A Handheld Pencil Sharpener Versus Papermate Mechanical Pencil

If you are one of those people who is always looking for a pencil, and upon finding one the pencil point is always broken, this article is for you. In the case of a broken pencil point, one can do either two things to combat the problem: get a pencil sharpener, in my case a handheld 99 cent one, or buy a mechanical pencil, which is a little bit more expensive than regular pencils. I have used both, here is my product review of a handheld pencil sharpener versus mechanical pencils. Is new technology always a good thing?

Mechanical Pencils

Mechanical pencils have no need to be sharpened. The lead is forced out of the pointed end by twisting the cap or by some other mechanical method.

Pencil Sharpeners

Pencil sharpeners used to sharpen pencils dates back to the 19th century.

PaperMate Mechanical Pencil

The mechanical pencil is a great idea. If the point breaks off, like in the case of Papermate mechanical pencil, you only have to twist the top and a new pencil point emerges. Easy as pie, or at least I, at first, thought so. I am not the most technically inclined person but I thought, maybe unwisely, that even I can work a mechanical pencil. Instructions: twist top and a new pencil point emerges or jab eraser and new pencil point emerges.

I found two things wrong with following those instructions. First, the pencil point keeps breaking. Second, when one twists the top or jabs the eraser, to get a new pencil point, it comes out so long that you can't write on it without breaking the said pencil point. Instructions: twist device above the pencil point, which is suppose to make the long pencil point recede. I found one thing wrong with following these instructions, the pencil point does not recede.

Pencil sharpener

If you are like me, always stocking up on office supplies during back to school sales, then you probably already know that one can purchase a number of pencil sharpeners for as a little as 99 cents each. The great thing about this is that one can buy a couple to store at their desk, in their backpack, or in their purse.