I used to be skeptical of ratcheting pencil sharpeners, but now that I've used them for a while I can't go back! The ratchet mechanism means you twist back and forth without repositioning your grip — easier on the wrist, and kids find it much easier too. This bullet-shaped one is about the best there is that I've found that doesn't break the bank. An added bonus: the point can be adjusted for sharp or blunt.
Specs
Ratchet mechanism — sharpen with a back-and-forth twist, no grip changes
Adjustable point (sharp/blunt) — the blunt setting is kinder to soft colored-pencil leads
Capsule design catches shavings for mess-free sharpening anywhere
Made by SONiC, Japan