{"product_id":"kum-as3-long-point-double-hole-pencil-sharpener-sketching","title":"KUM AS3 Long Point Double-Hole Pencil Sharpener for Sketching \u0026 Drawing","description":"\u003ch2\u003eKUM AS3 Long Point Double-Hole Pencil Sharpener for Sketching \u0026amp; Drawing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSerious artists know that the right point makes all the difference. The KUM AS3 is a professional two-stage sharpener engineered in Germany specifically for artists and draughtsmen who demand a long, exposed graphite point — the kind that allows for expressive line variation, precise detail work, and controlled shading that a standard sharpener simply cannot produce. Compact enough to slip into any pencil case, precise enough for the most demanding studio work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e✦ Key Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo-Stage Long Point System:\u003c\/strong\u003e The AS3’s dual-hole design works in two steps — the first hole removes the wood casing to expose a long graphite shaft; the second hole sharpens the graphite itself to a fine, controlled point. The result is a dramatically longer, more versatile drawing point than any single-stage sharpener can achieve\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in Germany:\u003c\/strong\u003e KUM has manufactured precision sharpeners in Germany since 1919. The AS3 is built to the exacting tolerances the brand is known for — with hardened steel blades that stay sharp through thousands of sharpenings\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardened Steel Blades:\u003c\/strong\u003e Both blades are precision-ground from hardened steel, delivering a clean, splinter-free cut on cedar, basswood, and other pencil casings — protecting the graphite core from cracking or chipping during sharpening\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible with Standard Pencils:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed for standard 8mm diameter pencils — compatible with all major brands including Uni Hi-Uni, Faber-Castell 9000, Staedtler Mars Lumograph, and Caran d’Ache Grafwood\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact \u0026amp; Studio-Ready:\u003c\/strong\u003e At just 5.2 × 3.2 × 2.3 cm, the AS3 fits neatly in any pencil case, art bag, or desk drawer — always within reach when you need a fresh point\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReplaceable Blades:\u003c\/strong\u003e KUM AS3 blades are replaceable, making this a long-term investment rather than a disposable tool — sustainable, economical, and always performing at its best\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e✦ Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e KUM (Germany)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e AS3\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Double-hole long point sharpener\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.2 × 3.2 × 2.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible Pencil Diameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard 8mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Graphite sketching, fine art drawing, technical illustration, life drawing\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Made in Germany\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e✦ Frequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What is a long point sharpener and why do artists prefer it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: A long point sharpener removes more of the wood casing than a standard sharpener, exposing a longer length of graphite before tapering to the tip. This longer graphite shaft gives artists far greater versatility — using the very tip for fine detail lines, the side of the exposed graphite for broad shading strokes, and everything in between. Standard sharpeners produce a short, stubby point that limits this range of mark-making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How do I use the KUM AS3 correctly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: Use the two holes in sequence. Insert your pencil into \u003cstrong\u003eHole 1\u003c\/strong\u003e first and sharpen until the wood is removed and a long graphite shaft is exposed. Then insert into \u003cstrong\u003eHole 2\u003c\/strong\u003e and sharpen to refine the graphite to your desired point fineness. Never skip Hole 1 — sharpening directly in Hole 2 will break the graphite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Is the KUM AS3 compatible with Uni Hi-Uni pencils?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: Yes. The AS3 is designed for standard 8mm diameter pencils and is fully compatible with Uni Hi-Uni, Faber-Castell 9000, Staedtler Mars Lumograph, Tombow Mono, and all other standard-diameter artist pencils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can the blades be replaced when they become dull?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: Yes — KUM AS3 replacement blades are available separately. This makes the AS3 a long-term studio investment rather than a disposable sharpener. Replacing the blades when they dull ensures consistently clean, splinter-free sharpening and protects your pencil cores from cracking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Does the AS3 work with soft grades like 6B or 9B?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: Yes, but extra care is needed with very soft grades. Soft graphite (5B and above) is more fragile and prone to breaking during sharpening. Use very light, slow rotations and avoid over-sharpening. Many artists prefer to sharpen soft grades with a craft knife for maximum control, using the AS3 for HB through 3B grades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What are the dimensions of the KUM AS3?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: The KUM AS3 measures 5.2 × 3.2 × 2.3 cm — compact enough to fit in any pencil case or art bag.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KUM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46594946334754,"sku":"KUN-AS3","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0902\/3045\/6354\/files\/O1CN01J4Gk7R1PUb0TLAwDX__122561844.jpg_q50.jpg_20351d6f-d8f4-4a7d-af5c-782d7401647c.webp?v=1787822401","url":"https:\/\/www.xypen.com\/products\/kum-as3-long-point-double-hole-pencil-sharpener-sketching","provider":"XYPen","version":"1.0","type":"link"}