General Pencil Company
General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15
QuickRatey Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
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Customer Rating
Best for
Best for students and entry-level artists who need a complete, non-toxic charcoal kit for classical drawing and sketching.
AI Score Review
Master the art of sketching with General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15, remarkably great value for beginners and students seeking American-made drafting quality.
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Score Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite QuickRatey Score above.
In-Depth Review
General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15 is a foundational staple in the Arts & Crafts world, offering a complete kit for tonal exploration. This set is the most cost-effective and reliable entry point for students who want to master classical drawing techniques in 2026.
Who it's for
Ideal for those starting their artistic journey or professionals looking for a travel-ready sketching kit.
- Art students enrolled in figure drawing or still life classes.
- Casual hobbyists exploring high-contrast values.
- Plein air artists who need a compact, portable charcoal kit.
- Draftspeople looking for consistent American-made quality.
Key features & specs
| Feature | Detail |
| Set Includes | 12 pieces (pencils, sticks, erasers) |
| Lead Grade | HB, 2B, 4B, 6B |
| Charcoal Type | Handcrafted Willow and Compressed |
| Wood Housing | Incense Cedar |
| Manufactured | Jersey City, USA |
| Safety Rating | ASTM D-4236 Non-Toxic |
How it compares
Unlike imported charcoal kits that may use synthetic binders or lower-grade carbon, General Pencil Company uses traditional family formulas. This results in a smoother application that is less scratchy than generic hobby store sets. For those used to graphite, this charcoal offers much darker blacks and a matte finish that doesn't reflect light.
How to use it
- Start with the HB pencil to lightly map out your proportions.
- Use the 4B and 6B pencils for deep shadows and high-contrast areas.
- Utilize the included kneaded eraser to lift highlights and clean up edges.
- Apply the charcoal stick for large areas of tone or background shading.
- Finish by spraying with a fixative (sold separately) to prevent smudging.
"General's Charcoal has been my go-to for years; the quality of the compressed charcoal is consistently smooth without hard spots." — Verified buyer
Sustainability & ethics
General Pencil Company is a family-owned business that has been manufacturing in Jersey City since 1889. They prioritize domestic sourcing for their cedar wood and maintain small-batch production. Their charcoal pencils are 100% vegan, utilizing vegetable-based binders instead of the animal glues found in some traditional brands.
Pro tip
When using the kneaded eraser, pull and stretch it like taffy to warm it up; this makes it much more effective at lifting charcoal without damaging the paper.
Frequently asked questions
Is General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15 good for beginners?
Absolutely, this set is widely considered the gold standard for introductory charcoal drawing classes. It includes all the essential tools needed to learn light and shadow.
Is the charcoal in this set vegan?
Yes, General Pencil Company uses plant-based binders and high-quality carbon, making this set 100% vegan-friendly. No animal-derived lubricants are used in the manufacturing process.
How does this compare to vine charcoal?
Charcoal pencils, like those in this set, offer more control and cleaner hands compared to traditional vine charcoal. They are better suited for detail work and fine lines.
Are these pencils made in the USA?
Yes, these pencils have been manufactured in Jersey City, New Jersey, for over a century. This ensures high-quality labor standards and consistent product output.
Pros
- ✓Provides a comprehensive range of tools for a very affordable price point.
- ✓The charcoal is exceptionally smooth and lacks the grit found in cheaper alternatives.
- ✓Completely non-toxic and vegan, making it safe for classroom use.
Cons
- ✗The packaging is primarily plastic, which isn't ideal for eco-conscious buyers.
- ✗The charcoal cores are delicate and can break inside the wood if the pencil is dropped.
Key Facts
- Brand
- General Pencil Company
- Category
- Arts & Crafts
- QuickRatey Score
- 78/100
- Price Range
- $ (≈ $12.5)
- Avg Rating
- 4.6/5 (8400 reviews)
- origin
- Jersey City, USA
- material
- Incense cedar and carbon
- packaging
- Plastic blister pack with card
- safety standard
- AP Non-Toxic
- size or capacity
- 12-piece kit
- Certifications
- Vegan, Cruelty-Free, PMA Approved
🌱 Sustainability
Sustainably harvested cedar and domestic manufacturing reduce transport emissions and support local labor.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
Compressed carbon and willow charcoal with vegetable-based binders; non-toxic incense cedar wood.
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What Reviewers Say
"A reliable household name, General's provides the best-value kit for anyone looking to start a new hobby."
"Simple, effective, and free of harmful chemicals—perfect for a mindful weekend art session."
"We love seeing heritage brands maintain their US-based manufacturing and ethical standards."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15 by General Pencil Company ethically made?+
Yes. General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15 earns an QuickRatey QuickRatey score of 78/100, backed by third-party certifications including Vegan, Cruelty-Free, PMA Approved. Master the art of sketching with General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15, remarkably great value for beginners and students seeking American-made drafting quality.
What certifications does General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15 hold?+
General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15 holds the following certifications: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, PMA Approved. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15?+
Sustainably harvested cedar and domestic manufacturing reduce transport emissions and support local labor.
What are the key ingredients or materials in General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15?+
Compressed carbon and willow charcoal with vegetable-based binders; non-toxic incense cedar wood.
How much does General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15 cost?+
General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15 is priced in the $ range for arts & crafts. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15?+
General's Charcoal Drawing Set #15 is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Customer Reviews
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