My pencil sharpener won't work?

If I can't find a pencil sharpener, I use a small pocket knife (or a small steak knife--be sure to wash it afterwards) to sharpen my pencils. Be sure to hold the pencil and knife away from you then angle the knife about 45 degrees to the pencil and take off a layer of the pencil until it's as sharp as you like. It's like whittling a piece of wood with a knife. Hope this helps.