Best 41 Crayon Sharpeners That Get Those Nubs Back

Whether you're an artist, teacher, or just love getting those perfect sharp edges on your crayons, having the right tool for the job makes all the difference. Our detailed comparison of the top crayon sharpeners helps you find the perfect fit for your needs, from simple manual options to sleek electric models.

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Reviews

Helix 2-Hole Crayon & Pencil Sharpener

This compact dual-sharpening solution safely tackles both Pencils and Wax Crayons with its clever design that keeps messy shavings contained. The top half efficiently grinds away at standard crayons, while the bottom handles pencils with precision - all neatly housed in a translucent canister that lets you know when it's time for a cleaning.

Alpurple 36-Piece Double-Hole Manual Pencil Sharpener

This handy little sharpener takes care of both your pencils and crayons with its clever dual-hole design. Made from tough plastic with a metal blade inside, it's built to last through daily use at home or in the office. The best part is how safe it is - you get a protective cover that keeps your fingers away from the sharp bits while you're working.

Enday Dual Hole Pencil Sharpener

This dual-holed manual pencil sharpener handles everything from standard pencils to jumbo crayons with ease. Its durable plastic construction and carbon steel blade ensure your writing and coloring tools stay sharp while the convenient catch bin keeps your workspace clean. The compact design makes it perfect for desk drawers, pencil cases, or office supply shelves.

Crayola North Pole Super Sharpener

The elf-themed sharpener keeps your crayons fresh for North Pole crafting, fitting perfectly among your village figures. Made of plastic with a compact design that won't take up much space on your crafting bench.

48-Piece Pink, Yellow, Green Pencil Sharpener Set

These compact pencil sharpeners come in a bright four-color pack with each color featuring twelve sharpeners - perfect for personal use or classroom sharing. The durable plastic construction with metal edges slices through pencils quickly while protecting your workspace with its secure lid design. Whether you're sharpening standard pencils or crayons, these dual-hole sharpeners get the job done efficiently, featuring a convenient waste bin that adds to their practical appeal.

Multi-Colored Pencil & Crayon Sharpeners 24-Pack

These multi-colored sharpeners combine practical design with kid-friendly fun, making them a practical addition to any classroom supply collection. The included pencil and crayon sharpener handles both writing implements effectively, though some users have noted challenges with the crayon portion's durability. The compact size and variety of colors make them popular choices for individual student use and classroom organization.

Faber-Castell Jumbo Crayon Sharpener

This simple one-hole sharpener is a lifesaver for parents of young children, perfectly sized for those jumbo toddler crayons that seem to break at the most inconvenient moments. Made specifically for Faber-Castell Brilliant Beeswax Crayons and other large crayons, it extends the life of your child's artwork materials while keeping cleanup stress-free. The compact design doesn't take up much space, making it a practical addition to any art supply collection.

Officemate Pencil-Crayon Sharpener

This dual-purpose sharpener makes quick work of both pencils and crayons, with its clear receptacle letting you track your shavings at a glance. The handy design unscrews to empty easily, keeping your workspace tidy. Classroom teachers and parents alike love it for its durability and convenience.

AFMAT Manual Pencil Sharpener

This artist-quality sharpener transforms your pencils into precision tools, particularly excelling with rounded shapes like Derwent sketching pencils. While it works best with standard-sized pencils, enthusiasts appreciate its ability to create incredibly fine points. The manual design requires a bit of effort compared to electric sharpeners, but reviewers overwhelmingly praise its performance, making it a practical investment for seriousartists.

Caran d'Ache 2-Way Pencil Sharpener

This durable pencil sharpener combines practical design with a smiley face charm, featuring two sharpening holes for both standard and jumbo pencils. Its innovative pop-out insert prevents shavings from spilling out, while the removable base makes emptying simple and convenient. The compact 5 inches tall design makes it perfect for desk or backpack, while handling pencils between 8-11mm in diameter with precision.

Kum Wax Crayon 1-Hole Sharpener

This portable crayon sharpener addresses a common pain point with its dedicated pin-head design that handles wax crayons perfectly. The high-carbon steel blades deliver precision cuts that protect the crayon tips, and the rust-resistant construction ensures longevity with each use. Whether you're supplementing school supplies or keeping a spare in the office, this sharpener tackles its simple task with remarkable efficiency.

Officemate Twin Pencil/Crayon Sharpener

This compact twin sharpener handles both standard and oversized pencils, plus crayons, with its all-metal construction ensuring durability. Its generous barrel capacity reduces sharpening interruptions, while the screw-off cap keeps the workspace clean. The thoughtful design makes it ideal for both home and classroom use.

Lyra Stockmar Crayon Sharpener

Children will love this sturdy wooden crayon sharpener, which safely catches shavings in its cardboard barrel. The generous 3-inch size makes it easy for little hands to grip and use, while the biodegradable wood construction is a thoughtful choice for environmentally conscious parents.

X-acto Ranger 55 Black Metal Pencil Sharpener

Whether you're sharpening pencils in a high school classroom or an artist's studio, the X-ACTO Ranger 55 brings a reassuring weight and precision to the task. Made from die-cast metal with dual helical cutters, it transforms ordinary pencil stubs into crisp-tipped tools with remarkable consistency. Its elegant black design and wall-mounting features make it a practical addition to any workspace, while its robust build promises decades of reliable service.

X-Acto Crayon Sharpener

This little sharpener does exactly what it says on the tin (quite literally, since the manual version opens from the bottom to dispose of the shavings), effortlessly turning your tired old crayons back into crisp, pointy sticks of color. Whether you're tackling a massive coloring project or just need to sharpen a few stray crayons, it's surprisingly effective at the task at hand - no more broken tips or crumbly stubs here.

Enday Dual-Hole Metal Pencil Sharpener

This compact metal sharpener combines powerful carbon steel cutting with a practical two-hole design that accommodates both pencils and crayons. At just the right size for pencil cases and desk drawers, it delivers consistent sharpness from standard to jumbo pencil varieties. Built for longevity with durable metal construction, this reliable accessory will serve you for years in school or office settings.

Made-to-Stick MA9055 CrayonSharpener

This handy electric crayon sharpener sports a bright orange design and features an automatic paper peeling blade to make quick work of sharpening your colored pencils. It includes an extra blade cartridge and cleaning brush for extended use, while its durable construction ensures reliable performance session after session. With its robust build quality and practical extras, thissharpener makes short work of dull crayons and keeps your coloring materials in top condition.

Ben Nye Dual Hole Sharpener

This handy dual-hole sharpener makes quick work of both crayons and makeup pencils, with its simple design keeping things mess-free. Users particularly love how well it sharpens, with no breakages reported. The clear plastic design lets you see what you're doing, adding to its appeal.

Bohin 91505 Pencil and Crayon Sharpener

This Bohin sharpener handles both pencils and crayons with its dual-size openings, from standard markers to larger writing tools. The color-themed design adds a personal touch to your stationery collection. Users particularly appreciate its effectiveness with new Bohin crayons, though it's worth noting that finding matching replacements might be challenging.

Ticonderoga Duo Pencil Sharpener

This dual-purpose sharpener tackles both pencils and crayons with its versatile design. The compact tool stores its eraser in a built-in container that catches sharpening shavings, while keeping the overall package free of harmful chemicals like PVC and phthalates. At just 7 inches long, it's small enough to carry around for touch-ups at school or work.

Jot Portable Electric Pencil and Crayon Sharpener

This compact purple sharpener packs surprising punch for its size, effortlessly whittling down both pencils and crayons with its battery-powered precision. At just over 1.5 inches tall, it's designed to disappear into pockets or pencil cases without weighing you down. The durable copper and plastic construction ensures it'll last through countless sharpening sessions.

X-acto Inspire+ Battery-Powered Pencil Sharpener

This stylish vertical sharpener brings a bit of Hollywood glam to your desk with its black and silver design, though some users have noted it's a bit finicky about what pencils it'll sharpen. The hardened steel cutters definitely get the job done when it's working, but plenty of folks have reported serious reliability issues - one brave soul even got replacement service from the manufacturer after their sharpener bit the dust after just a month of use. Overall, it packs a decent punch for its size and has won over some fans who appreciate the space-saving design and easy cleanup.

Glo Crayon Sharpener

Crafted in Germany, this precision sharpener handles the unique formula of Royal lip crayons with ease, producing crisp, round points while protecting the delicate pencils from damage. A built-in cleaning stick keeps the shavings contained, making cleanup a breeze.

Staedtler 2-Hole Pencil Sharpener

This sturdy pencil sharpener handles both standard and oversized pencils with its double-hole design, while its German-engineered metal construction ensures longevity. Teachers and students alike praise its consistent sharpness and reliable performance, with some users reporting it works better than expensive electric alternatives. The easy-to-use design, complete with built-in shavings container and safety lock, has become a staple in classrooms and offices, where its silent operation and compact size make it a practical choice for sharpening all your writing tools.

Lyra Wooden Wax Crayon Sharpener

This wooden crayon sharpener from Lyra makes quick work of those chunky wax crayons, giving them a fresh new point without any fancy extras that might confuse little fingers. Made from sustainably-sourced German wood, it's a practical addition to any art supply collection, especially for families who love their Stockmar crayons. The straightforward design has earned high praise from parents who appreciate its simple effectiveness.

Westcott Plastic Manual Pencil & Crayon Sharpener

This compact metal sharpener handles both pencils and crayons with its precision stainless steel blades, while the plastic container catches shavings neatly. Standing just 2 inches tall, it's versatile enough for home or classroom use and comes in various colors. Users praise its effectiveness, though some note the "assorted colors" description means you receive only one color instead of a full set.

Mr. Pen 3-in-1 Colored Pencil Sharpener

This 3-in-1 pencil sharpener handles jumbo, regular, and colored pencils with ease, featuring separate compartments that catch shavings to keep your workspace tidy. Its ergonomically designed triangular shape makes it comfortable to hold for both adults and children, while the high-quality metal blade delivers sharp points consistently. Users particularly appreciate its versatile sizing and compact design that works well for both personal use and classroom settings.

Helix 2-Hole Crayon and Pencil Sharpener

This dual-purpose sharpener makes quick work of both pencils and crayons, with a handy built-in canister to catch those pesky shavings. The simple design lets you sharpen from the top for pencils and the bottom for crayons, while the compact shape keeps your workspace tidy. Whether you're coloring or writing, getting fresh points with this sharpener means you're always ready to create.

WEKOIL Twin Metal Pencil Sharpener

wood-clad pencils glide through these metal jaws, while their graphite siblings emerge with razor-sharp points; the dual-holed design tackle both standard and crayon forms with equal effectiveness; the aluminum and steel construction feels solid in hand, though occasional blade replacement will keep your sharpener performing at its best.

AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener

The AFMAT electric pencil sharpener cuts through pencils at an impressive speed - just 5 seconds for new ones and 3 seconds for used ones. Its powerful motor handles everything from standard No. 2 pencils to thick charcoal sticks, while a smart auto-stop feature prevents over-sharpening and preserves your pencil leads.

Faber-Castell Triangular Pencil Sharpener

This versatile pencil sharpener effortlessly handles every type of pencil you might own, from delicate woodless cores to sturdy jumbo models. Its sleek triangular design fits comfortably in your hand while the three interchangeable blades tackle everything from fine line art to bold colored pencil strokes. The cleverly designed top opens and closes to catch all the pencil shavings in its compact storage compartment.

Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener

Two-blade design gives you the perfect point for every Prismacolor Premier pencil, with a handy translucent body that lets you know when it's time to empty the shavings. Users love how this sharpener handles both fine and broad details, though some find the lid can be a bit tricky to pop off - make sure you flip it over the trash to avoid spills! This durable little tool has earned its place in many artists' bags, keeping their colored pencils sharp and ready for whatever project comes next.

Elmer's 16758 Battery-Powered Pencil Sharpener

This brightly colored electric sharpener makes quick work of sharpening both standard and colored pencils, though its small size means frequent emptying of the compact shaving compartment. Battery operation makes it convenient for school or travel, but users have reported mixed results with durability, some models failing after just a few uses. The clear plastic design and simple operation make it a fun addition to any desk drawer, even if the build quality leaves something to be desired.

Piranha Crayon Sharpener (2 Pack)

These cute little piranhas make boring pencil sharpening fun - just stick your pencil in their open mouths and watch them gobble up the shavings! The best part is, their round tummies catch every last bit so you never have to clean out a dull old sharpener again. Perfect for helping kids develop good pencil-holding habits while keeping them entertained during those long homework sessions.

C.H. Hanson Carpenter Pencil Sharpener

Crafted for the precision needs of construction professionals, this ergonomic pencil sharpener transforms flat carpenter pencils into sharp, reliable tools. With its extra-thick blade and adjustable rotating collar, it effortlessly handles both standard and specialty carpenter pencils, producing sharp points that traditional sharpener models often struggle to achieve. The compact design, complete with a convenient key-ring loop, allows for easy carry in tool pouches or aprons, keeping your sharpening tool within reach at all times.

X-Acto School Pro Electric Crayon Sharpener

Teachers looking for a reliable way to keep their classroom supply of pencils sharp will appreciate the X-Acto School Pro Electric Pencil Sharpener. This durable electric sharpener handles both standard and colored pencils with ease, thanks to its precision fly-away cutter that prevents over-sharpening. Students can quickly get back to their work while the teacher tends to other needs. The easy-to-empty bin and simple six-size dial make it practical for daily classroom use.

Pen+gear Battery-Operated Pencil Sharpener

This blue battery-operated pencil sharpener makes quick work of sharpening tasks, with its simple design featuring a clear container for easy shavings removal. The compact desktop tool, measuring just 5.25 inches long, requires simple setup with included AA batteries and proves particularly handy for students who need reliable, portable sharpening.

X-acto KS Manual Pencil Sharpener

The X-ACTO KS Manual Pencil Sharpener brings back classic schoolhouse memories with its all-metal construction and dual helical cutters that deliver precision every time. It's not just another sharpener; users swear by its ability to produce perfect points quickly, even with today's thicker pencils. Whether you're sharpening dozens of pencils for a classroom or just need a reliable tool for your own projects, this manual sharpener proves itself time and again.

AUXIRACER Manual Pencil Sharpener

This manual pencil sharpener has earned its spot as a top pick, thanks to its durable helical blade that effortlessly sharpens up to 6,000 times. Its compact design makes it perfect for desk space, while its reliable auto-feed system means kids can use it safely and efficiently. The transparent shavings box and quiet operation make it a practical addition to any classroom or home office setup.

Lord & Berry Jumbo Makeup Pencil Sharpener

This compact sharpener tackles those chunky makeup pencils that normal sharpeners can't handle, giving you precise tips for your liner and lip crayons. The clever modulator tip lets you choose between a rounded or sharp point, while the included cleaning pick keeps the tool tidy between uses. While some reviewers have noted quality issues, many find it essential for achieving just the right tip on their fat pencils.

Blackwing One-Step Pencil Sharpener

The Blackwing One-Step sharpener creates long, resilient points that resist breakage, thanks to its precision-engineered German steel blade and durable aluminum construction. This compact sharpener efficiently handles multiple pencils before needing a simple three-sharpener capacity empty, making it a practical addition to any artist's toolkit. While some users report exceptional results, others find the point formation inconsistent, occasionally resulting in broken leads or jammed shavings. Its elegant design and reliable performance make it a noteworthy choice for both new and experienced pencil enthusiasts.

Buyer's Guide

A crayon sharpener is a practical tool for maintaining the point on your colored pencils and crayons, ensuring consistent quality in your artwork. The right sharpener can extend the life of your crayons while producing consistent results during use.

Speed and Efficiency

The best crayon sharpeners complete the task quickly without excessive pressure, reducing the risk of breaking or dulling the crayon. Manual hand-crank sharpeners are typically slower but offer precise control, while electric models process multiple crayons simultaneously for bulk sharpening needs.

Shavings and Safety

Effective crayon sharpeners minimize dust and shavings, which can be particularly important in schools or workshops where multiple users will be handling the tool. Look for models with collection containers or special compartments to contain debris safely during use.

Safety Features

For shared tools or environments with young users, consider sharpeners with safety mechanisms that prevent fingers from coming into contact with the sharp point. Manual sharpeners with enclosed mechanisms or electric models with automatic shut-off features add an extra layer of protection.

Material Compatibility

Not all sharpeners work with every type of crayon. Some models are designed specifically for short, thick crayons, while others can handle both standard and fat crayons. Check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure the tool is compatible with your specific crayon collection.

FAQ

What types of crayons can be sharpened with these products?

Crayon sharpeners typically work with standard wax-based crayons measuring 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter. Some specialized models may accommodate larger or smaller crayons, but standard crayons will fit most sharpeners.

These sharpeners do not work with oil-based or pastel crayons. For oil-based crayons, consider using a traditional sharpener or a dedicated oil crayon sharpener.

What are the main features to consider when selecting a crayon sharpener?

The primary considerations are ease of use, safety, and durability. Look for models with comfortable grips and clear instructions. Safety features like secure closures and non-slip bases are important, especially for shared or children's use.

Durability depends on the material and construction quality. Plastic models are affordable and lightweight but may wear down faster. Metal or heavy-duty plastic models typically last longer and can handle more wear and tear.

Are these sharpeners easy to clean and maintain?

Most sharpeners are dishwasher-safe, though manual cleaning with warm soapy water is recommended to prevent damage. Some models have removable parts that can be disassembled for thorough cleaning.

After use, wipe down the sharpener with a clean cloth to remove any crayon residue. Regular cleaning prevents clogs and maintains smooth operation. For stubborn residue, use vinegar or a mild cleaning solution.

How do I determine the appropriate size for a crayon sharpener?

Measure the diameter of your crayons and look for a sharpener that matches within the recommended range (usually 3/8" to 1/2"). Some models have adjustable settings to accommodate different crayon sizes.

If you have multiple types of crayons, opt for a model that covers the full range of sizes you'll be using. This ensures you don't need multiple sharpeners for different crayons.

How long do these sharpeners typically last?

With regular use, basic plastic sharpeners last 1-2 years if used daily. Higher-quality metal or heavy-duty plastic models can last 3-5 years with daily use.

Factors affecting longevity include usage frequency, maintenance, and how well the sharpener is stored when not in use. Proper care extends the life of any sharpener.

What should I consider if I need a portable crayon sharpener?

Look for models with compact designs and lightweight materials. Some portable sharpeners double as storage containers, which can be convenient.

Ensure the sharpener has a secure closure to prevent crayons from rolling out during transport. Consider models with built-in hooks or clips for easy attachment to backpacks or toolkits.