The humble pencil sharpener is a tool we often take for granted, yet it has a rich history and has evolved significantly over time. Once, pencils were sharpened by hand with a knife, but today we have a variety of sharpeners to suit every need. From manual sharpeners to electric machines, these devices have become essential for students, artists, and office workers alike. Let’s dive into the intriguing story of how the pencil sharpener came to be.
The Early Days: Sharpening by Knife
Before the invention of dedicated pencil sharpeners, sharpening a pencil was a manual process. People used knives to whittle away the wood and expose the graphite, a process that required skill to achieve a fine point. This method was both time-consuming and inconsistent, making it challenging to get a uniform sharp point. It was clear that a better solution was needed, especially as pencils became more widely used in education, art, and business.
The First Pencil Sharpener Inventions in France
The history of the pencil sharpener as a dedicated tool began in France. In 1822, a French inventor named Mr. C.A. Boucher created an early version of the pencil sharpener. Boucher, who worked with pantographs, needed a precise way to sharpen pencils, so he developed a device that did just that. His invention, though not widely commercialized, was technically functional and showed the potential of a specialized tool for sharpening pencils.
Following this, French mathematician Bernard Lassimonne took things a step further. In 1828, Lassimonne applied for the world’s first patent for a pencil sharpener, which was known as French patent #2444. Devices using Lassimonne’s design were actually produced and sold in Paris by a shop called Binant, marking the first commercial use of a pencil sharpener. However, the device remained relatively niche and did not yet capture widespread attention.
Innovations in England and Beyond
In 1833, innovation spread to England, where a company called Cooper & Eckstein patented a pencil sharpener called the Styloxynon. This device consisted of two sharp files set at a right angle within a small block of rosewood. It was one of the earliest documented pencil sharpeners, and some examples still survive today. However, the device remained limited in popularity.
By the mid-19th century, more inventors in France and other parts of Europe were developing simple pencil-sharpening tools. In 1847, French nobleman Thierry des Estivaux introduced a hand-held pencil sharpener that resembled the modern version we’re familiar with. This device made sharpening more accessible and practical, paving the way for further innovations.
The First American Pencil Sharpener
The pencil sharpener crossed the Atlantic in 1855, when Walter Kittredge Foster of Bangor, Maine, patented the first American pencil sharpener. Foster’s invention led to the establishment of the first pencil sharpener company in the United States. His small, hand-held sharpeners became popular, and before long, American pencil sharpeners were being sold in Europe as well. This marked the beginning of the American influence on pencil sharpener design and manufacturing.
The Rise of Office Sharpeners in the Late 19th Century
As the demand for pencils grew, so did the need for more efficient sharpeners, especially in offices and schools. By the late 19th century, companies in the United States began developing heavier, more robust pencil sharpeners. These devices were intended for office use and often featured intricate mechanisms. Some notable examples include the Perfect Pencil Pointer by Goodell Co., the GEM Pencil Sharpener by Gould & Cook Co., and the Planetary Pencil Sharpener by A.B. Dick Co.
Around this time, Germany also contributed to the industry with the Jupiter sharpener produced by Guhl & Harbeck Co. These sharpeners were typically large and designed for desk use, with mechanisms that allowed for more precise sharpening and durability compared to earlier models.
APSCO and the Early 20th Century Boom
The early 20th century saw further advancements in pencil sharpener technology, thanks largely to the Automatic Pencil Sharpener Co. (APSCO). Founded in the early 1900s, APSCO introduced the US Automatic Pencil Sharpener, which quickly became a dominant product in the market. APSCO later introduced sharpeners with milling mechanisms, including popular models such as the Climax, Dexter, Wizard, and Junior sharpeners. These devices made pencil sharpening more efficient and accessible, cementing APSCO’s place as a leader in the industry.
Over the next few decades, APSCO became the largest pencil sharpener manufacturer in the world, producing devices that were widely used in schools, offices, and homes. Alongside a few other US companies, APSCO helped popularize pencil sharpeners globally, making them a common and essential tool.
Electric Pencil Sharpeners and Modern Developments
Electric pencil sharpeners entered the scene in 1917, offering a faster and more convenient alternative to manual devices. The electric sharpener’s debut was gradual, initially aimed at office settings where efficiency was a priority. These machines typically featured a small motor that powered the sharpening blades, allowing users to sharpen pencils with minimal effort. By the mid-20th century, electric sharpeners had become standard in many workplaces and schools, thanks to their speed and ease of use.
The adoption of electric sharpeners continued to grow, with improvements over time making them more reliable and versatile. Today, electric pencil sharpeners come in a variety of designs, from simple, battery-operated devices to high-capacity models with multiple settings for different pencil sizes.
A Unique Legacy: The Collector’s World of Pencil Sharpeners
While pencil sharpeners are primarily practical tools, they’ve also become collectible items. In 2011, a notable collection of more than 3,400 pencil sharpeners was put on display at a regional welcome center in Logan, Ohio. The collection belonged to Rev. Paul Johnson, a World War II veteran who started collecting pencil sharpeners in the 1980s. His collection featured sharpeners in various shapes and themes, from cats to Christmas decorations, showcasing the creativity and diversity in pencil sharpener design over the years.
For many collectors, pencil sharpeners represent a slice of nostalgia and history, encapsulating the evolution of a simple yet indispensable tool.
Conclusion: The Essential Role of Pencil Sharpeners Today
From hand-held devices to high-tech electric models, the pencil sharpener has come a long way since its early days. What started as a solution to a simple problem has become an essential tool in classrooms, offices, and art studios around the world. Whether you use a traditional manual sharpener, a vintage desk model, or a sleek electric device, each pencil sharpener embodies a piece of history, innovation, and practicality.
In an age of digital tools, the pencil sharpener remains a symbol of the analog world, reminding us of the beauty in simplicity. Next time you sharpen a pencil, take a moment to appreciate the journey of this humble tool that has sharpened minds, inspired creativity, and written history.
