One of the fun things about being cartoonist is trying out different art tools. Like a lot of cartoonists, I’ve experimented with my share of pencils, pens, drawing nibs, and graphic software applications. After all this testing, you tend to settle in on a few that become tried and true.

But you continue to try new tools as they cross your path.  And, every once in a while, a new tool does comes along and you wonder why you never used it before!

Such is the case with my pencil sharpener.

I have a couple of really nice electric pencil sharpeners. One is a Boston electric pencil sharpener. The other is made by Panasonic. I’ve had both for years. Again, the result of trying out different tools. I’ve used the Boston pencil sharpener for quite some time. The Panasonic is tucked away just in case the Boston sharpener burns out. With such terrific electric powered devices, little did I ever think that I’d go back to using a hand held pencil sharpener!

How did I discover this nifty little studio assistant?  Well, I was looking for some new paper, pens, and non-photo blue pencils for my comic strip George.  I contacted the folks at Faber-Castell. I discovered that their home office in NE Ohio wasn’t very far from my home. I spoke with one of their Consumer Relations Representatives. I explained that I was a cartoonist and looking for some new artist supplies.   I asked if she could recommend a particular Faber-Castell paper and pencil.  I also inquired about Pens. (As I mentioned, I’m always on the lookout for artist pens.)  Lastly, I asked where I could purchase these.  I live out in the sticks and art stores are pretty rare in my neck of the woods.  It’s always a treat to find an art supply store while on a road trip.  Otherwise, I’m purchasing these things online.

She told me she’d be happy to send some samples.  A few days later, I received a large envelope.  (When art supplies arrive, it’s just like Christmas!)  The package contained pencils, pens and paper. Inside there was also a really neat looking pencil sharpener.

It’s called the GRIP Trio Sharpener. It’s double sided. One side has two sharpener openings, and the other side has one. These accommodate different size pencils and give you three different point shapes. The sharpener opens in the middle. When you sharpen a pencil, the shavings collect inside. You simply snap off the case to clean. It’s quite portable and looks great on my drawing board. And it’s always handy. It’s my favorite tool! I use this sharpener all the time!

So, instead of spending 50 bucks on an electric pencil sharpener, pick up this little gem! It’s affordable and does a great job of sharpening your pencils! Plus, you can take it with you when you’re on the road with a sketchbook.

By the way, the pencils they sent are fantastic and the paper is top notch!  I’m using a Light Phthalo Blue #145 for my non-photo blue sketching of the comic strip.  You can find the pencils here.

The pens are terrific!  These are Faber-Castell’s Pitt Graphic artists pens.  The pens use India Ink.  The Pitt pen makes lines that are solid, crisp, and dark.  It does a wonderful job of final inking completely covering my blue sketch lines.  The ink dries to to a waterproof finish.  Best of all, the pen is odorless.   And, they come in a variety of line widths.  Coincidentally, I’ve discovered that many of my cartoonist friends use these pens.

I highly recommend the Faber-Castell line up of art supplies. You can get them online or at your favorite art or office supply stores.