Comments about Staedtler Mars Lead Pointer:

Thank you to the previous reviewer's question and for the merchant response on how to use this sharpener!! Now that I know how to use this I am really impressed with the long, sharp drawing point I get from this sharpener.

To add a little bit more detail to the sharpening technique...

Step 1) With the pencil sharpener upright, insert the pencil point part way into one of the small holes (skinny arrow for drawing, fat arrow for writing) and depress the end of the pencil to open the clutch so the lead will drop the rest of the way into the hole. While still pressing on the end to keep the clutch open, move the pencil downward until it touches the sharpener and then release the end to close the clutch around the lead. The lead is now at the correct length.

Step 2) Insert the pencil into the large pencil-size hole. Notice that the hole goes in at a slight angle, so you may need to gently wiggle the pencil a bit to get it aligned correctly. You'll know it's in all the way when the top edge of the silver knurled finger grip lines up with the top of the opening.

Step 3) With the barrel of the pencil sharpener held firmly in one hand, use the other hand to keep the pencil fully inserted into the hole while at the same time using the grip on the pencil to help make the top part rotate in order to sharpen the lead. You'll feel it when it's done sharpening.

Step 4) Remove the pencil from the hole and insert the lead point into the foam piece to clean off the loose graphite powder.

Comments about Staedtler Mars Lead Pointer:

There's just one thing I want to know.

How do I USE it? It didn't come with instructions, so how do I get either a fine point on the lead or a regular point?