It is expensive, that's true. All the well-known top companies in pencil sharpeners, like KUM, M+R, etc., produce a very small portable version with two sizes, 2mm and 3.15mm, just like this one here, and they cost at most 10 to 20 cents. The only thing that this one here offers is that the graphite doesn't fall out, so you can hold it for use in freehand drawing. KUM also produces the same one. It's as if they are made in the same factory and just print a different brand logo. Generally, for freehand drawing, I prefer any kind of sharpener to be KUM. This one here does a perfect job, especially if you want a tip for general use. Whether you write or do linear drawings, etc., this sharpener will cover you and match perfectly with the best Lead Holders in the world, the Faber Castell TK 4600 and TK 9400!!!