Abstract: A device for sharpening crayons and other soft marking instruments normally made from waxes, plastics and other soft material which includes a protective ring defining an aperture with a plurality of support members extending longitudinally therefrom. A plurality of sharpening blades extend longitudinally along the support members and are fixedly secured thereto to define a sharpening zone between the support members. Each of the sharpening blades is arcuate along its entire length extending from the protective ring to a base to which the individual support members converge. This arcuate shape is preferably of a parabolic shape to facilitate the sharpening of crayons to a blunt end shape. Debris outlets are defined between the support members and a retaining cup can be secured thereto for collecting debris.