General's Primo Euro Blend Charcoal Deluxe Set #59 Each

The box arrived in decent condition, but the inside of the package was covered in charcoal dust pobably released by the pencils and sticks over time. Not a big problem besides the fact that it gave the product a "second-hand" look. That's why I gave it 4 stars, otherwise it's a very good product.The lead in the B pencil is quite soft and breaks easily when being sharpened with the pencil sharpener included in the box, so you have to be very careful. I don't think that the pencil sharpener is the problem though, because it works fine with the HB grade pencil (haven't tried the W and 3B grades yet); nevertheless I'm going to try a pencil sharpener from a different brand and see if there's an improvement. For those who are interested here are some tips on how to sharpen a pencil whith a pencil sharpener in the right way http://www.art-is-fun.com/how-to-sharpen-a-colored-pencil/; it's about coloured pencils but I think it applies to charcoal pencils as well.

As an artist I was forced to use charcoal as one of my drawing mediums. When I draw with charcoal the scraping sound gives me goose bumps. It's like scratching chalk across a chalk board. However, the charcoal does give you a deep richness you just don't get with the lead pens and pencils.

Still haven't used all of the pencils, but what I have, I like.

Good product

I love this and I am so happy that I chose to order this specific set.

Smooth and creamy on application. Consistent and reliable.Pencils get used up a bit fast.

Excellent product, good delivery and good material

Love Em