What are the three holes on the Faber-Castell Grip Trio for?

One is for jumbo pencils, one for standard pencils and one only for colored pencils.

Why does colored pencil need its own sharpener hole?

The listing does not give a reason. It states only that one of the three sharpeners is exclusively for colored pencils. Colored pencil cores are generally softer than graphite, which is the usual reason for a separate hole.

Does the Grip Trio sharpener have a shavings box?

Yes. It has a large built-in shavings waste box.

Will it sharpen jumbo pencils?

Yes. One hole is sized for jumbo pencils.

Is it good for soft pencils like Prismacolor?

The listing does not name Prismacolor. It says the sharpener is for Faber-Castell pencils and has one hole exclusively for colored pencils.

Best handheld sharpener

Faber-Castell

Faber-Castell Grip Trio Sharpener

A triangular handheld sharpener with three holes, for jumbo, standard and colored pencils, with steel blades and a large shavings box.

Best for: Artists of any level who sharpen jumbo, standard and colored pencils

Holes: 3
Blades: Steel
Shavings box: Yes
Brand: Faber-Castell

Check price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Drawings Easy earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are shown on Amazon and can change. Disclosure

Buy it if

You use both graphite and colored pencils and want one sharpener
You sometimes sharpen jumbo pencils
You want a sharpener that catches shavings for use on the go

Skip it if

You want an electric sharpener. This is a manual handheld one
You want replacement blades. The listing does not mention any

What the Faber-Castell Grip Trio Sharpener is

The Faber-Castell Grip Trio is a triangular handheld pencil sharpener with three holes: one for jumbo pencils, one for standard pencils and one made only for colored pencils. That makes it a single sharpener for graphite, colored and chunky pencils.

Extra sharp steel blades leave a clean point, and a large shavings box catches the waste so your desk stays tidy. It is compact enough to carry in a pencil case or desk drawer.

Key features, explained

Based on the manufacturer's Amazon listing.

Three holes in one
Holes for jumbo, standard and colored pencils mean you do not need separate sharpeners.
A dedicated colored pencil hole
The listing says one of the three sharpeners is exclusively for colored pencils.
Extra sharp steel blades
The listing says the steel blades give a sharp, clean point after every use.
Large shavings box
A built-in waste box collects shavings, which keeps your workspace clean.
Ergonomic triangular shape
The triangular body is easy to grip while you turn the pencil.
Compact and portable
It fits in a pencil case or desk drawer.

Faber-Castell Grip Trio Sharpener specifications

Type: Manual handheld sharpener
Holes: 3: jumbo, standard, colored pencil
Blades: Steel
Shavings box: Yes, large
Shape: Triangular
Color: Silver gray
Brand: Faber-Castell
Model: 183897
Warranty: 30 days against defects

Who the Faber-Castell Grip Trio Sharpener suits

Colored pencil artists. One of the three holes is made exclusively for colored pencils.
Students. One small sharpener for school pencils, colored pencils and jumbo pencils.
Sketching on location. The shavings box keeps mess inside when you are away from a desk.

Look elsewhere if: you also need erasers in the same pack. The KALOUR 18-Piece Sketch Pencil Set includes a double-hole sharpener with its pencils, erasers and blending stump.

Faber-Castell Grip Trio Sharpener vs similar picks

Spec	Faber-Castell Grip Trio Sharpener	MARTCOLOR Eraser Pencils (8-Pack)	KALOUR 18-Piece Sketch Pencil Set
Type	Handheld sharpener	Eraser pencils	Sketch set
Holes	3	Not listed	2 (double-hole sharpener)
Shavings box	Yes	Not listed	Not listed
In the pack	1 sharpener	6 eraser pencils, 2 sharpeners	14 pencils, 2 erasers, sharpener, blending stump
Choose it for	One sharpener for every pencil type	Detail erasing with sharpeners	Pencils, erasers and a sharpener in one set

Faber-Castell Grip Trio Sharpener
Type
Handheld sharpener
Holes
3
Shavings box
Yes
In the pack
1 sharpener
Choose it for: One sharpener for every pencil type
MARTCOLOR Eraser Pencils (8-Pack)
Type
Eraser pencils
Holes
Not listed
Shavings box
Not listed
In the pack
6 eraser pencils, 2 sharpeners
Choose it for: Detail erasing with sharpeners
KALOUR 18-Piece Sketch Pencil Set
Type
Sketch set
Holes
2 (double-hole sharpener)
Shavings box
Not listed
In the pack
14 pencils, 2 erasers, sharpener, blending stump
Choose it for: Pencils, erasers and a sharpener in one set

Before you buy

Use the colored pencil hole for soft cores, and turn slowly with light pressure.
Empty the shavings box often so it does not jam the blades.
It is manual, so every pencil is turned by hand. The listing does not mention replacement blades.

Frequently asked questions about the Faber-Castell Grip Trio Sharpener

What are the three holes on the Faber-Castell Grip Trio for?: One is for jumbo pencils, one for standard pencils and one only for colored pencils.
Why does colored pencil need its own sharpener hole?: The listing does not give a reason. It states only that one of the three sharpeners is exclusively for colored pencils. Colored pencil cores are generally softer than graphite, which is the usual reason for a separate hole.
Does the Grip Trio sharpener have a shavings box?: Yes. It has a large built-in shavings waste box.
Will it sharpen jumbo pencils?: Yes. One hole is sized for jumbo pencils.
Is it good for soft pencils like Prismacolor?: The listing does not name Prismacolor. It says the sharpener is for Faber-Castell pencils and has one hole exclusively for colored pencils.