These pencils are larger than most, so keep that you’ll require a larger sharpener, unless you sharpen with a blade. I find they break more easily in a sharpener than my other pastel pencils. They are highly pigmented, like the more expensive Caran D’Ache, but that means they tend to have rough spots or a grittiness like them, too, and they aren’t quite as vibrant. Because of their larger size, they are good to use for larger coverage areas and putting down a base layer of pigment, but not as good for fine details. If you are looking to add to your pastel pencil assortment, these would make a nice addition because of the different selection of colors. If this is your first set of pastel pencils, I would not recommend these because of their grittiness and inability to gain a sharp point for details. For a first set, I’d recommend the Stabilo Carbothello brand.