There's a lot to be said for a manual pencil sharpener. I'm on my third electric one and I can't sharpen too many in one go or it gets too hot
I got tired of the handheld ones so I bought the wall mount kind. I absolutely loved it until it started pulling out of the wall!!! It was installed correctly so I am at a loss. I guess I have to get an electric one, but it's difficult to find a good one (I also used to have a battery operated one, but it didn't last long).
We have used all types of sharpeners. I am very pleased with our current electric sharpener. In the past, we bought electric sharpeners for under $20 and they burned out fast. Finally, I went to Staples and paid about $45 or $50 for a sharpener and it has lasted many years. It is heavy duty. It is the type you would find in a public school that receives constant use. It has been dropped, over filled, and well used. We can sharpen like mad and it never overheats. I think in the end, it depends on the quality, how often you plan to use it, and how hard you are on it. When this one goes out, I plan on buying the exact same sharpener. It is worth every penny.
I had to buy the 45-50 dollar electric sharper at staples too. We've had it almost 3 years and it is still working great .(knock on wood!) Though I do NOT let my kids sharpen colored pencils in it. (A major no-no!) We use a hand sharpener for that.
We just use one of these http://www.paperplus.co.nz/product/Accent-Pencil-Sharpener-2-Hole-Metal?i=2000002163428
I have a hand crank sharpener in our school area. I am not a big pencil user but I love that sharpener!! Never been crazy about electric ones. Last one I had I received as a gift several years ago and it lasted all of 6ish months. I also have tons of the handheld sharpeners. They seem to multiply.
we had hand cranks years ago when i had 3 at grade school level , it was okay but find a really good solid wood to support it or it will come loose. for the past 8-10 yrs we have used an electric one, it gets dumped when full or vacuumed out most of the time its easier lol.