ACUTOR: A Pencil Sharpener Redefining Natural Beauty

Jaeryong Lee's Award-Winning Design Merges Aesthetics and Practicality

In a world where design often hides the process, Jaeryong Lee's ACUTOR pencil sharpener embraces the natural beauty of creation. This unique design, which won the Golden A' Design Award in 2012, showcases the sawdust generated when sharpening a pencil, rather than hiding it. The result is a harmonious blend of aesthetics and practicality.

The ACUTOR pencil sharpener is the brainchild of Jaeryong Lee, with assistance from Jungjoon Hwang. The project began in March 2011 in Korea and was completed in October of the same year. The design was exhibited in Seoul, Korea, showcasing its unique properties to the world.

Lee's inspiration for the ACUTOR came from nature. He believes that not hiding the process is natural, and such naturalness is beautiful. This philosophy is embodied in the ACUTOR's design, where the sawdust generated from sharpening a pencil is contained in a triangular flask, visible to the user. This feature sets the ACUTOR apart from most pencil sharpeners, where the sawdust is hidden.

Despite its unique aesthetic focus, the ACUTOR does not compromise on practicality. The pencil is manually sharpened by inserting it into a hole in the cork from above. The sawdust is then directed to a hole at the bottom of the cork for disposal. The blade is also hidden in the cork, ensuring safety while maintaining the design's minimalist appeal.

The ACUTOR's specifications are a testament to its compact and efficient design. With a width of 90mm, a depth of 90mm, and a height of 125mm, it is a small but powerful tool that redefines the pencil sharpening experience. Its design tags, including 'A pencil Sharpener', 'ACUTOR', and 'Naturalness', reflect its unique blend of form and function.

The ACUTOR's innovative design earned it the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in 2012. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. The ACUTOR is indeed a venerated product that advances art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with its desirable characteristics.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Jaeryong Lee
Image Credits: Jaeryong Lee
Project Team Members: Jungjoon Hwang
Project Name: ACUTOR
Project Client: Jaeryong Lee


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