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Knowing what to do when sharpening charcoal pencils can be a mystery when starting out. Do you use a regular old sharpener, a blade, sandpaper? In this article we answer that question and give step-by-step instructions on the best ways to sharpen like a pro.
(Note: sharpening charcoal pencils should only be done by an adult or under adult supervision!)
Can you or can't you use a regular sharpener?
In short, you can sharpen a charcoal pencil with a regular sharpener, but you will be eliminating most of the benefits that come from using charcoal. The best way to sharpen a charcoal pencil is by using a blade/knife and sandpaper, making the tip of the charcoal as long as can be without it easily snapping off.
The great news is, it’s actually super fun and satisfying to sharpen charcoal pencils! As long a you know the simple steps, you’ll be almost hoping your tip snaps so you can get to sharpening again! (If you’re weird like me).
Why do you need to sharpen charcoal pencils differently?
Unlike graphite pencils, charcoal pencils are sharpened so that they have a very long nib.
This allows you to cover large areas such as backgrounds very fast, and to also do details with the tip.
This different shape supports the loose, free drawing motions that are used in charcoal drawing.
Supplies needed to sharpen charcoal pencils
- A stanley knife/craft knife, or any sharp knife
- Sandpaper or a sanding block
- A good set of charcoal pencils. This set has 4.8 stars on Amazon.
Safety
Again, this should be done only by adults, or under strict adult supervision. Blades are sharp and dangerous. While sharpening, always sharpen away from yourself and your fingers/hand. Never have any part of your body (or anyone else’s) in front of the blade or anywhere the blade can be while moving. Always think about where the blade would go if it slipped, and make sure it would not come in contact with yourself or anyone else if it did.
Keep this in mind during the entire process, making sure that no parts of your hands, thumbs, fingers or body are in the way of the blade or its path. Always put away sharp blades in a safe place when finished using them.
The Sharpening Steps
Step 1: Shaving the Pencil
Making sure you’re holding the pencil with all fingers out of the blade’s path, hold the pencil firmly in your non-dominant hand, and the blade in your dominant hand.
Double-check that the blade is the right direction (sharp side pointing away from you), and with your thumb push the dull side of the blade against the pencil, about an inch down from the tip.
You want to get the tip as long as possible, so shave it at a very small angle when starting.
Step 2: Sanding it Down
Once the tip is about an inch in size, put the blade away safely and get out your sandpaper/sanding block.
Holding the pencil almost parallel to the sandpaper, gently move the it forward and back, while also rotating it with your thumb and index finger.
Your goal here is to get the tip smooth and even all the way around.
Be sure to not put too much pressure on it, or you’ll be back to square one.
Focus on sanding the wooden part of the pencil mainly, and just gently letting the charcoal part touch the sandpaper, as shown in the photo.
I find it much easier if you sand with the pencil at the edge of a table (see photo).
The sandpaper tends to move around as you do this, so make sure you have a good, solid grip on it with your other hand.
Once the tip is about an inch in size, put the blade away safely and get out your sandpaper/sanding block.
Holding the pencil almost parallel to the sandpaper, gently move the it forward and back, while also rotating it with your thumb and index finger.
Your goal here is to get the tip smooth and even all the way around.
Be sure to not put too much pressure on it, or you’ll be back to square one.
Focus on sanding the wooden part of the pencil mainly, and just gently letting the charcoal part touch the sandpaper, as shown in the photo.
I find it much easier if you sand with the pencil at the edge of a table (see photo).
The sandpaper tends to move around as you do this, so make sure you have a good, solid grip on it with your other hand.
Step 3: Draw on Paper to Smooth Out the Kinks
Sanding can only do so much, so you need to use the charcoal pencil for a while to smooth out all the bumps.
On a blank sheet of paper, make all sorts of strokes, with the pencil at many different angles.
You should be aiming for a thick, uniform stroke. If only some parts are hitting the page, keep making marks until it smooths out.
After a few minutes, the shape will adjust to you own unique way of drawing and you’ll have a perfectly sharpened charcoal pencil!
Here's our short video demonstrating the entire process!
It can take a bit of practice at the start, especially if you’re not used to using a blade, but I promise you’ll be sharpening with ease in no time!
Have fun and stay safe!
Check out our post on the top 10 art supplies in 2022 here!
