The quality of a sharpener, especially the blade, is crucial for optimum sharpening of wood-clad pencils. Due to their robust and hard leads, graphite pencils can be sharpened to a very thin point. Given their softer leads, colour pencils are sharpened to a shorter and blunter point. For optimum sharpening, it is recommended to replace the sharpener now and then because the sharpener blade will become blunt over time. This results in more tip breakages. The Faber Castell Artists dual metal sharpener was designed with artists in mind and features two High-Grade sharpening blades that guarantee simple and clean sharpening. It is ideal for colour and pastel pencils.