Question 1

Has anyone used this sharpener for soft pastel pencils such as Caran d'Ache or Koinoor? If so, how successful has it been?

Accepted Answer

It was bought over 4 years ago. I have never needed to change the blade. Pencils are still sharp. I feel this is the best manual sharpener based on value for money and quality and would highly recommend.Only 2 issues: 1) The thread of the clamp screw has worn out so it cannot be clamp anymore. 2) If sharpening colouring pencils or soft pastel pencils, then if the lead is broken it may get lodged in the sharpener. It can be taken out by a soft tilt and tap of the sharpener to get the broken piece to fall out the opening. I must point out that in my experience the lead most probably breaks off due to the damaged pencil and not due to the sharpener. A tilt and tap is best to get a broken lead out otherwise due to the soft lead any other means would cause it to lodge more firmly

Question 2

how do I use the clamp?

Accepted Answer

Hi, You press the grey button to the top right hand corner and pull out the black front plate away from the light grey base.  You then press the tab again to open up the teeth in the front black plate and fully insert your pencil.  As soon as you begin to turn the handle the front plate is released and begins to move the pencil into the sharpener.  When the pencil is sharp the handle you are turning goes slack so you can tell it is no longer sharpening.  You then depress the grey button to release the grip on your pencil and extract from device.  Really is a lot quicker to operate than explain though and works great.  Would definitely not be without it now.  Hope this is helpful :-)

Question 3

Does square shape pencils work on this

Accepted Answer

I don't think so, quite a few of my regular shape pencils don't fit

Question 4

The clamp has been lost for this. Does anyone have an alternative method of clamping no matter how Heath Robinson!

Accepted Answer

I didn't have a suitable surface to clamp mine on so I just use it without. It works perfectly well when hand held. I hold it in one hand and turn the lever with the other.

Manufacturer	Swordfish
Brand	Swordfish
Model Number	40100
Product Dimensions	10 x 9.5 x 9.5 cm; 260 g
Colour	black/grey
Material Type	Stainless Steel
Number of Items	1
Manufacturer Part Number	40100
Item Weight	260 g

‘Ikon’ Desktop Manual Pencil Sharpener with Replaceable Helical Blade and Auto Stop Function Ref: [40100]

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