Sharpening pencils with knife allows people to adjust the angle or length of the pencil lead while sharpening, but without damaging it. However, the falling wood chips often brought some inconvenience.

The concept of Atypical Sharpener is to build a new image of sharpening pencils. It collects wood chips while sharpen pencils with knife. Therefore, users won't have to worry about cleaning, and they can sharpen pencils anywhere.

1. It is universal design for left and right hands.
2. The knifepoint is wrapped to protect users.
3. The rubber plugs avoid wood chips from falling out of the container.
4. The image of Atypical Sharpener is a pencil, thus its color planning uses light orange and dark gray, which symbolizes wood and pencil lead.

1. Equip cutter knife from the side.

2. Put the pencil in from the front.

3. Sharpen the pencil like before.

Atypical Sharpener is one of the first few projects I have done, right after I stepped into the field of product design. It was also a special project for me--it is a product I design for myself.

I sharpen pencils with knife instead of sharpener, since I always get a sense of satisfaction while sharpening them. Furthermore, the art teacher who led me to the world of art and design in my childhood is the person teaching me how to sharpen pencil. For sentimental reasons, Atypical Sharpener was born.

Interestingly, many people liked the product even though they did not sharpen pencils with knives anymore. It recalled their memories of the times learning sketching in school. I realized that no matter how small the need is, it is always worth studying, and improving it. Atypical Sharpener is not perfect, but it keeps reminding me of bringing happiness to people bit by bit.