Yes, you can sharpen flexible pencils!
Sharpening Flexible Pencils: What You Need to Know
While these novelty items are primarily known for their bendy nature, they can indeed be sharpened and used for writing or drawing. However, the experience is quite different from sharpening a standard wooden pencil.
Based on user experience:
- They DO work when sharpened.
- They do not sharpen well compared to rigid pencils.
- They bend under a certain amount of pressure during the sharpening process, which is the main reason they are difficult to sharpen effectively.
Tips for Sharpening Flexible Pencils
Due to the unique material (often plastic or a similar flexible polymer) and their propensity to bend, using the right tool is important:
- Use a Cheap Sharpener: It is highly recommended to not use a high-quality or expensive pencil sharpener. The flexible material of the pencil might potentially damage a nicer sharpener.
- Opt for a Basic Sharpener: A simple, inexpensive sharpener is less likely to be harmed and is generally sufficient for getting a point on these pencils, even if it's not a perfect one.
In summary, while challenging because they bend easily, flexible pencils can be sharpened and are functional afterward. Just make sure to use a cheap sharpener!
