Hey Jason, THANK YOU for all your advice, reviews and insights. I have one idea to share with you on the subject of sharpening pencils. I chuck the pencil into a cordless drill and gently hold the spinning pencil against a belt sander with 120 grit sand-paper. It only takes seconds and you can get any angle for the sharpest possible points. For very soft pastel pencils, I use 220 grit. Works a treat! 😁
It occurred to me that if you wear makeup you realize the eyeliner pencils are really soft and need special sharpeners. So I used one of those to sharpen the pencil and a nail file to give it a sharper point. So, I suggest spending some time in the makeup dept and purchase cheap goods there. They work perfectly.
Thankyou Jason ...very useful. I live in Italy and in this confusing time may I say that painting, drawing is marvellous to get your mind off all the negative stuff going on.
That's exactly the way my dad taught me to sharpen my coloured pencils when I was nine or so. And he used to say, keep your blades sharp and your wits sharper.
Thank you for the comparison video. It is human nature to only cover the products we like (or sell). I am in the unenviable position to suffer from such severe arthritis in my hands that I can only draw a minute or so at a time without resting, and sharpening with a hand held sharpener uses up that minute, so to speak, as the twisting of the sharpener is very painful. A crank sharpener may seem similar but is much less stress on the joints. I have used a blade at times and my electric (the only one I have ever found to be acceptable with pastel pencils) when they are too shabby looking. I keep a handful or regular 2b graphic pencils to run through to clear out the pastel clogs, and it works despite using a bit more of the pencil. Your mention and link for the crank sharpener you reviewed is helpful as anything that will eat a bit less of the pencil is worth it.
So glad I watched this - I have a little crank handle sharpener for graphite pencils but did not realise you pull the top bit out to feed the pencil. for the first time I now have very sharp pointy ends - excellent for fine details.
Hi again Jason, I bought the M+R crank handled pencil sharpener and got it today. I am really pleased with how it's sharpened my Caran D'Ache pastel pencils, thanks so much for recommending it!
💥Хочу поблагодарить за полезное видео🙂.) У нас, в России, ещё в 1970-1990 годах все художники и даже ученики начальной школы умели правильно затачивать любые карандаши с помощью кухонного ножа, или лезвия для бритья до ИДЕАЛЬНОГО тонкого кончика😉👌.) I want to thank you for the helpful video☺.) In Russia, back in the 1970s and 1990s, all artists and even elementary school students could properly sharpen any pencils with a kitchen knife or a shaving blade to a perfectly thin tip😉👌.)
Was this video perhaps spurred by a discussion in the comments of your metal drawing video? At any rate this is a pretty comprehensive video and much appreciated. Also I never actually considered using a graphite stick to maintain the sharpness of crank sharpeners. When you think about it graphite is a natural lubricant that's often used in various machinery so it makes perfect sense. Thanks for that.
I was having an enormous problem sharpening my CarbOthellos. I just purchased the Swordfish sharpener that you showed. I had never heard of it, and it just came and I gave it a try. I could kiss you! This thing is fabulous! Thank you!!
Julie Vander Meulen Learn how to remove the sharpening blades you can brush out any residue with a soft brush. Also, be sure to use the woodless graphite regularly - every 5 or so sharpenings. Note that you do NOT have to keep sharpening until the unit closes - many times 2 or 3 cycles of the handle freshens up the point nicely.
Julie Vander Meulen- Graohite keeps the blades and gear lubricated to they don't gum up with residue which causes drag when cutting. Because the shavings fall away cleanly, more io the blade is available thereby spreading out the work of the blade. I find removing the blade after about 20 uses and cleaning it out with a brudh really has helped. I've had my Swordfish for almost a year, and I sharpen mostly colored pencils - both wax and oil based - soft and hard cores,and plenty of pastels - CarbOthellos and Faber-Castell.
Great video Jason! 😁 I've used my Derwent super point crank sharpener on my pastel pencils with no issues. I've used this for both my Derwent & carbothellos and it works great.
That's interesting Valerie. I have/love the Derwent as well, but keep having issues- the sharpener ends up failing basically (see my post above). Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Jason, many thanks for your brilliant tutorials. Have just had my very first go with Pitt Pastel Pencils. I have the Derwent Super Point Helical sharpener which has been brilliant for my graphite and coloured pencils, had it for a few months now. However, I used it with my pastel pencils and it was ruined!!! I followed all the advice regarding cleaning when it gets clogged up, nothing worked, couldn't get it to sharpen anything properly, decided I would have to buy another one and use a different method for the Pastel Pencils. As I thought it was now useless, as an experiment I decided to try hot soapy water (fairy liquid) and a scrubbing brush on the barrel. IT WORKED A TREAT, now works perfectly again. Thought I would share my discovery with you all.
You have to get the xacto commercial model 41 electric sharpener, it's expensive but worth every penny, I have tried many ways and sharpening techniques, this is by far the best and out of 25 pencils I had one tip break off, once, and I think it was cracked before I put it in the sharpener, it creates a really nice point, keep the tray cleaned out to avoid it sucking back up and clogging the blades and sharpen a graphite pencil every few pastels to help clean off the blades, I have almost all brands of pastel pencils out there and you can choose from 6 pencil widths so all of them work in it, yes even the soft caran dache pencils. The only drawbacks , pencil has to be more than 3 inches long to sharpen and it is large 8 1/2" long 6" tall. But never found an electric sharpener that sharpens pastels this well. There is a lady on you tube who has a video on it with pastels and it really does work just as she shows. Just had to share with you what a great find.
Interesting! Woodless Graphite sharpens blades!?! Makes complete sense, but never would have thought of that! I am going to try it on my hand sharpeners I do not have a crank sharpener. But seems like it would still work :-) thank you I’m excited to try that!
I use the swordfish ikon, the replacement blades are somewhere around £3. And I use the xacto powerhouse which is a brilliant power sharpener which plugs into the mains and has a good powerful Turner.
There is massive variation between pencil colours in the same brand too. I find that within the same brand range, some pencils crumble in the sharpener while others sharp beautifully to a fine point. So it’s probably worth to test a range of techniques and adapt as one goes along. With handheld sharpeners is also worth to buy loads of spare blades (cheaper than replacing the entire sharpener and less plastic waste) as they will get blunt quickly.
Thank you Jason 😀 I was only using a graphite pencil to clean my swordfish sharpener and the blade got dull after 2 drawings. I will try the recommended graphite stick 🙂
Did you try this? As I've had the same problem! It worked amazingly for the first few drawings then went blunt and started chewing the pencil! I've already ordered another one, but I was wondering if the graphite pencil works? Thank you in advance! :) x
It is not logical a graphite pencil sharpens the pencil sharpen blades. The only thing I think could be happening is the graphite is lubricating the blades.
I don’t ever use specialist pastel friendly paper/crank sharpeners. I use regular card and I sharpen my pencils using cheap sharp peeling/vegetable knife. The only specialist item I use are decent pastel pencils like Faber castells. Cannot get on with Derwents as the colour vibrancy is really bad for my style of pastel painting
I am having trouble with my swordfish sharpening my Stablio, not certain what is the issue but it just doesn't seem to move. Works fine on my Faber Castel though...
You can also sharpen pastels using a Dremel tool with a grinder wheel. I think the hand crank sharpeners with a roller feed and a single helix blade would work fairly well. But let's face it-- the chalk in a pastel pencils is easy to break.
Helpful video Jason. I have a major problem with the Swordfish sharpener as it is constantly breaking the leads of the pencils. This means I have to stop and take it apart with a screwdriver to get it out. I'm using Pitt and Carbothello pencils. I've bought two sharpeners so far but no joy. Pity as I love your work and the sharp points you're able to get with these. Any suggestions appreciated. In the meantime I'm back to the more time consuming blade sharpening. Thanks again.
Another excellent overview! Great job presenting the various sharpening options for Pastel pencils and most importantly, you explain that it really depends on what Mfr of pencils you're trying to sharpen. I also use Pitt & Carbothello (can't afford those Caran D'ache), and prefer to use my Derwent Crank sharpener (very similar to your Swordfish). However, I've found that after some use, the Derwent fails- ending up blunting or almost polishing the wooden part. I've even ran graphite after every use, but am on my second Derwent. I've read elsewhere this is due to the mineral composition of the pastels themselves, that they just dull the many blades of the crank-style sharpeners. Very frustrating- does anyone have any suggestions or tricks that enable me to continue to use the Derwent? I absolutely love how they sharpen my colored and graphite pencils, but can't afford to keep replacing it! Would the Swordfish or another Mfr, be a better choice? I've had problems finding a US distributor for the Swordfish models. Currently, I'm using the razor & sandpaper method, but it just doesn't give me the tip/nib I like, especially rendering details. I realize this post is over 2 years old, but if anyone has any suggestions or tips, I'd greatly appreciate it! THANKS! ~WheelieBob~
My swordfish lasts about 6 months, none really last longer, but at £8 I just keep replacing it and don't mind at that price. Yes the pastel itself blunts the blades. Also I NEVER sharpen them to a very fine point like you can with coloured pencils.
I love your videos! Thanks so much for all the information. Could you tell me what type of vacuum cleaner you use to vacuum up the pastel dust. I definitely need to get one of those from Santa… Thanks so much and happy holidays!
I agree with everyone about the care and detailed video on sharpening pastel pencils .Does this also stand true for colored pencils . I have been learning to do CP portraits and I am getting tried of hand sharpening . ...I have bought two Bostitch QuietSharp 6 Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener, 6-Holes and they worked maybe a day even if I put regular pencils ...but now I have learned from you to use the graphite sticks . Think I will take a chance one more time and try xacto powerhouse as Lee mentioned below ...maybe lol ...thanks again for your very informative video . I will have to look at more of them :D
Hello Jason, this is such an interesting and informative tutorial, thank you!. I'm starting out and using Cretacolor pastel pencils which I sharpen with a blade. Very time-consuming and messy, really. Do you know if a crank-handle sharpener, such as the Swordfish, would work with the Cretacolor? I do plan do purchase a better grade of pencil soon. Your work is wonderful and your tutorials very encouraging for newbies. Sandi, Cape Town, South Africa.
Complete pencil sharpener guide: For the Koh-I-Noor 5.6mm leads, I use the magnesium M+R that comes in a small plastic box, with the top being transparent and the bottom part black, which also carries 2 extra blades on that bottom part. (The 1st razor, is already on the 3d year of use, without showing any dullness, even though I use it for their Red Chalk and Dark Sepia and very rare for graphite). You can use almost any common pencil sharpener, but I'd recommend to not choose longpoints for the 5.6mm leads. (Not just because the tip will break immediately, it also gets the tip very far from the grip, and makes the pencils uncomfortable to use for writing (You can still adjust the length of the lead for drawing, it's a lead holder!!) - For Wooden pencils, I use a combination of 2 different sharpeners,For the softer (B) pencils I use the 0.80cents Plastic KUM Long Point, which has the 2 extra blades stuffed vertically together next to the main razor. and for the (H)arder ones, I use the 2 stages KUM Automatic Longpoint, that also has 2 extra blades sandwiched together and can also sharpen 2mm and 3.15mm leads!!! - For Polychromos, either the inexpensive KUM Longpoint or the magnesium KUM that has the 2 sizes holes. PS I suggest, to get at least 2 of each, not just because they are very inexpensive, but because 1 is non and 2 is one. You might change a blade, and the fit won't be the same as before, which means the sharpener won't work as before. You also may lose or damage one, PS 2 These are the best sharpeners, No need to go for super expensive ones. KUM can cover all your needs. M+R also provides good quality, they just don't have the great designs, that KUM has,' PS2 For lead holders, Either the M+R or the Staedtler those which rotate clockwise and have the filter tip to clean the lead after sharpening. as also the Faber Castell 18 66 00, or the stupid cheap 2mm tiny sharpener, are the BEST you can get, on both quality and performance. Kum has copied the design and makes the same ones, but they are not as good as the Faber Castell ones for some reason. Only the M+R Tiny 2mm lead sharpener, is as good as the Faber Castell and it only costs 0.20 cents!!!
You have a video about sharpeners, and instead of links TO those sharpeners in your description, you place links to PENCILS. Yeah, makes total sense. The problem no one seems to be addressing when buying these silver bullet sharpeners for the Caran d'Ache Luminance, is that apparently they come in hole designations: P-B, P-C, P-D, etc. But I can't find anywhere where these are clearly defined. I assume they deal with size, but where are they listed??
the swordfish sharpener i recommend is listed in the description with a link to it. - regarding the luminance and the letters I have no idea what that is.
@@wildlifeartjm Thanks for adding it. It wasn't there when I watched this (and I followed each link to make sure) so I had to order a different one, but appreciate you adding it.
Hello Jason (I'm a client of yours), in the beginning of the video you say Derwent is harder than Caran d'ache, then at 11:59 you say the opposite. A bit confusing. I have Derwent but it breaks down so easily, I sharpen them with the blade (same manner as you indicated) but it's time consuming and I'd prefer a quick and smarter way.
I'm on my second Swordfish sharpener. They work amazingly for first week or so then they stop working at all. I've taken it all apart etc and nothing stuck in it but it never puts them anywhere near a point and it's ruining my work. Any advice? They are Faber Castell The thing grips the pencil but I feel no friction on the blades and the thing doesn't move inwards to feed the pencil in
Get an AFMAT pencil sharpener and/or a KUM Masterpiece (KUM automatic long point, is a great more budget friendly solution) Those are by far,the best pencil sharpeners out there. I rrgret I didn't get the KIM Masterpiece earlier! It is the best of its kind!
Help!!! I have used the Derwent Super Point Manual Helical Pencil sharpener to sharpen my derwent pastel pencils last night, it was ok for the first few pencil, but then last one's pastel nib was broken and trapped inside the sharpener 😭 I dont know how to get that out.... what should I do?
My swordfish worked great for a hundred or so times. Then it stopped and I can't get a decent point, most leads break well before they're sharp. I'll try washing with soapy water as on reply suggested. Otherwise it's just a frustrating purchase
The brand is KUM. That blue sharpener is really the most versatile one you can get. It sharpens graphite and carbon pencils to a very fine point and as he demonstrates here even works for pastels. It also has additional sharpeners for technical pencil lead as well
Pastel is just like chalk. Comes in sticks or in chalk pencils. Watercolor pencils are in pencil form and after you draw, you can paint over to blend colors. You can also wet paper and put wc pencil on it. Watercolor pencils in a good brand are far more effective than pastels if you use water. If you can't afford watercolor pencils you can wet a brush and swish it on a pastel and paint color although it won't come out as beautiful.
Pastels sometimes break whether you use hand or crank. I use two different hand sharpeners for my FC and do them in two steps but the blades need to be very keen, also clean them out as you go. Be gentle with them, Don't Drop them or it's goodby smiley face hello..... : (
hi jason how long does your swordfish ikon last? i had a couple and none lasted more than a couple of weeks and none were over used plus i tried to keep sharpening graphite to keep it sharp but it made no difference?
+Dora Carrington my very best friend bought me a sharpener though and it is brilliant. Called the xacto powerhouse. It's a power sharpener and gives me a perfect fine point everytime. My guess is it's quite expensive though so just depends how important your art is to you to judge whether you want to spend extra. Hope all these bits of info help you. :)
Just Purchased Faber Castell 60 Pitt Pastels of the first 30 two pastel pencils were impossible to sharpen. 1122 - 151 espesherly was bad it will be nothing and then I will not get a point on it. 1122-155 sharpened but lost an inch of it's length. Using a Jakar crank sharpener £27.
Thank you for this. Your information was quite timely. I do have one question regarding paper choice. I have two brands in my shopping cart at Jerry's but I can only really afford one. I have PastelMat and Uart 600 in the cart. Although I am an experienced artist, pastels are an entirely new medium for me and paper choice is confounding me. Whichever paper I choose must be appropriate for both wildlife and human portraiture. I plan on using Panpastel and Pitt pastel pencils. Please help?
both these papers are similar. and both will work. The UArt 800 is smoother and more like pastelmat. UArt has more of a feel of fine sandpaper than pastelmat though. UArt is also more inclined to curl at the edges too. My personal fav is pastelmat. but both are good.
Thank you Jason. I decided to buy one small sheet pkg. each of the Pastelmat and 800 grit Uart to decide which one I like better for my purposes. When it comes right down to it, paper seems to be a very personal choice. I bought Stonehenge white paper based on recommendations and I hate it. It creases with even the slightest pencil line, it grabs the graphite and will not erase fully even with just a light smudge stick. Even barely using a mono eraser created grooves in the paper and Jerry's Vanish eraser which will erase EVERYTHING, couldn't get it clean. Now I have two expensive pads of scratch paper. Well, live and learn. I'll use it to mix my Panpastels on. Thanks so much for replying and have a wonderful, creative day!
I'm thinking of trying the Strathmore 500 series Bristol for my graphite. I just can't decide between the vellum and the smooth plate. I like lots of detail so it has to be good for that. I've been using watercolor paper on the reverse side. I experimented with watercolors but they really don't work for me so I had all this paper left over. Now that's running really low so I bought the Stonehenge. So, if you'll forgive the pun, its back to the drawing board.
so I tried hand sharpening after watching your video. It went well, I mean, didn't cut myself with the blade, practiced on a cheap normal school pencil, and then I stabbed myself with the point end when I put the pencil down... that wasn't very nice.
الباستيل من احسن البساتيل في الكون والعالم وجميع الشرقات الاوسط و و،كلللهاااا ولا يوجاد .... الخ نفس الكليشى هسه راح تگول شنو هل الكلمات اش يهلوس هذا شوف اگلك اذا واحد بطال وعطال وجمعة والسبت استراحة اش راح يسوي اني اگلك اما يلعب ابخصاوي مالته او يهلوس اني من كثر ما لعبت ابخصاوي مالتي طك الخصاوي وصار پنچر و حاليا صوندات مالته بره فما ضل مجال العب بعد فگمت اهلوس لو انت بكاني هم جان تسوي الي اسويي لا تقشمر عليا تره والله ،الله يگلبه عليك اذا انت ازلمة جاوبني 😂
It is not logical a graphite pencil sharpens the pencil sharpen blades. The only thing I think could be happening is the graphite is lubricating the blades.
Paul Tudor correct. That is what I learnt a few months ago. But did not want to remove the video just for that. The end result is still the same. It works. 😉
Aren't consumables wonderful? Businesses put up a big factory, invest in expensive equipment and manufacturing techniques, we consumers (if we're lucky) get up and slave all day for a cruel employer for small wages so we can go out and buy the products, then we bring them home, whack out a sharp instrument, and carve the product up into tiny pieces that go into the bin and are then taken to the landfill. And we consumers pay for all of this. Me included. ;-)
![The Wall Song ร้องข้ามกำแพง | EP.213 | กรีน อัษฎาพร | 3 ต.ค. 67 [1/5]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3KrlLbCsadI/mqdefault.jpg)
Just found your channel - I’m new to pastel pencils and have a KUM sharpener so I’ll use that. Thanks for this video.👍
Hey Jason, THANK YOU for all your advice, reviews and insights. I have one idea to share with you on the subject of sharpening pencils. I chuck the pencil into a cordless drill and gently hold the spinning pencil against a belt sander with 120 grit sand-paper. It only takes seconds and you can get any angle for the sharpest possible points. For very soft pastel pencils, I use 220 grit. Works a treat! 😁
It occurred to me that if you wear makeup you realize the eyeliner pencils are really soft and need special sharpeners. So I used one of those to sharpen the pencil and a nail file to give it a sharper point. So, I suggest spending some time in the makeup dept and purchase cheap goods there. They work perfectly.
Thank you so much for the tip. I never would have thought of that. ^^ I will try it.
Great tip Cynthia! Thanks! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
You are best teacher of pastels
Hi Jason, your tutorials are really wonderful, clear and patient in demonstration and explanation. Thanks!
Thankyou Jason ...very useful. I live in Italy and in this confusing time may I say that painting, drawing is marvellous to get your mind off all the negative stuff going on.
Hello Elena hope you’re okay ?
That's exactly the way my dad taught me to sharpen my coloured pencils when I was nine or so. And he used to say, keep your blades sharp and your wits sharper.
Thank you for the comparison video. It is human nature to only cover the products we like (or sell). I am in the unenviable position to suffer from such severe arthritis in my hands that I can only draw a minute or so at a time without resting, and sharpening with a hand held sharpener uses up that minute, so to speak, as the twisting of the sharpener is very painful. A crank sharpener may seem similar but is much less stress on the joints. I have used a blade at times and my electric (the only one I have ever found to be acceptable with pastel pencils) when they are too shabby looking. I keep a handful or regular 2b graphic pencils to run through to clear out the pastel clogs, and it works despite using a bit more of the pencil. Your mention and link for the crank sharpener you reviewed is helpful as anything that will eat a bit less of the pencil is worth it.
This is a very helpful video! Lots of useful information concisely presented - even how to maintain a sharpener!
Just purchased the swordfish sharpener which you recommended. Thanks!
You are simply the BEST 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻😊
So glad I watched this - I have a little crank handle sharpener for graphite pencils but did not realise you pull the top bit out to feed the pencil. for the first time I now have very sharp pointy ends - excellent for fine details.
Hello Tanya hope you’re okay ?
Great tip about the graphite pencil. Thank you.
Hello Kerry hope you’re okay ✅
Thank you very much!
Very useful video!
thank you , this really helped
Hi again Jason, I bought the M+R crank handled pencil sharpener and got it today. I am really pleased with how it's sharpened my Caran D'Ache pastel pencils, thanks so much for recommending it!
Hello Janice hope you’re okay ✅
💥Хочу поблагодарить за полезное видео🙂.) У нас, в России, ещё в 1970-1990 годах все художники и даже ученики начальной школы умели правильно затачивать любые карандаши с помощью кухонного ножа, или лезвия для бритья до ИДЕАЛЬНОГО тонкого кончика😉👌.) I want to thank you for the helpful video☺.) In Russia, back in the 1970s and 1990s, all artists and even elementary school students could properly sharpen any pencils with a kitchen knife or a shaving blade to a perfectly thin tip😉👌.)
This is so useful Jason, very much appreciated. Thank you!
Great and informative video, thank you. I wish I could give you an extra like for the amazing accent!
Thank you Jason for a very informative video and helpful advice.
Very helpful. Thanks so much, Jason!
Was this video perhaps spurred by a discussion in the comments of your metal drawing video? At any rate this is a pretty comprehensive video and much appreciated. Also I never actually considered using a graphite stick to maintain the sharpness of crank sharpeners. When you think about it graphite is a natural lubricant that's often used in various machinery so it makes perfect sense. Thanks for that.
I was having an enormous problem sharpening my CarbOthellos. I just purchased the Swordfish sharpener that you showed. I had never heard of it, and it just came and I gave it a try. I could kiss you! This thing is fabulous! Thank you!!
Julie Vander Meulen Learn how to remove the sharpening blades you can brush out any residue with a soft brush. Also, be sure to use the woodless graphite regularly - every 5 or so sharpenings. Note that you do NOT have to keep sharpening until the unit closes - many times 2 or 3 cycles of the handle freshens up the point nicely.
Thanks. The graphite keeps the blades sharp?
Julie Vander Meulen- Graohite keeps the blades and gear lubricated to they don't gum up with residue which causes drag when cutting. Because the shavings fall away cleanly, more io the blade is available thereby spreading out the work of the blade. I find removing the blade after about 20 uses and cleaning it out with a brudh really has helped. I've had my Swordfish for almost a year, and I sharpen mostly colored pencils - both wax and oil based - soft and hard cores,and plenty of pastels - CarbOthellos and Faber-Castell.
Hello Julie hope you’re okay ✅
Yes, I have heard that more than once on youtube. @@julievandermeulen9716
Great video Jason! 😁 I've used my Derwent super point crank sharpener on my pastel pencils with no issues. I've used this for both my Derwent & carbothellos and it works great.
That's interesting Valerie. I have/love the Derwent as well, but keep having issues- the sharpener ends up failing basically (see my post above). Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Hello Valarie hope you’re okay ?
Hi@@marthindavis2782 😁 Doing okay. Why do you ask?
@@DrawingWithFire Just wanna check on the person I care about so much
Where are you originally from?
@@DrawingWithFire I would love to know you more better
that is exactly what I did Jason,,thank you for your time
Hello Angela hope you’re okay ?
Thanks!
Thank you for very useful information.
Very useful video - thank you Jason
Hello Rachel hope you’re okay ✅
Hi Jason, many thanks for your brilliant tutorials. Have just had my very first go with Pitt Pastel Pencils. I have the Derwent Super Point Helical sharpener which has been brilliant for my graphite and coloured pencils, had it for a few months now. However, I used it with my pastel pencils and it was ruined!!! I followed all the advice regarding cleaning when it gets clogged up, nothing worked, couldn't get it to sharpen anything properly, decided I would have to buy another one and use a different method for the Pastel Pencils. As I thought it was now useless, as an experiment I decided to try hot soapy water (fairy liquid) and a scrubbing brush on the barrel. IT WORKED A TREAT, now works perfectly again. Thought I would share my discovery with you all.
Brilliant. I will pass that info on.
Hello Kathleen hope you’re okay ✅
This was very helpfull. Thank you
Thank you for your always careful and thoughtful videos. I have just started following you on patreon. You are a fount of useful information! 😊
Hello Gloria hope you’re okay ✅
You have to get the xacto commercial model 41 electric sharpener, it's expensive but worth every penny, I have tried many ways and sharpening techniques, this is by far the best and out of 25 pencils I had one tip break off, once, and I think it was cracked before I put it in the sharpener, it creates a really nice point, keep the tray cleaned out to avoid it sucking back up and clogging the blades and sharpen a graphite pencil every few pastels to help clean off the blades, I have almost all brands of pastel pencils out there and you can choose from 6 pencil widths so all of them work in it, yes even the soft caran dache pencils. The only drawbacks , pencil has to be more than 3 inches long to sharpen and it is large 8 1/2" long 6" tall. But never found an electric sharpener that sharpens pastels this well. There is a lady on you tube who has a video on it with pastels and it really does work just as she shows. Just had to share with you what a great find.
Hello Tammy hope you’re okay ✅
I love my swordfish crank sharpener
Thanks Jason, this is helpful having switched to pastel pencils earlier this year
Fiskars the garden tool people, make one hell of a good large hole & small hole pencil sharpener.
thanks so much for this ... i've got the CD'Ache and have battled so much to sharpen them!
Hello Janice hope you’re okay ?
I have heard this brand is the softest pastel so more difficult to sharpen than Pitt or Carbothello.
Interesting! Woodless Graphite sharpens blades!?! Makes complete sense, but never would have thought of that! I am going to try it on my hand sharpeners I do not have a crank sharpener. But seems like it would still work :-) thank you I’m excited to try that!
Powdered graphite has been used for decades to "lubricate" door locks
I use the swordfish ikon, the replacement blades are somewhere around £3. And I use the xacto powerhouse which is a brilliant power sharpener which plugs into the mains and has a good powerful Turner.
demystifying ....yes....Thank you
thank you
There is massive variation between pencil colours in the same brand too. I find that within the same brand range, some pencils crumble in the sharpener while others sharp beautifully to a fine point. So it’s probably worth to test a range of techniques and adapt as one goes along. With handheld sharpeners is also worth to buy loads of spare blades (cheaper than replacing the entire sharpener and less plastic waste) as they will get blunt quickly.
Thank you. Good video
Hello Michele hope you’re okay ✅
Thank you Jason 😀 I was only using a graphite pencil to clean my swordfish sharpener and the blade got dull after 2 drawings. I will try the recommended graphite stick 🙂
Did you try this? As I've had the same problem! It worked amazingly for the first few drawings then went blunt and started chewing the pencil! I've already ordered another one, but I was wondering if the graphite pencil works? Thank you in advance! :) x
No, I haven't tried it yet as I am waiting for Amazon to deliver my woodless graphite pencils 🙂
Did you manage to try this out? I've been trying, but I don't seem to be getting anywhere
Hi Elise, Sorry for the late reply. Yes I did try it out and so far my sharpener is still working:)
It is not logical a graphite pencil sharpens the pencil sharpen blades. The only thing I think could be happening is the graphite is lubricating the blades.
Very helpful.
Hello Connie hope you’re okay ?
Thank you so much 🙏👍🏻
very helpful, Thanks!
Hello Lewis hope you’re okay ?
Thank you sir!
I don’t ever use specialist pastel friendly paper/crank sharpeners. I use regular card and I sharpen my pencils using cheap sharp peeling/vegetable knife. The only specialist item I use are decent pastel pencils like Faber castells. Cannot get on with Derwents as the colour vibrancy is really bad for my style of pastel painting
Brilliant!
Hello Genie hope you’re okay ✅
I am having trouble with my swordfish sharpening my Stablio, not certain what is the issue but it just doesn't seem to move. Works fine on my Faber Castel though...
You can also sharpen pastels using a Dremel tool with a grinder wheel. I think the hand crank sharpeners with a roller feed and a single helix blade would work fairly well. But let's face it-- the chalk in a pastel pencils is easy to break.
Helpful video Jason. I have a major problem with the Swordfish sharpener as it is constantly breaking the leads of the pencils. This means I have to stop and take it apart with a screwdriver to get it out. I'm using Pitt and Carbothello pencils. I've bought two sharpeners so far but no joy. Pity as I love your work and the sharp points you're able to get with these. Any suggestions appreciated. In the meantime I'm back to the more time consuming blade sharpening. Thanks again.
great thanks
Hello Angela hope you’re okay ✅
Another excellent overview! Great job presenting the various sharpening options for Pastel pencils and most importantly, you explain that it really depends on what Mfr of pencils you're trying to sharpen. I also use Pitt & Carbothello (can't afford those Caran D'ache), and prefer to use my Derwent Crank sharpener (very similar to your Swordfish). However, I've found that after some use, the Derwent fails- ending up blunting or almost polishing the wooden part. I've even ran graphite after every use, but am on my second Derwent. I've read elsewhere this is due to the mineral composition of the pastels themselves, that they just dull the many blades of the crank-style sharpeners. Very frustrating- does anyone have any suggestions or tricks that enable me to continue to use the Derwent? I absolutely love how they sharpen my colored and graphite pencils, but can't afford to keep replacing it! Would the Swordfish or another Mfr, be a better choice? I've had problems finding a US distributor for the Swordfish models. Currently, I'm using the razor & sandpaper method, but it just doesn't give me the tip/nib I like, especially rendering details. I realize this post is over 2 years old, but if anyone has any suggestions or tips, I'd greatly appreciate it! THANKS! ~WheelieBob~
My swordfish lasts about 6 months, none really last longer, but at £8 I just keep replacing it and don't mind at that price. Yes the pastel itself blunts the blades. Also I NEVER sharpen them to a very fine point like you can with coloured pencils.
I love your videos! Thanks so much for all the information. Could you tell me what type of vacuum cleaner you use to vacuum up the pastel dust. I definitely need to get one of those from Santa… Thanks so much and happy holidays!
I agree with everyone about the care and detailed video on sharpening pastel pencils .Does this also stand true for colored pencils . I have been learning to do CP portraits and I am getting tried of hand sharpening . ...I have bought two Bostitch QuietSharp 6 Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener, 6-Holes and they worked maybe a day even if I put regular pencils ...but now I have learned from you to use the graphite sticks . Think I will take a chance one more time and try xacto powerhouse as Lee mentioned below ...maybe lol ...thanks again for your very informative video . I will have to look at more of them :D
Hello Brenda hope you’re okay ✅
Hello Jason, this is such an interesting and informative tutorial, thank you!. I'm starting out and using Cretacolor pastel pencils which I sharpen with a blade. Very time-consuming and messy, really. Do you know if a crank-handle sharpener, such as the Swordfish, would work with the Cretacolor? I do plan do purchase a better grade of pencil soon. Your work is wonderful and your tutorials very encouraging for newbies. Sandi, Cape Town, South Africa.
You have nice hands. I always notice them.
Birdsong yes, beautiful hands.
Complete pencil sharpener guide:
For the Koh-I-Noor 5.6mm leads, I use the magnesium M+R that comes in a small plastic box, with the top being transparent and the bottom part black, which also carries 2 extra blades on that bottom part. (The 1st razor, is already on the 3d year of use, without showing any dullness, even though I use it for their Red Chalk and Dark Sepia and very rare for graphite). You can use almost any common pencil sharpener, but I'd recommend to not choose longpoints for the 5.6mm leads. (Not just because the tip will break immediately, it also gets the tip very far from the grip, and makes the pencils uncomfortable to use for writing (You can still adjust the length of the lead for drawing, it's a lead holder!!)
- For Wooden pencils, I use a combination of 2 different sharpeners,For the softer (B) pencils I use the 0.80cents Plastic KUM Long Point, which has the 2 extra blades stuffed vertically together next to the main razor. and for the (H)arder ones, I use the 2 stages KUM Automatic Longpoint, that also has 2 extra blades sandwiched together and can also sharpen 2mm and 3.15mm leads!!!
- For Polychromos, either the inexpensive KUM Longpoint or the magnesium KUM that has the 2 sizes holes.
PS I suggest, to get at least 2 of each, not just because they are very inexpensive, but because 1 is non and 2 is one. You might change a blade, and the fit won't be the same as before, which means the sharpener won't work as before. You also may lose or damage one,
PS 2 These are the best sharpeners, No need to go for super expensive ones. KUM can cover all your needs. M+R also provides good quality, they just don't have the great designs, that KUM has,'
PS2 For lead holders, Either the M+R or the Staedtler those which rotate clockwise and have the filter tip to clean the lead after sharpening. as also the Faber Castell 18 66 00, or the stupid cheap 2mm tiny sharpener, are the BEST you can get, on both quality and performance. Kum has copied the design and makes the same ones, but they are not as good as the Faber Castell ones for some reason. Only the M+R Tiny 2mm lead sharpener, is as good as the Faber Castell and it only costs 0.20 cents!!!
You have a video about sharpeners, and instead of links TO those sharpeners in your description, you place links to PENCILS. Yeah, makes total sense.
The problem no one seems to be addressing when buying these silver bullet sharpeners for the Caran d'Ache Luminance, is that apparently they come in hole designations: P-B, P-C, P-D, etc. But I can't find anywhere where these are clearly defined. I assume they deal with size, but where are they listed??
the swordfish sharpener i recommend is listed in the description with a link to it. - regarding the luminance and the letters I have no idea what that is.
@@wildlifeartjm Thanks for adding it. It wasn't there when I watched this (and I followed each link to make sure) so I had to order a different one, but appreciate you adding it.
Hello Carla hope you’re okay ✅
Sir could you please mention the name of the sharpner which were sharping the pencils nicely? Kindly do it asap?
Hello brushomania hope you’re okay ✅
That model of swordfish sharpener is it switable for larger pastel pencils?
Do you use a Faber-Castell pencil eraser? If you do how do you keep a point on it?
What was the name of the Koh ? sharpener? I have Caran d'Ache pastel pencils and am looking for a hand sharpener instead of using a knife. Thanks
Koh I Noor is the brand. Caran's are difficult to sharpen because they are so soft. Doubt if any sharpener will be great.
Hello Jason (I'm a client of yours), in the beginning of the video you say Derwent is harder than Caran d'ache, then at 11:59 you say the opposite. A bit confusing. I have Derwent but it breaks down so easily, I sharpen them with the blade (same manner as you indicated) but it's time consuming and I'd prefer a quick and smarter way.
Hello Agnes hope you’re okay ✅
What is the difference between pastel pencils and the blocks?
Tank u sir
I'm on my second Swordfish sharpener.
They work amazingly for first week or so then they stop working at all. I've taken it all apart etc and nothing stuck in it but it never puts them anywhere near a point and it's ruining my work.
Any advice?
They are Faber Castell
The thing grips the pencil but I feel no friction on the blades and the thing doesn't move inwards to feed the pencil in
Get an AFMAT pencil sharpener and/or a KUM Masterpiece (KUM automatic long point, is a great more budget friendly solution) Those are by far,the best pencil sharpeners out there. I rrgret I didn't get the KIM Masterpiece earlier! It is the best of its kind!
Can you tell me where you buy the Coombe sharpener please?
Im your 1k like
Jason, do the Conte's fit into the M&R crank sharpener?
Amy Maughan yes
Help!!! I have used the Derwent Super Point Manual Helical Pencil sharpener to sharpen my derwent pastel pencils last night, it was ok for the first few pencil, but then last one's pastel nib was broken and trapped inside the sharpener 😭 I dont know how to get that out.... what should I do?
It's like my pastel pencils are breaking in any sharpener I use on them
My swordfish worked great for a hundred or so times. Then it stopped and I can't get a decent point, most leads break well before they're sharp. I'll try washing with soapy water as on reply suggested. Otherwise it's just a frustrating purchase
Purchased a set of 60 Pitt Pastel Pencils 4 of which would not sharpen. After a little debate with the supplier the 4 were replaced.
What brand is the cool sharpener? Thanks!
On video
Kum. I have one. It works well with all pencils and can also make a long tip.
Hello Robyn hope you’re okay ✅
if truly for beginners .. when you say you like the Kuhn? Koon? sharpener for it superior blade I have no idea what brand that is.....
Hello Valeria hope you’re okay ✅
The brand is KUM. That blue sharpener is really the most versatile one you can get. It sharpens graphite and carbon pencils to a very fine point and as he demonstrates here even works for pastels. It also has additional sharpeners for technical pencil lead as well
@@leftyfourgunshey! thanks for getting back!
What is the difference between pastel and watercolour pencils
Pastel is just like chalk. Comes in sticks or in chalk pencils. Watercolor pencils are in pencil form and after you draw, you can paint over to blend colors. You can also wet paper and put wc pencil on it. Watercolor pencils in a good brand are far more effective than pastels if you use water. If you can't afford watercolor pencils you can wet a brush and swish it on a pastel and paint color although it won't come out as beautiful.
Pastels sometimes break whether you use hand or crank. I use two different hand sharpeners for my FC and do them in two steps but the blades need to be very keen, also clean them out as you go. Be gentle with them, Don't Drop them or it's goodby smiley face hello..... : (
hi jason how long does your swordfish ikon last? i had a couple and none lasted more than a couple of weeks and none were over used plus i tried to keep sharpening graphite to keep it sharp but it made no difference?
Same for me too - is there an answer?
+Dora Carrington probably not from Jason he's never answered me lol. :)
+Dora Carrington there are replacement blades you can buy I'll find out where to get them and let you know
+Dora Carrington my very best friend bought me a sharpener though and it is brilliant. Called the xacto powerhouse. It's a power sharpener and gives me a perfect fine point everytime. My guess is it's quite expensive though so just depends how important your art is to you to judge whether you want to spend extra. Hope all these bits of info help you. :)
mine is 1 year old and still works fine
Just Purchased Faber Castell 60 Pitt Pastels of the first 30 two pastel pencils were impossible to sharpen. 1122 - 151 espesherly was bad it will be nothing and then I will not get a point on it. 1122-155 sharpened but lost an inch of it's length. Using a Jakar crank sharpener £27.
Paul Tudor it's possible your pencils are defective or got dropped. But also I have not used that sharpener. Pitt should sharpen ok.
Thank you for this. Your information was quite timely. I do have one question regarding paper choice. I have two brands in my shopping cart at Jerry's but I can only really afford one. I have PastelMat and Uart 600 in the cart. Although I am an experienced artist, pastels are an entirely new medium for me and paper choice is confounding me. Whichever paper I choose must be appropriate for both wildlife and human portraiture. I plan on using Panpastel and Pitt pastel pencils. Please help?
both these papers are similar. and both will work. The UArt 800 is smoother and more like pastelmat. UArt has more of a feel of fine sandpaper than pastelmat though. UArt is also more inclined to curl at the edges too. My personal fav is pastelmat. but both are good.
Thank you Jason. I decided to buy one small sheet pkg. each of the Pastelmat and 800 grit Uart to decide which one I like better for my purposes. When it comes right down to it, paper seems to be a very personal choice. I bought Stonehenge white paper based on recommendations and I hate it. It creases with even the slightest pencil line, it grabs the graphite and will not erase fully even with just a light smudge stick. Even barely using a mono eraser created grooves in the paper and Jerry's Vanish eraser which will erase EVERYTHING, couldn't get it clean. Now I have two expensive pads of scratch paper. Well, live and learn. I'll use it to mix my Panpastels on. Thanks so much for replying and have a wonderful, creative day!
yes, it can be expensive when papers etc dont live up to their promises.
I'm thinking of trying the Strathmore 500 series Bristol for my graphite. I just can't decide between the vellum and the smooth plate. I like lots of detail so it has to be good for that. I've been using watercolor paper on the reverse side. I experimented with watercolors but they really don't work for me so I had all this paper left over. Now that's running really low so I bought the Stonehenge. So, if you'll forgive the pun, its back to the drawing board.
so I tried hand sharpening after watching your video. It went well, I mean, didn't cut myself with the blade, practiced on a cheap normal school pencil, and then I stabbed myself with the point end when I put the pencil down... that wasn't very nice.
Have you ever tried drawing on wood with pastel pencils?
الباستيل من احسن البساتيل في الكون والعالم وجميع الشرقات الاوسط و و،كلللهاااا
ولا يوجاد .... الخ نفس الكليشى
هسه راح تگول شنو هل الكلمات اش يهلوس هذا
شوف اگلك اذا واحد بطال وعطال وجمعة والسبت استراحة اش راح يسوي اني اگلك اما يلعب ابخصاوي مالته او يهلوس اني من كثر ما لعبت ابخصاوي مالتي طك الخصاوي وصار پنچر و حاليا صوندات مالته بره فما ضل مجال العب بعد فگمت اهلوس
لو انت بكاني هم جان تسوي الي اسويي لا تقشمر عليا تره والله ،الله يگلبه عليك
اذا انت ازلمة جاوبني 😂
It is not logical a graphite pencil sharpens the pencil sharpen blades. The only thing I think could be happening is the graphite is lubricating the blades.
Paul Tudor correct. That is what I learnt a few months ago. But did not want to remove the video just for that. The end result is still the same. It works. 😉
Aren't consumables wonderful? Businesses put up a big factory, invest in expensive equipment and manufacturing techniques, we consumers (if we're lucky) get up and slave all day for a cruel employer for small wages so we can go out and buy the products, then we bring them home, whack out a sharp instrument, and carve the product up into tiny pieces that go into the bin and are then taken to the landfill. And we consumers pay for all of this. Me included. ;-)
just don't do like me and have the blade facing the wrong way lol
the hand sharpeners are crap you loose more than you save
Thanks!