General's Carbon Sketch Pencil, Box of 1 Dozen Pencils (595)

I used a specific kind of carbon pencil which is not accessible anymore, so I searched and tried different carbon pencils. To my amazement this pencil worked miracles. Usually you had to go back and forth many, many times to achieve the blackness needed. These pencils were so smooth and dark immediately on the first strike I could not believe it. They are so smooth, easy to use, (if you have used carbon pencils you would know what I'm talking about) Very dark on the first line drawn. I highly recommend these Carbon Pencils and will definitely purchase again

595 always gives me the blackest blacks. Not messy

Fun to use product, lays down smoothly and smudges to various shades. paired with Generals White Charcoal pencils.

Try these out if you like to draw with charcoal. They give smooth lines and lots of contrast and can be sharpened to a good point for detail.

I recently discovered carbon pencils and I ordered this product as a trial. It is perfect for my purposes. I was looking for a very dark pencil with no shine, but not easily smudged like charcoal. Graphite pencils are shiny and if I wanted to draw a really dark area it would look odd to have it shiny.This General's 595 is dark enough without being shiny. It smudges easier than graphite but less than charcoal.

The pencil tips break each time I sharpen. I've try an AC electric, DC battery and various hand held sharpeners. The entire box of pencils are all bad.

True deep black, great to draw with but have had a little problem with sharpening them. The point breaks very easily when sharpening. I would prefer to use a sharpener but have switched to a utility knife.

For drawing, this pencil is capable of making a near dead black line. It can also be blended quite well. It is perfect for adding contrast to an otherwise flat pencil rendering. I think a fixative spray is appropriate to keep smudging at bay. Great pencil and unique results.