Design Icons
The Art of Sharpening Pencils
Practical and ornamental, the Caran d'Ache pencil sharpening machine is, without doubt, an iconic piece of stationery design. Originally created by the Geneva based company in 1933, the machine's robust metal construction means that it is built to last, whilst always maintaining a presence of style and sophistication fit to grace any study, office or studio setting.
Its classic looks are matched by the Swiss mechanical precision of its operation. Supplied with a clamp for mounting to a desk, table or bookcase the machine will sharpen any round, hexagonal or triangular pencils and pastels from 4 to 10mm in diameter.
When compressed, the butterfly clamps, at the front of the machine, allow the pencil holding mechanism to glide out to the desired length. Releasing the clamps will ensure the pencil is held firmly in position for sharpening, which is achieved by winding the finely detailed handle at the rear to drive a durable turbine blade encased in the metal body. A button at the centre of the handle allows the user to adjust the length of the point the sharpener can create, whilst a neatly positioned movable drawer catches the shavings created during the procedure.
The special 2013 Brut Rosé edition celebrates the 80th anniversary of the famous sharpening machine. Limited to 4478, which signifies the height in metres of the legendary Matterhorn, it comes in a vintage-style metal box in the same colour as the sharpening machine.
Pencil sharpening becomes a ritual with this absolute design icon, ably preparing artists, architects, designers and engineers alike with a highly accurate pencil point with which to use on paper, possibly creating some of the design classics for the future.