Faber-Castell Compressed Charcoal Sticks are the blackest drawing material that can be produced; very deep, intense black. The oil-free sticks are produced from a mixture of soot and clay that glide softly over paper without scratching or breaking. They rub and smudge easily, and can be erased without difficulty and repeatedly overlaid. Packs of 3 sticks available in Extra Soft, Soft and Medium hardnesses.