Conte Charcoal Pencil

No black fingers when working with these pencils, which is good if you're the finnicky sort.
I get 'em because you can put a point on the working bit a lot easier.

Superior compressed charcoal - ideal for finished work. Not, though as good as Nitram charcoal

Much less messy to handle than willow charcoal sticks and I find them easier to handle where an element of detail is required.