How do you sharpen General's charcoal pencils?

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Sharpening General's charcoal pencils can be a bit tricky because the charcoal core tends to break easily. From what we've found, you're not the only one who's faced this challenge. These pencils are great for their blendable and rich pigmentation, but the sharpening process requires a bit of a different approach.

Instead of a standard pencil sharpener, which often causes the charcoal to break, try using a razor blade. This method gives you more control and helps prevent breakage. Just carefully shave away the wood around the charcoal until you've got the point you want. It's a bit more delicate, but it helps maintain the pencil's length and sharpness.

The manufacturer's product description mentions that the General's Charcoal Pencil Kit includes three black charcoal pencils with different hardness levels (6B, 4B, and 2B), a white charcoal pencil, and a kneaded eraser.

Some people have pointed out some inconsistencies with what's shown in product images versus what's actually received, so it's a good idea to check the description carefully or maybe even contact the seller for clarification.

When it comes to using the pencils, the softer ones like the 6B will give you darker lines, while the harder ones like 2B are better for lighter shading. The white charcoal pencil is perfect for adding highlights.

Hope this helps with your charcoal drawings! It's all about practice, especially when it comes to getting the hang of sharpening these pencils.