I too have never heard of these, & like one reviewer I love writing instruments. Is the long point sharpener a must?
481132
Nope, any regular quality sharpener will work fine. The long point sharpener is pretty cool but there is a 2 step process.
481133
They're very nice, although possibly not really worth the additional cost over a box of Ticonderoga #2s. But if you can afford a treat for yourself, you will enjoy them. They sharpen just fine with any "real" pencil sharpener, but I wouldn't use one of those little plastic school sharpeners. If you have a real pencil sharpener handy, I'd skip the long point sharpener and get the box of additional erasers instead.
481134
I am an illustrator and have always sharpened my pencils with an x-acto blade. So yes they can hold a long sharp point without breaking off, which shows the quality of the graphite. I would probably have to do a major search of my studio to even find a sharpener.
481135
I did not think a long point sharpener was a must, but I purchased one just to check it out. Turns out I love it and it really keeps the point sharp longer than with a standard sharpener. So, if you love writing instruments I would spend the extra five dollars and purchase the long point sharpener. You will not go back to the standard sharpener after you try the new one.
481136
It's not so much a must but it does give you more useable lead for a longer period of time. The lead is strong enough to take a long point without breaking while still being quite smooth.if you like writing, try the Blackwing Pearl or 602. They both have slightly harder lead thats still very smooth but keeps a point much longer.
481137
No Melissa. My sons and I having been using a regular pencil sharpener. But if you do try the sharpener, please let me know if I missing out.
481138
This pencils are incredible. When you are writing with these if feels more creamier than regular pencils and the long sharpener is not a must, but I have it and I loved it. Is just up to you, I'm in love with pencils and this are really nice.
481139
it isn't necessary...any sharpener is fine.these are wonderful pencils,by the way.
1220754
My sincere opinion is NO. ... for a simple reason. It is long (like the older drafting pencils) heavier and better for drafting and design. But I can recommend the old black Pentel automatic pencils. They are great. Better yet. ... price. I always have several handy for note taking.to me a pencil is a tool. As such that tool MUST deliver my demands OR. Why buy it. Hope this helps. Or send me an email at allcousa@yahoo.com
325892
I taught Kindergarten for many years, so I am very familiar with My First Ticonderogas! (My favorite pencils by far....I still buy them for my own use!) This sharpener does not accommodate the pencils we're talking about, sadly. The two choices are for standard sized pencils, one makes a longer point and one a shorter point, similar to the point you'd see in pre/sharpened color pencils. The sharpener is AWESOME, though!!! Great value and a sharp, precise point every time. I highly recommend it!!! I hope this information is helpful! Happy shopping!! :0)
1098284
IIRC, out of the box the blade was good and sharp. If you sharpen your own, you'll *love* the way this thing takes an edge. My Zetsurin is just about the sharpest thing I own. After a bit of work ;)
1046985
Pencil is ok by itself but if you want a really sharp point you should also buy a 'rotary sharpener'.
1967373
I went with the Prismacolor sharpener and I am glad that I did. It maximises the lead width so I get minimal waste. I hope this helps:)
250834
None of my flair pens, past or present, by Paper Mate has what could be called a point guard. They have simply fine point felt tips. Great for handwriting, drawing, editing, etc. It could be there's a guard of some kind way down in the end of the pen cover but even with a strong light none of us here has seen something in there. Probably would have to crush one of the covers to see......
2058892
Its better than shouting!! Do I go into the deepest darkest of wilderness without a better whistle ...no.The sharpener on this is good and maybe considered even great by some,the rest of the gadgets are a fantastic idea as a survival back up but should not be considered/relied upon as an every day or primary source. You could buy all the items seperately and they would be all of better quality but as a compact back up gadget doing all 5-6 jobs this is 5 star. I am a survival instructor and SAR member and hunter I have several attached to various knives I have gutted 3 deer so far with them and they are great... just go easy on the fire steel its very thin!! Its better than shouting!! Do I go into the deepest darkest of wilderness without a better whistle ...no.The sharpener on this is good and maybe considered even great by some,the rest of the gadgets are a fantastic idea as a survival back up but should not be considered/relied upon as an every day or primary source. You could buy all the items seperately and they would be all of better quality but as a compact back up gadget doing all 5-6 jobs this is 5 star. I am a survival instructor and SAR member and hunter I have several attached to various knives I have gutted 3 deer so far with them... » Read More Its better than shouting!! Do I go into the deepest darkest of wilderness without a better whistle ...no.The sharpener on this is good and maybe considered even great by some,the rest of the gadgets are a fantastic idea as a survival back up but should not be considered/relied upon as an every day or primary source. You could buy all the items seperately and they would be all of better quality but as a compact back up gadget doing all 5-6 jobs this is 5 star. I am a survival instructor and SAR member and hunter I have several attached to various knives I have gutted 3 deer so far with them and they are great... just go easy on the fire steel its very thin!! « Show Less
2140935
I have nothing like that on mine. I've been really happy with this pencil sharpener.
1491888
honestly i prefer a crayola to these. they sharpen easy enough but the wax is almost to waxy. i would recommend spending just a few extra bucks and go for the prismacolor scholars. very nice and not nearly as expensive. hope that helped
2070620
This makes a very clean nice point so I would recommend it for that. My normal go to sharpener is an antique Panasonic electric from the '50s.
1078155
Yes, I use them all the time. They work great. You may want to purchase a darker one also, as these three colors are a bit on the light side. Don't forget a pencil sharpener too.
303794
I have sharpened some fairly small blades. KME sells a set of jaws for pen knives. I've yet to get one, but it's on my list.
648364
I used one for years before replacing it, for $10. seems worthwhile. If you really want to though, then the same way you'd sharpen most knives/scissors. or with a wet rock. go nuts.
1871196
yes over time they need sharpening, I bought a ceramic blade sharpener on here very reasonable on price! Must be for CERAMIC blades! Good luck.
647976
I didn't use a pen because of the shiny surface. I thought it would smear. I used a fine point sharpee and that worked great.
1800260
I would suggest getting her the bamboo to start, as it is cheaper and if she really enjoys it it will teach her the small learning curve as well as the care for a tablet. If she keeps up with it, the investment of only about a hundred bucks (which is still a lot to me, mind you) will seem small, and when next birthday comes around, you could grab her a bigger better version. Truly, if she does spend a lot of time doing it, this is completely preference here, I would maybe get her the intuos 4 and let her really step into the world of using an intuos. That is from the point of view of someone who was a 13 year old who would love to have had the "big guns" to play with. It may not be ery realistic, though. Something to note is that the pen tips, the "nibs" on the new intuos, are made of a black plastic material that wears down. The new drawing surface of the intuos 4 is slightly rough, so that it feels like paper. When you use the nibs on this surface, it grinds them down quickly, and you are stuck buying replacements like blades for shavers. The previous intuos 3 versions did not have this problem. The intuos 3 surface is smooth, and the tips last forever. A thirteen year old may not be quite ready for an intuos 4 that requires a bit of finesse to use in said circumstance, as worn down nibs apparently can damage your drawing surface, leading to buying replacements for that. Get her a decent bamboo and if she sticks with it, upgra