These pencils are certainly charcoal, but made of a very soft one that spreads easily by using my fingertips or a wet brush. They are perfect to combine with soft pastels, water-soluble crayons, watercolors or just to use with normal charcoal to do sketches that are still neutral in nature, but have a hint of color.
An average sharpener works well with this pencil as long as you don't over sharp.
I bought this item in a promotion, so the price was fantastic, but they're usually a bit pricey.
