MB&F and Caran d’Ache Debut Limited Gorilla-Shaped Sharpener
MB&F and Caran d’Ache have released the GorillaSharpener, a limited-edition pencil sharpener with chrome-plated gorilla limbs. Designed by Maximilian Maertens, it stands about 150mm tall, accepts 4–10mm pencils, has an interchangeable cutter, and includes a desk clamp. Only 300 units will be made, priced at CHF 850 plus tax, following earlier MB&F and Caran d’Ache collaborations like the DinoSharpener and Astrograph.
MB&F and Caran d’Ache will make only 300 GorillaSharpeners, priced at CHF 850 before tax, roughly $1,165 in the U.S. Maximilian Maertens designed the piece, which adds chrome-plated zinc-alloy and steel limbs with a fur-like texture and Alpine Frost blue finish to a traditional crank sharpener. It stands about 150 mm, accepts 4–10 mm round or hexagonal pencils, has an interchangeable cutter, and includes a desk clamp.
It launched on World Gorilla Day, September 24. Earlier collaborations include the 2024 DinoSharpener and 2016 Astrograph. The release marks 15 years of M.A.D.Gallery. MB&F symbolically adopted Rwanda’s Pablo mountain gorilla group via the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, supporting field protection and conservation research.
This release may mostly affect design collectors and luxury-gadget enthusiasts, who could see it as a playful crossover between watchmaking and stationery. Its conservation tie-in may draw attention to gorilla protection, though the high price limits direct participation. For broader consumers, it could reinforce a trend of turning everyday tools into sculptural, limited-edition objects, but its impact on daily desk habits is likely small.