What's a good way to sharpen a carpenter's pencil, without buying a special sharpener?

Question

I have a carpenter's pencil that's getting pretty blunt and I've realised I don't know how to sharpen it.

How can I sharpen it without buying a special dedicated tool for it?

Answer 1

Whatever you have handy. There are many tools that would work, besides a pencil sharpener dedicated to this.

• A pocket or utility knife - cut away from you of course.
• A sliding, compound miter saw (overkill, but it will work well enough.)
• A belt sander
• A band saw
• A drum sander in your drill press (or an oscillating drum sander if you have one in the shop.)

The point is, a carpenter's pencil is mainly wood, and can be shaped by any tools you have in reach that can also shape wood.

Answer 2

The perfect tool is sitting right there on your tool shelf - your hand plane. Hold it upside down in your nondominant hand and slide the pencil across the blade with your dominant hand. Be careful!

Answer 3

Use a knife. One of these should always be in your belt:

Answer 4

Keson makes a carpenters pencil sharpener that puts a chisel point on the lead. The only way to sharpen a carpenters pencil is to a chisel point. Available at Northern Tool.

Answer 5

I sharpen mine with a pocket knife. I leave about 1/4" of lead showing, then I bevel the tip of the lead to a chisel point, that way I can get a clean crisp line. You can use sandpaper to get a chisel point, but I just use my knife most of the time.

Answer 6

My Dads a finish carpenter,he's 95 and still has at least two pencils with him at any time. Remember as a kid watching him sharpen his pencil with his pocket knife. Always took his time, had 12 facets on the point all perfect. Always said don't get in hurry and do it right...