You know The Verge for reviews of the latest phones, gadgets, and tech trends. But sometimes, a simple, non-digital tool captures attention in surprising ways. That’s exactly what happened with Allison Johnson, a reviewer who usually tackles mobile technology, and the Blackwing One-Step Long Point Sharpener. This isn’t just any old sharpener; it’s a small, sturdy device that has brought unexpected joy and practicality back into her daily life, proving that sometimes, the best tools are the simplest ones.
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Allison’s key takeaway? A well-made, analog tool can be incredibly satisfying and useful, even in our increasingly digital world.
From High-Tech to High-Quality Analog
How does a tech reviewer end up fixated on a pencil sharpener? It started simply: a need. Over the years, Allison realized her home lacked basic pencils. Need to mark a spot on the wall for a picture? No pencil. Want to tackle a Sudoku puzzle? You really need a pencil for those. This realization led to a Christmas request for a good sharpener.
Instead of a bulky, old-school crank sharpener, her husband found the Blackwing One-Step. Its appeal was immediate and practical: small, lightweight enough to carry around, and ready for spontaneous tasks like crossword puzzles or quick notes.
What Makes the Blackwing Sharpener Stand Out?
At first glance, it’s a pencil sharpener. But using the Blackwing One-Step reveals thoughtful design and quality.
The Design and Feel
Despite its compact size, the sharpener has a reassuring weight to it. It feels solid and well-made in your hand, a stark contrast to flimsy plastic alternatives. Its singular focus is sharpening, and it does that job beautifully.
Hand holding a black Blackwing pencil sharpener.
How Well Does It Sharpen?
The Blackwing is designed to create a long, fine point, ideal for writing or drawing. It consistently produces a clean, sharp tip, unlike cheaper sharpeners that can chew up the wood or break the lead. You do need to apply a little pressure to get that perfect point, which can sometimes leave a slight ring on the pencil’s wood near the tip. This might be why some prefer two-stage sharpeners, but for a single-step process, the result is impressive.
Long-Lasting Quality
A standout feature for Allison is the ability to replace the blade. This isn’t a disposable gadget; when the blade eventually dulls from use, you can order a new one from Blackwing. This simple detail adds to its value and longevity, making it a tool meant to last.
Is a $25 Pencil Sharpener Worth It?
Yes, $25 might seem steep for a pencil sharpener. However, as Allison found out the hard way with a cheaper brand that “absolutely mangled” her pencil, the performance difference is significant. For those who value a reliable, high-quality tool that consistently delivers excellent results and is built to last, the price becomes justifiable. It’s an investment in frustration-free sharpening.
Who Is This Sharpener For?
The Blackwing One-Step Long Point Sharpener is perfect for anyone who:
- Appreciates well-designed, quality objects that excel at their specific task.
- Misses the simplicity and utility of having pencils readily available.
- Needs a reliable sharpener for activities like Sudoku, crosswords, sketching, or making notes.
It’s a tool that brings simple, analog satisfaction back into your life.
Blackwing pencil sharpener next to a freshly sharpened pencil.
In challenging times, finding joy in simple things like using a nice pencil with a perfectly sharpened point can be surprisingly meaningful. The Blackwing sharpener offers that little bit of tactile satisfaction and practical convenience that digital tools can’t replicate.
Want to explore more unique gadgets or understand the value of everyday tools? Stay tuned for more insights.
