The basics KUM 2-Hole Magnesium Pencil Sharpener is a durable, precision pencil sharpener for standard 8 mm pencils and larger pencils up to 10.5 mm.  The benefits This wedge-shaped sharpener is molded out of light-weight magnesium alloy, and uses replaceable blades. The uses KUM's "Dynamic Torsion Action" flexible, high-carbon steel blades will give you sharper pencils with a cleaner cut and less waste.  The bottom line The blades are made of high-carbon steel, therefore long-lasting and very sharp. Made in Germany.