I bought this because I've enjoyed using the similar graphite-in-a-tin product by ArtGraf and wanted to try a charcoal version. It's very, very satisfying to use, and offers a wide variation of tone. The "watercolour pan" format also helps avoid some of the downsides of charcoal, such as grubby fingers and dust. (Although, to be fair, Nitram charcoal is less dusty anyway.) It's also very portable.