step for sharp lines.
- Firm/oil (Polychromos, Lightfast): Two-step long-point, or adjustable-angle desk sharpener for control and polish.
Sharpening Tips That Save Colored Pencils
- Rotate the pencil, not the handheld sharpener, it cuts cleaner and keeps the core centered.
- Use light, consistent pressure. Forcing the blade = invisible fractures.
- Pencil snapping over and over? Warm it in your hand, try a shorter taper, and finish the point with a sandpaper block.
- For precision work, sand the final tip to a chisel or needle point, especially with oil-based cores.
Advice from the studio
Choose by core type → angle → cut quality, then check fit, blade, and maintenance. A good sharpener is “invisible” when it works and there are no broken tips, no frustration, just reliable points every time you reach for a color.
Other articles in the drawing pencils, pens, and markers series:
- Best Colored Pencils for Artists
- Best Mechanical Pencil for Drawing
- Best Drawing and Sketching Pencils
- Best Erasers for Artists and Crafters
- Best Drawing Pens
- Best Copic Alternatives
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
