Sharpener & Eraser

Sharpeners and Erasers

Both of these are drawing tools rather than corrections. A kneadable eraser lifts graphite without abrading the paper, so it is used to pull highlights out of a shaded area, not to undo mistakes. Press it flat, dab, and it takes tone off in a controlled way that no plastic eraser can.

What to use when

Kneadable erasers suit graphite, charcoal and pastel and never leave crumbs. Vinyl and plastic erasers cut harder and cleaner and are what you want for a crisp white edge on smooth paper. Gum erasers crumble deliberately, carrying the graphite away with the debris, which is gentle on fragile surfaces.

On sharpeners: soft grades from 4B down break in a cheap blade. A two-hole metal sharpener or a hand-held blade gives you a longer lead exposure and a controllable point. Blending stumps and tortillons finish the job by pushing tone into the paper's tooth.

See artist pencils, charcoal and graphite and papers and pads. Stationerie, Kolkata, shipped across India.