Over the past 6 or so years running a home-based business and homeschooling the kids we have tried dozens of little personal pencil sharpeners as well as battery operated ones and some of the plug-in variety. I am sure we have spent around $200 or so with all these experiments. Frankly, they all sucked! Either the kids couldn't operate them properly, they just didn't sharpen nicely, or in one case, they constantly dismounted from the file cabinet and made a giant mess on the floor. I kept remembering the "old-fashioned" hand crank ones that were mounted to the wall in elementary school rooms from my past. I finally decided to do an internet search for one and couldn't believe that they were actually AFFORDABLE. Much more so than the plug-in ones too...and no batteries to replace! We got one and my husband mounted it right over the garbage can. (That way when the kids take turns opening it to empty the extra can spill right into the can.) It works like a dream! The kids are taking turns sharpening a whole week's worth of pencils at a time! No more, "My pencil is not sharp!" excuse when asked to complete homework! Amazing what a relief it is to find a good product that works and only requires elbow grease! What kind of pencil sharpener do you use? Have you had similar issues finding a good one? This one pictured is less than $20.00! I ordered it from OfficeMax.com
