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As others have said, that particular sharpener looks like it was designed to be single use, so they made it hard to get at that screw. Others, like the Kum have easy access to the screw and even come with extra blades.
That said, if you're intent on trying to replace (or hone) this particular blade, you can try an angled screwdriver like this. However, you may not find replacement blades that would fit. Again, sharpeners like the Kum have readily available replacement blades to buy separately.
The Alvin Bullet sharpener is my everyday carry.
Bullet Sharpener https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BYK7LQ/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_ZBNSub02AY2B5
At my desk I keep a Kum long point sharpener. It's two steps and takes some getting used to but the point is awesome.
Kum AS2 or AS2KM, Two Hole Automatic Long Point Pencil Sharpener, Mfg Part Number 1053021 ( extra lids not included ) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003G560JQ/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_kFNSub145M1FE
A lot of lead holders are going to have knurled grips to make rotation of the pencil easier. As far as those without:
The Faber-Castell is as good as anything if you like the plastic body. No need to get anything else unless you just like having the things lying around.
For a thicker barrel made of wood, try e+m (Amazon link). It doesn't have the normal drop clutch mechanism of a lead holder but works nicely. Unfortunately it's a little expensive (29 USD).
Kitaboshi (Amazon) makes a narrower wooden lead holder, also without the double clutch.
Some Staedtler lead holders have a plastic pseudo-knurled grip rather than a real metal one. In other words, they're very much like what you already have in your Faber-Castell.
The Möbius & Ruppert Bullet Sharpener is my personal favorite. Easy to grip and it gives you a good point (and it looks cool). They're like $6 on Amazon.
You could use a pencil with a mechanism that prevents lead breakage, like Zebra's Delguard. Or use thicker leads. I'm quite a fan of these 0.9 mm Bics. Load with 2B lead and they do get pretty dark. If you want darker, there are always 2.0 mm lead holders.
Maped pencil sharpener -- use the bigger hole, it will sharpen your pencils to have a shorter tip, I think it'll be close to what you're looking for
I got in the game during the release of Volume 54, which I might add is my favorite BW volume to date. The Dorothea Lange is my second favorite because red. I have a few spare boxes of the 344. Someone on FB discovered a honey hole and got their last two boxes of 344s at retail.
While I did pay a pretty penny for my 725s and 211s, I would not be able to spend what the going rate is theses days.
The pouch I use is the Lihit Lab Pen case. Lithit Lab Pen Case
Or you can pick up a platinum plated one at Amazon UK for £200.
Graf von Faber-Castell Platinum Plated Perfect Pencil - Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000WE8YOS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WZMQ1Z9EFS5ZZ2H8V9HR
Maybe try a box of plain jane Tombow Mono (Professional) in HB or maybe the Tombow Mono J? You can order the Mono J on tombows us website, mono professionals are very widely available (Amazon, dickblick, other places).
https://www.amazon.com/Tombow-Drawing-Pencil-Graphite-12-Pack/dp/B00AQENNJK
https://www.tombowusa.com/mono-j-drawing-pencil.html
Mono 100’s are great tho, and so are Hi-Unis!
These are far superior to standard top button pressing mechanical pencils for storing in small pocket notebooks because the lead reloader is attached to the clip so it doesn't constantly click away in your pocket as you move around. Combined with the tiny moleskine or field notebooks, they are awesome https://smile.amazon.com/Field-Notebook-x5-5-Black-Graph/dp/B07489776R
I have these Koh-I-Noor Tri Tone pencils and they're really fun! Each pencil has three colors in the core, so they write multi-colored lines. A set of 12 is $12 or so on Amazon (about $20+ on other sites).
Edit: I'm not an artist... but I love doodling or even just writing with these. So they are definitely fun for non-serious users.
Thanks. I got them on Amazon. you can check them out here. They also sell the all silver ones, ones with designs, and see-through ones.
They also come with one sticker label for each cap. I didn't know what I would use them for so I decided to stash them away for later, that's why you don't see them in any of the photos.
The roulette is a drafting pencil so it has a knurled metal grip, it can get a little uncomfortable after writing for a while or if you have a firm grip. But it is better quality feeling and looking because it has aluminum in the build.
Meanwhile the pipe slide is a standard plastic mechanical pencil with some snazzy features. The tip is retractable so it doesn't have a point on the end when the led is retracted.
It also has a faster turning mechanism. The roulette and other standard Kuru Togas make a full led rotation when you press the led on paper 40 times. The pipe slide however makes a full rotation in 20 presses, so it stays sharp more consistently.
As for the mushiness some complain of, after a little you don't notice. But you can look into the kuru toga advanced. It's the new pencil they released that is supposed to fix the mushiness, but it's harder to get because it was just released. You can get them on the US amazon but only in a 3 pack
Edit:They have single pencils on ebay
Personally I like pipe slide more because I have a firm grip so the knurled grip on the roulette can hurt my hand. But you could get both and maybe the rotting 500 for under $30 total. The pencil collection only starts here my friend.
Look here: https://www.amazon.com/Cretacolor-Soft-Charcoal-Lead-Pack/dp/B0049V378I
It's for 5.6mm lead holders. I don't think there could be 2mm charcoal leads due to the brittle nature of the sticks. That being said, it would be awesome for Staedtler to come forward with a 2mm lead that replicates the results of their Lumograph Black series.
EDIT: Look here also, half the price of Amazon and more variants: https://www.dickblick.com/products/cretacolor-leads/
If you’re in the USA, here’s a link to the Amazon page for the product https://www.amazon.com/Nataraj-MARBLE-Pencil-pencils-pack/dp/B00VA7ZSQ8
I think for fun and quality, you probably can’t beat these pencils. I actually brought my bucket to work to share with colleagues and they love them!
I got a 6-pack of those on Amazon for $7.50
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B078XB3CTG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Speedball Canvas Storage Case. Available in many sizes.
I adore this. Every day I’m at a new desk at work. I just open it up and plop it down like I’m home.
I've used all kinds of knives for pencil sharpening, but my absolute favorite is this thin kiridashi. The blade is sharp, single bevel, and short which all gives you supreme control over the angle and stroke. It's completely thin, so can easily slide into a notebook as a bookmark or slip into any pencil case. The cap is snug and makes a great form factor while it's on.
I like the Sargent Art one that you can sharpen different size pencils with.
This is one pencil that is sure to be a fav for your boyfriend: Kokuyo LX-Type
It’s got a metal grip that is quite comfy, it’s well made overall, it’s 0.7mm and has a big eraser up top.
I’m a mechanical pencil collector and a member or the local r/mechanicalpencils group, so I know what am talking about. Hope this helps!
Not sure if there are thinner leads with that rainbow quality, but you can try these: Koh-I-Noor 5.6mm Magic leads that go with pretty much any 5.6mm lead holder, such as this: 5.6mm lead holder
A long point electric pencil sharper used for art, like this https://www.amazon.com/AFMAT-Sharpener-Rechargeable-Electric-Sketching/dp/B07689L5L2
Also, a harder grade pencil like a H or 2H.
I know you are not asking for alternatives, but I was shopping between the same two sharpeners and stumbled across this:
amazon.ca/gp/product/B075M6TC6N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
​
I love it! Beautiful point, looks great, great price and made in Japan.
I don't know how many you tried to come to your current favorite, but if it was only a couple and If you use erasers a lot consider something like these https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Twist-Erase-Automatic-Assorted-QE417FBP5M/dp/B007HJOQ0W/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=1K41Y9UYD1FN8
To me they're quite similar, but the erasers are also extendable so last much longer. Pentel has a bunch of different trust eraser models that all use the same eraser like the twist erase iii and twist erase gt. Some are higher quality with brass mechanisms internally and some are less quality, but cheaper like the express linked.
LoL. All I had to do was google "papermate eraser refills."
Took less than a minute, lol you're helpless.
"Amazon.com : PAP64881 - Paper Mate Eraser Refills : Mechanical Pencil Eraser Refills : Office Products" https://www.amazon.com/PAP64881-Paper-Mate-Eraser-Refills/dp/B002GSQQBQ
Here's a UK link for the item I purchased in 2018. The pricing is pretty whacked, but it's listed and it's there.
If you're after a decent long point, lookk no further than the Apsara Long Point sharpeners. They come in a box of 20!
https://www.amazon.com/Apsara-Long-Point-Sharpeners-Pack/dp/B00792NO2S
Also, I'd suggest investing in a Uni KH-20 Crank sharpener for long term use.
https://www.amazon.com/KH-20-Crank-Wooden-Pencil-Sharpener/dp/B001U3NST6
I've only used an Opinel. I like it because of the rounded handle while offers a better grip and the lockback on the blade. However, my daily driver for knife sharpening is this Gerber EAB (Exchange A Blade) - wide blade that's always razor sharp and clear finger choil for my index finger.
https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-EAB-Pocket-Knife-22-41830/dp/B0016KHW2W
Here you go! This one I have is 11.8 in wide but they have both available and this one in link is a bit wider which I think most people would prefer
For a budget option, this is the best out there (I use these all the time and can confidently say they stay on)
If you're ready to buy something more robust, there's really only one strong contender -
The 9850 is the only pencil that I use the actual eraser on the pencil. For everything else I use whatever eraser I have on hand, typically a Muji or a Pentel. The Muji's are great https://www.amazon.com/MUJI-Japan-Eraser-Black-Small/dp/B00K2XAU96
If you plan to carry juat the one extender around, I'd suggest investing in this one from Staedtler. Full metal + pocket clip and bonus feature of a lead hardness indicator -
https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Pencil-Holder-900-25/dp/B0014R5UXK
This sharpener works exactly the same as the Blackwing, but is a little cheaper and is almost always in stock on Amazon, in my experience: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003G560JQ/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
If you're looking for a hand-crank model, then my favorite is the Mitsubishi KH-20: https://www.amazon.com/KH-20-Crank-Wooden-Pencil-Sharpener/dp/B001U3NST6
If you want a larger quantity Amazon Japan sells boxes of 12 pencils. Shipping makes it a bit pricey, but with the current exchange rate, the pencils themselves are cheap. Only certain grades are in stock, however.
I got mine from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Mitsubishi-Pencil-Kohitsu-Shosha-hexagon/dp/B001B8U29Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?crid=2GM70VFDS40HG&keywords=mitsubishi+pencils&qid=1654263677&sprefix=%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-11 Kohitsu shosha is what they’re called I think Only 14$ for 12
I have a zip up case similar to this one. Mine holds 72 pencils. I would say get a couple of the big ones or maybe a few small ones if you'd like to separate it out by brand :P
Colored Pencil Case - 216 Slots Pencil Holder with Zipper Closure Deluxe PU Leather Large Capacity Pencil Case for Watercolor Pens or Markers, Pencil Case Organizer for Artist or Student (Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097CBMN93/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_P9C9B31EMGGQQKAQSS6K?psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Tikpen-400pcs-Mechanical-Pencil-drawing/dp/B08GG8ZWYK/ though they're only 90 mm long. You can also check Legendary Lead for other uncommon sizes. Past that, you'll want wholesale lots, probably from China.
I write heavy handed as well and my favorite pencils are 0.9 Pentel Twist Erase III. I have several and they can take a beating. I had one break a few months back after like 10 years of use. It writes smooth and people are impressed with it when I let them borrow one (almost lost like 3 for this reason). They're also decently priced.
This may not be big enough or your style but I love this - Hide & Drink, Durable Leather Pencil Pouch, Handy Pen Case, Classic Work Accessories, Carry On Pouch, Student & Professionals Essentials, Handmade Includes 101 Year Warranty :: Bourbon Brown https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KTCYBC9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_E4QBN1TTGY0EDQECQNQR
The other "extruded" pencils in current production I can think of are the Bic Evolution. They're available in an "Extra Fun" version in colors like the old Yikes pencils, if you're really looking for that nostalgia feel.
In general though, most pencil connoisseurs turn up their noses at extruded pencils. I personally think they're pretty terrible.
Next thing to search for: A copy of this guy. ;-)
Also backing the Uni rec. But I would add the June Gold from Amazon.. Although slightly shorter than the Unis, they are highly pigmented and good quality.
I am, I have to say, a mechanical pencil aficionado, and I sketch a lot, and I almost exclusively use red for some reason, and the best, by far, is the red lead from Uni. My favorite mechanical pencils for sketching are the Zebra Del Guards, but for red, I use the Uni Kuru Toga.
I recommend the pilot color red eno mechanical pencil
Pilot Color Mechanical Pencil Eno, 0.7mm, Red (HCR-12R-R7) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016YUHFM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_S2WBTQ64QNTJC1VW6RNE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
A few years ago, a Cross Century ballpoint featured a copper-coated surface for antimicrobial properties. The pen apparently didn't sell well at the time; I bought a couple for friends in the health professions for less than $10 on closeout at an office supplies chain.
A quick solution would be to buy Dixon soft graphite lumber "crayons." I use them on wet wood and in cold weather because they work better than the typical wax-based lumber crayons in those conditions. They are 4-1/2 inches long, 1/2 inch in diameter.
I've not tried it, but I think you could easily cut the crayons into long slabs with a Dremel tool and make your own slat-and-string, 16th-century pencils. If the soft graphite seems unworkable, they do make a firmer version as well. Or they used to.
https://www.amazon.com/Dixon-36512-Marking-Crayons-Graphite/dp/B002JGHA2E
Lyra's graphite crayons might be good as well, though being water-soluble, I'm not sure what other compounds are in them. But you do get varying degrees of hardness. https://www.amazon.com/Graphite-Crayons-Assorted-Water-Soluble-5633240/dp/B00524EZEQ/ref=psdc\_12896711\_t3\_B002JGHA2E
hack extender option- I used to use old Pentel Clic Eraser bodies once their handles broke off, most hex/round pencils will fit into one end or the other. May require taking the eraser ferrule off sometimes.
Otherwise, I like Kutsuwa Stad's pencil extenders, they also make pencil caps as you've seen.
I also for awhile used tip caps that had sharpeners built into them- can't recall if I got them from Daiso (Japanese 100 yen /'1.50 USD'/etc) store, or from another Japanese stationary store though....
Something a little different from a yellow pencil but writes fine: Staedtler Rally
Also Staedtler Norica, which is a little easier to find at retail in N. America (Staples).
The Caran d'Ache Grafwood set (15 pencils, 9B, 8B, 7B, 6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, HB, F, H, 2H, 3H, 4H) isn't that much more than a dozen Blackwings. $32.91, in a tin tube, with Free Prime shipping on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Caran-dAche-Grafwood-Piece-Round/dp/B00ADT0Z58?th=1
I've seen the same set -- also on Amazon -- for almost 80 bucks, so this looks like a good deal. I don't know where the graphite is sourced but the pencils are "Swiss Made."
I’m using a couple at the moment. The one I like the most is the Faber-Castell dust free.
Faber Castell Pencil Eraser, DUST Free (Excellent Clean Erasing) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BP4FSO8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WM4B370H1YEB5ET1V83N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
But I’m just writing and not drawing so I don’t know how it would stack up in that regard. I also have a Sakura Sumo Grip Retractable Eraser and a few of the Tombow Smart. I’ll use any eraser and not think about it, but if I want it gone that Dust free hard to beat.
Staedtler Rally says "Best Test Pencil" right on the box, and, although I admit it's slightly tongue in cheek, I actually do like them as pencils :D. They stand out amid a sea of yellow/black pencils and are similar to Norica.
These little Kiridashi's also make great pencil knives. The short blade is easy to control, less risk of accidents, doesn't look scary if you whip it out in public, and the flat profile fits in journals/books/pencil cases.
It's not just you, the Kuru Toga uses a special lead that is harder on the outside then the center. You can get refills off amazon, just look for the Kuru Toga ones not the normal ones https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Kuru-Toga-Pencil-Lead/dp/B00DR6FATK/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2C1F8KTUAA9H6&dchild=1&keywords=uni+kuru+toga&qid=1617424363&sprefix=uni+kur%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-4
F or H lead hardness. 2mm clutch or lead holder preferred. Koh-i-nor metal heft over something else that is mostly plastic and light. At or Under $€£10. In wood, anything in F or H is usually great.
Staetler 502 mars pointer for 2mm leads. If it is wood a (staetler screw on lid premium quality $€£3.00 sharpener) [https://www.amazon.ca/STAEDTLER-sharpener-prevents-accidental-work-station/dp/B001E6C08E] does a consistently great job or I like to artisanaly sharpen with a knife like an Opinel#7 carbone or utility blade.
Here's one way:
SimplyImagine Pencil Dispenser Holder - For Classroom, Home, Office Use or Teacher Gift, Durable Acrylic Rolling Knob Pencil Storage Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083TG19K1/ref=cm_sw_r_sm_apa_fabc_EQ9SC0CN2EGS6YKMY567?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It's a flat brass one like this. It's very slim, about the size of a bookmark, but the blade is quite robust for its size. Slips easily into a notebook, pencil case, or pocket. Looks unassuming for sharpening in public where people would freak out at a bigger knife.
Yeah, for those purposes the inkwell isn't great (same with the Kum 2 stage, the storage is tiny). If you're looking purely for seminar/meeting use, it sounds like the Staedtler 511 or 512 tub is your best bet. Large enough for a long event, but compact and sealable to keep in a bag if you have no writing/sharpening surface.
Another surprise winner is the cheap, ugly Wescott. It produces a point similar to the M+R bullet and has decent reservoir size. But it looks terrible, the plastic is brittle, and I'm not sure about blade longevity/replaceability. (Also, don't pay the price in that link. They can be found at supermarkets for ~$2 or less.)
Lastly, I've seen people create their own rigs using cheap Apsara long point sharpeners screwed/glued/3-D printed into a receptacle. You could look into doing that yourself.
I'm surprised there isn't a sealable metal sharpener with a reservoir. W/out the Blackwing upcharge, I think a lot of people would go for it.
Smallest sharpener I have in my collection is these ones sold at Muji. Maybe about the size of a medium sized Lego brick, is on the shorter end of point sizes (many 'basic' Japanese sharpeners do this), and yeah, you'll get maybe 2-4 sharpens before needing to empty the receptacle.
Note that if you have a Muji near you, they are cheaper in store, there is some markup on Amazon by 3rd party sellers.
Glancing by your other comment: Sakura Sumo Grip is pretty bulky feeling in the hand but has this satisfying squishy grip.
I also like this Alvin "Grippy", it's a nice combo of metal/plastic with a slim but satisfying grip.....but...it looks like it's temporarily out of production while Alvin goes through some reorganization. Look on ebay if you want it absolutely now.
And on the absurdly cheap and available at one major store or another- I like the ribbed grip on the Pentel Icy - but they're not durable in the long run. I recycle the grips on other pencils when the bodies fail.
Which for that matter, I've stuck generic pencil grips on most other pencils when my poor calluses needed a break- and while it looks like I'm in elementary school again, meh, don't care, too busy drawing and writing? Because I do love metal bodied pencils like the Staedtler 925, Pentel Graph Gear, my favorite in that category is the Alvin Draftmatic (which is the top of the line/an iconic model for Alvin, so, it should come back in some format...)
I think it is a Faber castell easy grip. When new, they have little dots near where you grip it. Here is the link, although they don't have blue caps like yours does.
Target Up and Up handheld sharpeners are cheap and do what I want -put a point on a pencil, and if I lose it/the blades dull down, it's easily replacable.
I also have a small collection of sharpeners from Kum that alllll do well, mostly because they're German blades and refills are sold at most art supply shops for them.
For a hand crank one- I have a basic AF Xacto sharpener that was like $6 from the local drug store.
Deli makes decent hand crank sharpeners too, I have one that is orange 'fruit' themed and is adorable.
Electric, eh, I had enough luck at thrift stores, the one in my current rotation is a black Hunt one that was made in the US. My office at work still has a Panasonic Auto Stop from the 80s that has zero issues with it....
Thank you so much for your help! Your definitely right where I do really want firmer pencils with better point retention. I never knew Japanese pencils were like that, which explains why I disliked the Mitsubishis.
I was about to pull the trigger on the Fabers as I trusted your suggestion but I failed to mention that I am from Canada. These links are Amazon.com not .ca
Are these the exact same Fabers What I found on Amazon Canada
And cigar boxes for vintage ones.
That's the beauty of this sub, you'll always find new necessities
https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Staedtler-900-25-Portal%C3%A1pices-Plateado/dp/B0014R5UXK
I bought it on Amazon. I saw where someone sent one to PeterDraws on YouTube and I thought it would be a good small one to carry. The first one they sent me got broken in shipping but they sent me another one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018RF0IQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IqcNFbGMST2WG
I second the Carl Angel 5 Royal. It’s nearly as good as the Classroom Friendly, but has rubber bits on the part that holds the pencil so it doesn’t leave “tooth marks” as the redditor above mentioned. This is my favorite sharpener; I have one at home, and another at my office at work.
For portable/handheld, I recommend the Blackwing One-Step. It’s a little pricey for a portable sharpener, but it produces a really nice point and holds the shavings for plenty of sharpens.
Short stubby tip?
I find el cheapo Kum sharpener gives points on the shorter end (useful for when I'm at the verryyyy end of a pencil). I bought mine at Hobby Lobby for a heck of a lot less than that price on Amazon, YMMV.
Otherwise, perhaps give the Kutsuwa STAD T'GAAL a whirl, as it's supposedly an 'adjustable point' sharpener.
I prefer hand-crank sharpeners with auto-feeds, and was going to recommend a Carl CP-80 as a cheap alternative to the Kum long point (which is a good sharpener but it is easy to break the lead right before you are done sharpening, especially with softer leads), but it appears they may have been discontinued, or at least not available on Amazon or Ebay. If you are willing to spend a little more, and don't mind small bite-marks near the end of the pencil, I would recommend a Carl Angel-5 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005D7S9FI/ref=psdc_1069806_t2_B00AAZ4EVQ).
A lot of the other grips linked are colorful and reminiscent of school. If you want a more subdued professional/adult grip, take a look at these Omni Grips.
I've used them on standard pencils and the smaller diameter types (like USA Gold). They feel great, hold great, and have a reversible thicker section so you can taper up or down depending on your preferences. I also have a history of preferring fountain pens with thicker grip sections, and these pencil grips feel like a fountain pen in my preferred size range.
These ones from Pentel fit the PaperMate just fine 👍
https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Refills-Mechanical-Pencils-PDE1BP3-K6/dp/B00006IFB5
Also if you want a tutorial on how to replace the lead, here you go
Here’s what you want! I too was looking for a way to get that stubby tip (more to get blunt tips, not because I’m particularly hard on my pencils), and I found one of these at a stationary store.
Kutsuwa STAD T'GAAL Angle Adjustable Pencil Sharpener (RS017LB),Light Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006CQW2LQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kWWrFbM89DQF4
You might also want to try a different lead hardness? Maybe something harder, like HB, or 2H, that won’t break as easily, or even something softer like 4B, or even 6B, if you just like dark lines?
Are you using this model?
https://www.amazon.com/Legendary-DUX-Adjustable-Pencil-Sharpener/dp/B01CAOMZGA
If so, I've always replaced the blade with M+R standard refills:
https://www.amazon.com/Sharpener-Replacement-Blades-10-Box/dp/B007V5OB7K
They work just fine for me.
Nice work but not sure why you sharpened them all at once! Now you have to carry around a bunch of sharpened pencils in your bag that could break or get your bag really dirty.
I agree that a crank sharpener will be your friend - forget Muji, this one is German made, costs $11, and will give you a beautiful point, every time.
It's very difficult to get harder AND darker, but high quality lead will be stronger than cheap lead of the same grade. Pentel Ain Stein are well regarded leads for strength.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EHYH18/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kUEiFbN35JK63
I had a pencil made by Staedtler that had a “double clutch” mechanism, which gripped the lead in two places instead of one. I guess in most pencils, the grip is fairly far up the shaft, which doesn’t help for preventing breakage. This pencil is outstanding for resisting breakage, and may help. The caveat being that the lead doesn’t extend all that far out of the shaft, so may be not far enough for your purposes.
Unfortunately, as far as lead goes, harder leads are lighter and softer leads are darker. It harder leads resist breaking, you’ll invariably end up with a lighter line. I find the Ain Stein line to be fantastic, but there’s a brand that purports to infuse they lead with diamonds to resist breaking that may help. I found it scratchy and annoying, but it may be perfect for you.
Grab the tombow mono professional set on either amazon or pencils.com and try those out, i like that set a lot. I also just draw with a lot of japanese hb’s (mitsubishi 9800, hi-uni hb, tombow 8900 hb), but for full tonal that set is pretty great.
The Musgrave Sampler is cheap and even available on Amazon and it'll give you lots of new graphite toys to try out... https://www.amazon.com/Musgrave-Pencil-Co-Variety-Pack/dp/B07HNJWK3W/
Maybe something like this: Amazon pencil grips
If you’re near a Dollar Tree, they actually sell some good pencil grips. I use them a lot on Musgrave pencils.
There are lots of good ones, but Bostitch were the ones my schools used in the 1970s/'80s and I see that they are still in the pencil sharpener business.
I don't know what country you're in, but https://www.amazon.ca/Bostitch-Antimicrobial-Manual-Sharpener-MPS1-BLK/dp/B000GP0VIU/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=crank+pencil+sharpener&qid=1584457626&sr=8-10 here's one on the Amazon Canada store that's pretty cheap (~$26 Cdn/$20 US) and seems well-made, and is the design I have in mind. The only negative is that you need a place to wall-mount it (I have mine on the side of an old bar bench in my basement).
I have these ones but the colours annoy me and I like the look of the Palomino ones. I can't find them on UK Amazon so I'm going to pay full price for something that serves a purpose of something I already own! But I want them natural Blackwings because the editions are too soft for me and if I'm placing an order I might as well place an order.
Caran d'Ache are my favorite pencils!
check these out: https://www.amazon.com/Caran-dAche-Pencils-Limited-Scented/dp/B01N3M33FP pricey, but wonderful.
also, quality paper is key....this is a great sketching journal (link is to graphed pages, you may want to find blank pages from the same brand): https://www.jetpens.com/Maruman-Mnemosyne-N104-Special-Memo-Notebook-B5-Dot-Grid/pd/27111
I use this one for most of my Blackwings. It's pretty great and let's you choose short or long point.
Uni KH-20 Hand Crank Wooden Pencil Sharpener - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001U3NST6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7xzbDbRPCPX5A
If I need a super long point I'll use this one.
KUM Masterpiece Pencil Sharpener https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D3BXSPN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EzzbDbY170KDM
It takes forever buts it's worth it if you like really long and sharp points on your pencils.
Enjoy!
A lot of Sanford/Papermate's (now just either Papermate or Prismacolor) catalog has gotten shifted around from brand to brand....pretty sure that the current version is the Prismacolor Scholar black eraser. (or if you only want one...slightly not as well priced Amazon listing) The Magic Rub and Artgum eraser did the same thing some years back.
Sharpeners: Not in particular, I just kinda started buying stuff until I massed a small collection that keeps me pleased and has enough variety. Maybe the only one that stands out to me out of what I have for technical reasons, is the Kum long point handheld sharpener.
(and if I had to choose based on aesthetics/cuteness factor, um....this Deli sharpener plastered with bright colors and a fruit motif made me very happy XD)
Erasers: I like Staedtler Mars Plastic, they're inexpensive, but are always high quality, and last forever. Most Japanese erasers are good as well.
Also you might consider trying these for your needs:
Prismacolor 2163 Premier Art Stix Woodless Colored Pencils, 24-Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I7VPZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_GdqVBbW324FCV
Crayola makes a version that’s lower quality. These are great for kids and if you need to not mess with sharpening. They’re much more pigment rich than crayons and the medium is higher quality wax.
USA Gold Natural (Price fluctuates a lot, average price according to CCC ~$3 for 12) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00144111I/ Target and Walmart near me always has the yellow pencils in stock, not the natural wood case for some reason.
General Cedar Pointe #2 is around $0.30 each if you have Blick's nearby. Great pencils. Natural wood case with black ferrule and erasers.
Still want to try the Palominos sometime.
Prismacolor and other soft colored pencils are sharpened to 10/11mm points, as opposed to normal pencils which generally are 8mm or sometimes 7mm.
If I want a short point, I use a KUM sharpener I have that has the option for 11mm points, but if you want to try adjusting, KUM also makes an adjustable sharpener. https://www.amazon.com/CraftyCrocodile-Kum-4-in-1-Pencil-Sharpener/dp/B00WABXZ4U
Oh, also, with soft coloured pencils, always use sharpeners with relatively new blades. KUM sharpeners are great because the blades are relatively easy to come by.