The mechanical sharpener in panel two shows something that many teachers (in my school at least) didn’t realize – that they’re designed to be mounted either vertically (table) or horizontally (wall), and the oval-shaped shell which holds the shavings can be snapped on so that the oval points down either way to hold the most shavings. The one in panel two is on the wrong way.
Spud is very likely in for a huge disappointment. I got a large novelty pencil when I was ten or so and brought it to school to write with. I soon found out that “novelty” is code for “useless” because there was only about a quarter inch of lead in that thing, the rest was just solid wood. After the first sharpening it was just an expensive yellow stick.
I remember seeing one of those super big pencils as a kid once, and upon seeing it was indeed a functioning pencil, wondered how you were supposed to sharpen it at that size.
Some years ago, the Palomino Blackwing 602 pencil became my writing instrument of choice, and I haven’t looked back. I’m not sure why Western culture deemed the pencil as unsuitable for adult use, but I don’t like pens … never have.
What’s the big deal? All of our old manual pencil sharpeners have a silver metal ring, with varying sized holes in it, that can be rotated so that the sharpener can accommodate most standard pencil sizes. Those pencils typically used by our school, an école élémentaire, (An elementary school typically for ages 6-10.), are not that big and mostly from 6-7 mm. to a little over 1.1 cm. in diametre, for beginners. This Black Betty must be truly impressive!
Muntherdoesstuff over 3 years ago
Amelia: YES SHARPEN MY WEAPON FOR WAR SPUD
Spud: what
Amelia: whatMuntherdoesstuff over 3 years ago
the seagull: ok but does it give me chips
Its just me over 3 years ago
Mostly used my pocket knife.
Kroykali over 3 years ago
The mechanical sharpener in panel two shows something that many teachers (in my school at least) didn’t realize – that they’re designed to be mounted either vertically (table) or horizontally (wall), and the oval-shaped shell which holds the shavings can be snapped on so that the oval points down either way to hold the most shavings. The one in panel two is on the wrong way.
crookedwolf Premium Member over 3 years ago
Whoa, Big Betty, bam-ba-lam..!
jschumaker over 3 years ago
Looks like Big Betty could be used as a battering ram.
Ida No over 3 years ago
Was this from Sharpener Image?
Aladar30 Premium Member over 3 years ago
Spud is a child with wild passions.
snarkm over 3 years ago
Spud is very likely in for a huge disappointment. I got a large novelty pencil when I was ten or so and brought it to school to write with. I soon found out that “novelty” is code for “useless” because there was only about a quarter inch of lead in that thing, the rest was just solid wood. After the first sharpening it was just an expensive yellow stick.
Kawasaki Cat over 3 years ago
I had one of those novelty pencils.
NealJ over 3 years ago
Will Henry’s signature is a pencil sharpener.
raybarb44 over 3 years ago
That’s my man…..
snowedin, now known as Missy's mom over 3 years ago
Do they still make those fat pencils for kids? Seems dumb, for small fingers, but I’m certain that I had one.
scyphi26 over 3 years ago
I remember seeing one of those super big pencils as a kid once, and upon seeing it was indeed a functioning pencil, wondered how you were supposed to sharpen it at that size.
DCBakerEsq over 3 years ago
For good luck, I used my giant novelty #2 on the bar exam. It didn’t help. :(
WCraft Premium Member over 3 years ago
Very poetic – catching up with Calvin!
Thinkingblade over 3 years ago
It takes a true connoisseur to truly appreciate a properly sharpened pencil – http://artisanalpencilsharpening.com/index.html
parkerinthehouse over 3 years ago
BWAHAHAHAHAHA COFFEEOUTMYNOSEHAHA
Not the Smartest Man On the Planet -- Maybe Close Premium Member over 3 years ago
Life is better for the easily amused.
FunnyMinnion over 3 years ago
The only babe he’ll ever get!
Andrew Sleeth over 3 years ago
Some years ago, the Palomino Blackwing 602 pencil became my writing instrument of choice, and I haven’t looked back. I’m not sure why Western culture deemed the pencil as unsuitable for adult use, but I don’t like pens … never have.
StrongSand94191-&-CurrentBeatle18 over 3 years ago
Spud’s pencil probably needs to be sharpened with a knife
MichelleZhivago over 3 years ago
What’s the big deal? All of our old manual pencil sharpeners have a silver metal ring, with varying sized holes in it, that can be rotated so that the sharpener can accommodate most standard pencil sizes. Those pencils typically used by our school, an école élémentaire, (An elementary school typically for ages 6-10.), are not that big and mostly from 6-7 mm. to a little over 1.1 cm. in diametre, for beginners. This Black Betty must be truly impressive!
Julian Dieter almost 3 years ago
So funny!