Pencils were in use before the development of devices specifically to sharpen them. The eariliest patent filed for a pencil sharpener was dated back to 1828 a French mathematician named Bernard Lassimone. Today, a pencil sharpener sells for as little at $2 or even less at at China Town on Spadina or the nearest Staples.

Remember those wall-mounted sharpeners at school? They are available at Staples between $15 to $25.

If you prefer a hands free operation, check out the iPoint Titanium Electic Sharpener which features titanium blades that will auto eject the pencil once it is sharpener in a complete automated hands free operation. Available at Staples for $64.95 or online at Amazon.com for US $17.86.

High-tech computer users who just want everything to be plugged in should try the USB pencil sharpener - iSharpener, with built-in bright LED lights. Available at Audio Cubes for US$29.35.

For the simple, no frills, just a pencil sharpener, ShopToronto.com recommends the Prismacolor's cone shape sharpener for about $4 at any art supply stores. We picked up the ours at Gwartzman's Art Supplies on Spadina just south of College for $3.70 plus tax.