MB&F x Caran d’Ache GorillaSharpener

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the M.A.D.Gallery, MB&F and Caran d’Ache have humorously reimagined one of the most familiar objects to Swiss schoolchildren. The GorillaSharpener transforms Caran d’Ache’s iconic “pencil sharpener” into a surprising mechanical sculpture in the shape of a gorilla.

Conceived by Maximilian Maertens, a designer at MB&F, the GorillaSharpener fully retains its original function: sharpening pencils. But the utilitarian object now stands perched on four powerful limbs, in a posture inspired by the gorilla’s characteristic gait on its knuckles. The pencil sharpener thus appears suspended above the desk, ready to spring into action.

A Pencil Sharpener Transformed into a Mechanical Sculpture

To give the piece a believable and expressive stance, the project first went through numerous two-dimensional sketches before being developed in 3D. The design of the limbs and their integration into the famous Caran d’Ache mechanism then required specialized work on molding and assembly techniques.

The result combines zinc-based alloy, steel, cast iron, and chrome-plated mechanical components, with an Alpine Frost Blue finish that highlights both the body’s contours and the industrial aesthetic of this unlikely creature.

Behind the humor lies one of MB&F’s founding principles: “A creative adult is a child who has survived.” ”A principle particularly well illustrated by this school supply turned collectible mechanical sculpture.

From the DinoSharpener to the GorillaSharpener

The GorillaSharpener continues a well-established partnership between MB&F and Caran d’Ache. In 2016, the two Swiss houses created the Astrograph, a spectacular writing instrument inspired by the world of rockets.

In 2024, the DinoSharpener debuted, marking the first transformation of Caran d’Ache’s famous pencil sharpener into a mechanical creature. With the GorillaSharpener, Maximilian Maertens continues the play: if the DinoSharpener evoked Godzilla, it naturally needed a worthy adversary. King Kong was never far behind.

A limited edition of 300 pieces

The Caran d’Ache x MB&F GorillaSharpener Alpine Frost Blue is produced in a limited edition of 300 pieces.

Each piece is presented in a special case and comes with a set of Caran d’Ache wooden pencils, an instruction manual, and a clip for attaching the pencil sharpener to a desk or table. The pencil case features an illustration specially created by Maxime Schertenleib, a regular collaborator with MB&F.

Despite its sculptural appearance, the GorillaSharpener remains fully functional. It accommodates round or hexagonal pencils ranging from 4 to 10 mm in diameter and features an interchangeable blade.

A gorilla to protect gorillas

Unveiled on World Gorilla Day, September 24, the GorillaSharpener also has an environmental dimension.

Through this project, MB&F supports the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an organization founded in 1967 by primatologist Dian Fossey and dedicated to the study and protection of gorillas.

In particular, MB&F is participating in the symbolic adoption of the Pablo group, a community of mountain gorillas monitored in Rwanda. This partnership helps fund field teams, scientific research, equipment, and initiatives necessary for the protection of gorillas and their habitat.

With the GorillaSharpener, MB&F and Caran d’Ache have successfully combined Swiss design, mechanics, humor, and imagination into a single object. It may be just a pencil sharpener sitting on a desk, but above all, it serves as a reminder that even the most ordinary objects can still become extraordinary.