Abstract: A hand-operable and portable pencil sharpener which is comprised of a housing having a conical cavity therein. The cavity is of circular cross-section and defines an open inlet end tapering to a narrow inner end. A collar is provided about the open inlet end and formed integral with the housing. A pencil centering insert is rotatably secured in the collar by a flexible and removable snap ring. A slot is provided along the side wall of the conical cavity and a blade having a,sharp edge is secured adjacent to the slot with the sharp edge projecting slightly into the cavity whereby to shave a portion of the wood and lead on the extremity of a carpenter's pencil rotated in the conical cavity and centered by a centering slot in the pencil centering insert. An abrading element is secured to the housing to permit the abrading of a sharp point on the end of the lead.