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.
745506
Not to often, depending on long you use it. I usually sharpen it while I'm using it just to have a sharp point to use.
745507
The frequency of sharpening depends on how you hold the pencil as well as on the softness of the lead. While I can't speak for anyone else, I never liked using mechanical (.5mm) pencils for sketching because a thin lead tends to go off the intended path very easily.
745508
They need to be sharpened just as much if not more than regular pencils. But! That being said, I definitely prefer them to mechanical pencils. Mechanical pencils are terrible, and these will make you much happier. And, if you're just sketching with them, you won't need to sharpen as much. To sharpen them, you'll need one of these : Alvin Rotary Lead Pointer (ANALP41)
745509
The frequency of sharpening depends on how you hold the pencil as well as on the softness of the lead.While I can't speak for anyone else, I never liked using mechanical (.5mm) pencils for sketching because a thin lead tends to go off the intended path very easily.
745510
I find not that often. I like to use them for fill in work and a bit of shading. I also use them for marking things in the garage. in place of a builders pencil.
745511
That depends on how hard you are pressing and what lead types you are using and your particular level of sharpness needed. I would sharpen once a day depending on the level of stress I was talking out on my writing! :) It is a great pencil though. The in cap sharpner is good, but it can get messy if you don't remember to dump it out.
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 .
1046561
I left mine the way they came and they cut cleanly. When I sharpen I'll put a finer edge in place, but I suspect it will just need more frequent sharpening and not do a better job.
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!!!
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.
1967373
I went with the Prismacolor sharpener and I am glad that I did. It maximises the lead width so I get minimal waste. I hope this helps:)
2090536
I wouldn't sharpen them, they do get blunt after a while, but I feel they're too fat for a sharpener (as you said). And also, unlike non-roll-up pencils, there is nothing to grip onto. I feel you lose too much product in the process of sharpening. It may help to put it in the freezer/fridge beforehand.What I try to do, is to apply it more from the sides than the tip, so the tip doesn't go as blunt, but wears more from the side. If that makes sense.
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.
481133
They're very nice, although possibly not really worth the additional cost over a box of Ticonderoga #2s. But if you can afford a treat for yourself, you will enjoy them. They sharpen just fine with any "real" pencil sharpener, but I wouldn't use one of those little plastic school sharpeners. If you have a real pencil sharpener handy, I'd skip the long point sharpener and get the box of additional erasers instead.
643213
I am not sure of what do you mean by primary. These have worked and continues to work very well on regular pencil types.Every time I sharpen, there is no uncessary loss of leads and it is as sharp as I require it.
1257809
I personally have never had them sharpened. You may want to send email to company to ask.
362801
Had not tried in soft art pencils so sharpened one now and it seemed to do just as a good a job as for regular lead pencils. I think it is good to steady the sharpener with one hand as it seems to want to tip at times. Unlike another comment, I find that it is extremely fast so you need to be ready to pull the pencil out quickly as there is always a good sharp point and it never chews up the pencil requiring another go. I like it.
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.
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.
1491887
IMHO, these are a small step up from Crayola pencils. I have not had a problem with breaking lead. In fact, they sharpen quite nicely. In regards to the wood, the Prang pencils are noticably smoother than the Crayola. My daughter has both so it's easy to compare the two. The variety of colors is great for the price. Personally, I prefer a more waxy texture to my pencils and better coverage, which is why my daughter now has them. Hope this helps!
729431
A very sharp point will break with a very heavy hand but otherwise I press pretty hard and the pencil does fine. I love 'em!
1716072
I occasionally use a steel for two or three swipes just to be sure no small burs are left on the blade. Probably not really necessary, but old habits die hard. Very little metal removed and the sharpened blades seem to hold their edge for at least a month.