This is an inexpensive and very nice all metal set. If you have sat on a plastic barrel pencil you will know the value of a metal leadholder. I do have a concern however. As an artist I generally require archival(non-fading) colors, and as no information is given, I may decide to fill each with a different hardness of standard graphite. In either case the set is great. The sharpeners are obviously intended for fieldwork away from the drawing table lead pointer; since the set can fit in a pocket and has a durable metal case this is somthing I will carry around.