Zirconia Sharpener: An Artistic Reinterpretation of a Classic Tool

Designers Bryan Wong and Chengtao Yi's Award-Winning Creation

The inspiration for the Zirconia Sharpener came from a universal childhood experience: standing over a trash bin, sharpening a pencil, and watching the graphite and wood shavings fly out with each turn. This simple, honest interaction is one that transcends cultures and backgrounds, and it is this universality that Wong and Yi sought to capture in their design.

The Zirconia Sharpener is unique in its construction. The blade and body are made from zirconia and fused into a single unibody block. This use of zirconia, one of the hardest materials in the world, ensures that the blade doesn't need to be changed and offers a smooth sharpening experience. The sharpener's dimensions are 34.5mm in width, 23mm in depth, and 15mm in height.

The design process, which took place in Brooklyn, NY, between April and May 2016, was not without its challenges. The designers had to validate their hypotheses, investigate variables, and collect data. They also set project restrictions, such as ensuring the sharpener was analog and not electric, had a longer life cycle than traditional stainless steel blades, reduced the use of plastic, and was aesthetically pleasing enough to be displayed like a sculpture.

Despite these challenges, Wong and Yi's dedication to their design philosophy of Material Justice paid off. Their belief that a thoughtful product should also provide the best use of material to accentuate the design is evident in the Zirconia Sharpener. The result is a product that is not only functional and desirable but also a work of beauty that expresses simplicity and the magic of analog.

The Zirconia Sharpener is a testament to the power of design to elevate everyday objects into works of art. It is a reminder of the beauty of simplicity and the magic of analog in a world increasingly dominated by digital technology. This design, which has been recognized with a Silver A' Design Award, is a testament to the creativity and innovation of its designers, Bryan Wong and Chengtao Yi.