A good lead holder, or lead clutch, is a mainstay for any studio space or drafting desk. Lead holders offer the convenience of a mechanical pencil but, because they can accommodate a heavier lead, they can produce a much wider range of lines. These leads can be shaped with fine sandpaper (a fairly messy process) or they can be sharpened using a lead pointer. Most pointers are designed to specifically accommodate 2-millimeter leads, but a few will sharpen leads of several different widths. Since the blades in these tools only touch graphite, they last longer than ordinary pencil sharpeners. Choose a good one, it will serve you well for a long time. We’ve rounded up some of the best lead pointers on the market to help you find the one that best suits your needs.