10 Vintage Pencil Sharpeners For The Hipster Art Enthusiast

Did anyone else use to wear down their pencils so they could go stand at the front of class and sharpen them in one of those old-fashioned manual ones while you spoke to your friends? No? Maybe that was just us. But those huge old pencil sharpeners with the handles got us thinking about the good ol’ days when school kids actually had to use pencils and paper, and how much fun it was to sharpen your pencils.

Typically when you’re thinking about stationery that looks cool and hipstery your mind would go to an old fountain pen or a Moleskine notebook - but you mustn’t underestimate the subtle joy that comes with a cool sharpener. Some of the pencil sharpeners on this list are super colorful, while others are just classically chunky, but all of them are definitely hipster-worthy.

QUICK LOOK: OUR 3 FAVORITES

X-ACTO Heavy-Duty Manual Pencil Sharpener

x-acto heavy-duty pencil sharpener

Westcott iPoint Ball Pencil Sharpener

westcott ipoint ball sharpener

Heavy Duty Pencil Sharpener

heavy duty pencil sharpener

X-ACTO Heavy-Duty Manual Pencil Sharpener

X-ACTO Heavy-Duty Manual Pencil Sharpener

x-acto heavy-duty pencil sharpener

Able to stand up to continuous, heavy duty sharpening, this crank pencil sharpener makes a great addition to a workshop desk or table.

The X-ACTO KS pencil sharpener has that traditional manual pencil sharpener style that you would’ve found in your parents classrooms. Sturdy and chunky, the heavy-duty sharpener can be mounted easily onto any horizontal or vertical surface and includes holes for eight different pencil sizes.

  • Mounts easily on a desktop or table
  • Features a chrome receptacle to catch the pencil shavings
  • Accommodates up to eight different pencil sizes
  • Includes mounting screws

Westcott iPoint Ball Pencil Sharpener

Westcott iPoint Ball Pencil Sharpener

westcott ipoint ball sharpener

Double blade technology for faster and longer lasting cutting performance. Also features Sharp Sense technology that allows you to feel when the pencil is at the optimal point!

The Westcott iPoint Ball pencil sharpener is one of the coolest high-tech sharpeners we’ve ever seen. The electric sharpener allows you to sharpen your pencils at record speed, making them sharper than a manual one could, and it also includes sharp sense technology that allows you to feel when the pencil is at its optimal point.

  • Safety cut-off when the shavings reservoir is removed
  • Needs 4 AA batteries (sold separately)

Heavy Duty Pencil Sharpener

Heavy Duty Pencil Sharpener

heavy duty pencil sharpener

This portable sharpener has a strong metallic body and the rotary tool is extremely sharp. 

It’s not often you find a pencil sharpener that has a distinctly retro look about it. But this heavy-duty sharpener from New School Leader looks like it came straight from the ’50s with its chunky facade and green color. Perfect for large classrooms or as a feature on your art desk, this sharpener with carbon steel blades is manually operated and can be easily fixed to any table.

  • This sharpener can be fixed to sturdy surfaces with the clamp
  • The blades can be removed and clean separately

Baumgartens Pencil Sharpener

Baumgartens Pencil Sharpener

baumgartens pencil sharpener

These single-hole sharpeners have an oval, contemporary design, yet have the same great quality and function as all Baumgartens sharpeners. 

This easy-to-use and cheerful sharpener would be a wonderful addition to any pencil case or desk. Made from plastic, the Baumgartens pencil sharpener has a colorful contemporary design and is compact enough to fit in most pencil cases or purses, making it great for those of you on the move. The small sharpener also has a button-release receptacle that holds your shavings until you can find a trash can.

  • Includes built-in receptacle to hold shavings
  • Set of 10 sharpeners

Pencil Sharpener Jigsaw Puzzle Set

80 Piece Semiha Pencil Sharpener Jigsaw Puzzle Set

80 piece semiha pencil sharpener

 High precision stamping process resulting in smooth edges with no burrs or debris. 

This puzzle sharpener is a two-in-one treasure. First, you’ll get to solve the adorable penguin puzzle, and then you’ll have a fun and functional sharpener! Even if you’re not interested in using the sharpener, the puzzle itself will still make a wonderful holiday gift. The snap design on the puzzle ensures a tight, interlocking fit between the pieces so you won’t have to worry about the puzzle coming undone while you’re trying to sharpen your pencils!

  • Water-resistant

Treasure Gurus Die Cast Pencil Sharpener

Treasure Gurus Die Cast Pencil Sharpener

treasure gurus die cast pencil sharpener

The die-cast miniature replica features amazing attention to detail, with a flip-open lid, toilet seat, and tank lid.

Looking for the coolest pencil sharpener ever? We’ve found it! This die-cast model toilet replica from Treasure Gurus doubles as a pencil sharpener - making it a functional and funny collectible. The bronze metal toilet has a flip-open lid, moving toilet seat, and tank lid, as well as a working pencil sharpener on the side of the tank that holds shavings. Whether you’re gifting yourself or someone else, this is an absolute winner.

JARLINK Electric Pencil Sharpener

JARLINK Electric Pencil Sharpener

jarlink electric pencil sharpener

This heavy-duty pencil sharpener has sharp helical-cut blades. It sharpens quickly and uniformly in 3-5 seconds and disposes of the broken lead intelligently.

This heavy-duty electric pencil sharpener, which is available in white, blue, and black, looks like it comes from the future. Simply push whatever pencil you have into the hole and the machine will take care of the rest - quickly and efficiently sharpening it to the max. The sharpener is powered by an AC power cord so you don’t have to worry about having batteries on hand, and the blades automatically work when you plug the pencil into the shaving entrance.

  • A non-slip pad at the bottom can be firmly attached to any table
  • Safety features prevent children’s fingers from entering sharpener
  • Includes a large shavings receptacle that can be easily emptied

Mr. Pen-Pencil Sharpener 

Mr. Pen- Pencil Sharpener

mr. pen-pencil sharpener

This 3-in-1 sharpener is designed to works with all Mr. Pen products and other brands.

The Mr. Pen 3-In-1 Sharpener is designed to sharpen three different pencil sizes (jumbo, regular and colored pencils) so you can have all your sharpening tools in one convenient space. These compact but cute sharpeners are perfect for school kids or artists as each of the different pencil holes has its own shaving receptacles to keep your artworks tidy.

CNASA Pencil Sharpener

CNASA Pencil Sharpener

cnasa pencil sharpener

The electric pencil sharpener equipped with strong motor which can quickly sharpen your pencil within 5 seconds, suitable for 6-8mm diameter pencils.

A pencil sharpener like this would inspire us to start using our pencils more often just so we could see it in action! Easy to use, this bright pink or blue electric sharpener can quickly and efficiently sharpen your pencils within 5 seconds - making it perfect for heavy-duty situations like classrooms or offices. All you have to do is press down the pencil into the hole and the machine will do the rest. This sharpener is also super convenient to use as it can be powered by batteries or electricity, and also comes with a USB cable.

  • Safe for kids use as the 8mm diameter shaving entrance can prevent fingers from being inserted.

Bostitch Metal Manual Pencil Sharpener

Bostitch Metal Antimicrobial Manual Pencil Sharpener

bostitch metal antimicrobial manual pencil sharpener

This pencil sharpener includes screws for permanent mounting with dual cutter technology for 6X longer life, and is antimicrobial protected.

If you ever used a classic manual pencil sharpener in your school years you’ll easily recognize this retro one from Bostitch. This manual sharpener is powered by the turning handle and features an eight-hole dial that can accommodate a variety of pencil shapes and sizes. The chunky black appearance just adds to the vintage aesthetic of this functional sharpener.

  • Antimicrobial protected
  • Includes screws for permanent mounting
  • Tip-saver prevents over sharpening

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