I've tried these on and off over the last 20 years and the product never gets better. The pencil led breaks every time you try to sharpen (even with a Steadtler sharpener). The palate is good and colours are bright, but if you can't sharpen, they are not worth any price. I've been using Laurentian and if not those then Staples own brand, which are a little less in price with much better quality. Run a mile folks! The crayons and markers are tops, but beware of the coloured pencils!