# ✏️ Are Derwent Charcoal Pencils easy to sharpen?

*Published: 2024-03-27 | Updated: 2024-09-03 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/are-derwent-charcoal-pencils-easy-to-sharpen*

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## Product: Derwent Charcoal Pencils 6 Count
**Brand:** ‎Derwent

Sharpening Derwent Charcoal Pencils can be a bit tricky according to our research. They tend to be a bit fragile during sharpening, and you're likely to experience the tips breaking more often than you'd like. This happens whether you're using a [standard sharpener](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dstandard%2Bhandheld%2Bsharpener%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [electric sharpener](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Delectric%2Bsharpener%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20).

Based on what we've found, a handheld sharpener generally works better because those electric ones might not be gentle enough and could end up causing more harm to your pencils.

Even with these sharpening hiccups, Derwent Charcoal Pencils have their perks. The manufacturer mentions they're made with a combo of charcoal particles and fine clays, which gives you that smooth application and a nice, deep color. 

They work well for sketching and blending, and unlike [charcoal blocks](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dcharcoal%2Bblocks%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), they don't leave as much of a mess.

There is a mixed reaction regarding the texture. While most folks appreciate the smoothness, some do note a bit of a grainy feel on the paper. 

However, the positives seem to outweigh these small negatives, especially since they're easier to handle than [traditional charcoal sticks](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dtraditional%2Bcharcoal%2Bsticks%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20).

If you're into creating wherever you go, the sturdy tin case is a bonus. It keeps everything neat and organized for you. Overall, these pencils are quite well-received, with ratings around 4.6 stars.

So in short, while you need to be careful when sharpening, the overall artistic experience with Derwent Charcoal Pencils is pretty rewarding. Just keep an eye on how you sharpen them, and you should be good to go!

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| JOANN | $6.99  | Check |
| Plaza Artist Materials | $7.34  | Check |
| bkstr.com/delawaretechccstore/home | $8.39  | Check |
| Utrecht Art Supplies | $9.59  | Check |
| Michaels Stores | $10.79  | Check |
| Amazon | $15.23  | Check |

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*