Crossword Genius

Old writer's tool tossed near Helen Cripps (6,9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pencil sharpener

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'old writer's tool' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'tossed near helen cripps' is the wordplay.
'tossed' indicates anagramming the letters.
'near'+'helen'+'cripps'='nearhelencripps'
'nearhelencripps' is an anagram of 'PENCIL-SHARPENER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pencil sharpener that I've seen before include "Desk item" , "shaving device" , "something struggling writer might resort to" , "that makes lead go further" , "It's used to make a point" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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