How often do these need to be sharpened? I'm primarily using it for sketch (not detailed line work), and debating between leadholder and mechanical.
1148661
Just like Regular pencils it depends on the hardness of the lead. A 2H will stay sharp for quite some time but a 4B (what I use) will need to be sharpened probably like every 5 to 10 Mins depending on how sharp your lead needs to be and how fast you draw...ect. So in short.. You'll most likely need to sharpen these just as much as you would a normal pencil. I would suggest using a rotary sharpener if you do decide to go the led holder route. They sharpen the lead to a much finer point than you can get with a regular pencil and its quicker than the built in sharpener on this lead holder. In my opinion you don't really get the full function (or advantage) of a lead holder till you get a rotary sharper. Just like Regular pencils it depends on the hardness of the lead. A 2H will stay sharp for quite some time but a 4B (what I use) will need to be sharpened probably like every 5 to 10 Mins depending on how sharp your lead needs to be and how fast you draw...ect. So in short.. You'll most likely need to sharpen these just as much as you would a normal pencil. I would suggest using a rotary sharpener if you do decide to go the led holder route. They sharpen the lead to a much finer point than you can get with a regular pencil and its quicker than the built in sharpener on this lead holder. In... » Read More Just like Regular pencils it depends on the hardness of the lead. A 2H will stay sharp for quite some time but a 4B (what I use) will need to be sharpened probably like every 5 to 10 Mins depending on how sharp your lead needs to be and how fast you draw...ect. So in short.. You'll most likely need to sharpen these just as much as you would a normal pencil. I would suggest using a rotary sharpener if you do decide to go the led holder route. They sharpen the lead to a much finer point than you can get with a regular pencil and its quicker than the built in sharpener on this lead holder. In my opinion you don't really get the full function (or advantage) of a lead holder till you get a rotary sharper. « Show Less
1148662
When between a leadholder and mechanical - get both. As for shapening... it needs to be sharpened as often as you want it to. The sharpener is inexpensive and it's fun to use.
1148663
Sharpening all depends on the type of Lead you put in it. I prefer HB Lead as it can get a robust dark shade as well as sharp lines, however it does wear through a bit faster than a harder lead like a 2H or 4H. With less pressure though, you can produce much darker lines without denting the paper you use. All in all, it depends on how you sketch. If you want sharper, crisp lines you will be sharpening an HB Lead stick a decent amount, but not so often as to become a nuisance. Hope that helped.
1148664
For sketching where line detail isn't important. Use a harder lead (4h or 6h) and I'd say 4-6 hours of use. But I've been using the same piece of 4h lead since September. I use mechanical pencils as well and my personal favorite is a 7mm pencil.
1148665
It's like a normal pencil but without the wood. This also depends on the hard/softness of the lead.
1148666
I'd go with the lead holder. The leads do have to be sharpened but they snap far less than mechanical pencil leads. It feels like an actual wooden pencil. The cap is also a mini sharpener if you dont want to buy a lead sharpener.
1308264
I don't think it needs to be sharpened for a very long time. At the price, you can always get another one. If you want to spend $130.00 and up, you may have to have it sharpened professionally .
1967370
As a professionally trained artist, I would recommend not using a sharpener at all. I was taught to use a matte (utility) knife to shave the wood off, so as not to waste a single bit of the colored lead. The pencils will last an incredibly long time if you "sharpen" them this way, and you can still get fine lines.
1088045
I'm not sure because I haven't had to sharpen mine yet. I would think that they could be because like someone else said they aren't made out of something that is not out of the ordinary. They should last a while before they need to be sharpened.
4321
I haven't actually used one of the pencils down to the end yet. But I remember attempting to sharpen one out of idleness and it sharpened... But don't do it unless the top piece is completely finished! Cause it gets messy otherwise lol
2276924
I wouldn't consider mine sharp out-of-the-box at all - definitely a rough sharpened edge as it should, just waiting for the final job - it's a little inconvenient unless you're used to it, but sharpening these yourself is absolutely the preferred way - I think they make these with that in mind - those who want to use it will finish the job, but for the people who want to display it, it's still kind of safe to be aroundit's absolutely ready to use even out of the box, but you'll want to sharpen it if you're serious about it
713226
A .5mm Mechanical is perfect. You may find that it becomes your favorite pencil. It is always sharp. It makes a very thin, and consequently accurate, line. They are very common and can be found, along with lead refills, at WalMart and other such vendors.
816872
I too have a very heavy hand. These are good pencils, but I don't think you'll find them to be the miracle pencil you're looking for. It is definitely better than standard yellow #2's, but it is only a wood pencil and has it's limits. The lead does collapse under the pressure of a heavy hand with a freshly sharpened tip, but holds up well overall and I think you'll notice and like the difference. If you really want to fine tune it, why don't you get a set of nice graphite pencils in different hardnesses and see which you prefer, then go from there.
977251
These knives require periodic sharpening. I don't know your kitchen habits as compared to mine, so what works for me may not work for you. But here are my thoughts on Chicago Cutlery Vivid knives...they sharpen easily (I use a Smith diamond encrusted sharpener with coarse and fine grits. I don't have to use it very often.) and they're easy to keep sharp with a sharpening steel. These are easy to care for...use a steel and sharpener regularly and you won't have a problem keeping them sharp. After several months of use I don't see any chipping of the color coating. And I prefer these knives to a couple of low end J A Henckels that I have.
15031
Mine came ready to go. I've used them numerous time and they still don't need sharpening. I've had them looked at by the experts at the rink and mine still don't need sharpening, but it depends on how often you skate. I just love these skates and you can't beat the deal. Hope this helped.
251470
Mine came with a single stick of 2H. So if youre drawing/writing with it you might want to buy a softer lead. You can get them at your local art store.
508359
Ours came quite sharpened, but needed sharpening about 4 months later, and noticed an noticeable improvement in my girl's skating... Im pretty sure they can be used right away... Just check them in a couple of months maybe...Hope this help... We really loved these ones!!!
2273771
It sharpened them beautifully. Unlike a battery operated one I had which lost power and groaned everytime I put pressure on it. It did blow up after 20 pencils but that may be due to the power difference in Australia I suspect! I am very sorry that I can no longer use it.
1503167
Try putting them in the refrigerator or freezer first (like pencil eyeliner) if too soft to sharpen. Otherwise, you may be using too much pressure. I have no issues with a manual sharpener and these pencils.
15029
I had mine sharpened befor the first use but was told that they really didn't need it. I guess it depends on what level skater you are. If your are a competative figure skater you'd want them sharp. If you are like me, a rank shakey amature take them like they are.
1963011
lead holder vs mechanical pencil... I use both on a daily basis. as for the difference. I will start with the obvious, the lead holder uses a 2mm lead instead of the .5mm,.7mm, or .9mm lead that the mechanical pencil offers. you can also get the 2mm lead in a variety of colors and hardness's depending on your needs. i mostly use my lead holders for shading purposes in my drawings but i have done some complete drawings with them. as for the $1 variety of mechanical pencils always remember that you get what you pay for. if you plan on doing a lot of drawing spend the extra money and get a quality mechanical pencil, i promise you wont be disappointed.
1807953
they are pretty thick, so unless you run over a good bit of rocks, it should last a couple of years before you would have to sharpen them. I have had mine since the beginning of the year and have used it 3 times, getting ready for a fourth and they still are sharp. I live in a rocky and clay area. I mean I have to strap the blocks down, because my yard is rocky and hard. You can always adjust the weights for your area and time of year, i had to much wieght to start and was pulling up chunks. So i went to center blocks with the holes in them and it does great, ......so far.