Paper Tortillions and Stumps Assorted Pack of 5

these came from France the quality seems higher than those bought locally. They are more compressed giving a much harder product. the sizes are metric but the difference is not noticeable. because they are harder they sharpen in a sharpener better and hold a fine point well. They can also be whittled with a penknife if a particular shape is required. They may cost a little more but they are very much worth it. The trader also kept me well informed of every stage my order was going through right up to leaving his premises with the postal service.

Tortillions and stumps although only made of rolled cardboard or rice paper come in varying degrees of quality. I have found these to be very good - they are strong and do not unwind when in use. Tortillions and stumps are part of the toolkit required when drawing/sketching. Use of paper or using a finger to blend does not always give the desired effect. Although any artist should be able to make their own tortillions and stumps, it is sometimes a lot easier to buy them. The different sizes are extremely useful and allow the artist to blend and shade their drawings/sketches.My sketching toolkit includes various pencils from HB range to full B range, charcoal, artist crayons, colour pencils, putty and ordinary erasers, tortillions, greaseproof paper, blender tools  Derwent Blender and Burnisher Pencil Blister Pack plus Eraser and Sharpener (Set of 4)  and obviously a good sketchbook.

I find these very useful for fine detailed pencil work, as you can blend with precision in areas (including those that are tiny or very narrow) which is problematic using the fingers. Also, I find my fingers can get sore if I rely on them to blend, and as the natural oils produced by the body to lubricate skin can also sometimes be transferred to drawing paper, I prefer to avoid using the fingers if possible. These seem to be softer in texture than others I have used which seems to aid the blending process, the others I had were harder and had little effect.

Having read other reviews i thought i would give them a try, well not sure if it's me or something else...but i can't get on with using these, found them not so controllable as the cheap kids rubbers i use for blending.The kids rubbers i found easier to cut to the shape required with sharp knife and less likely to 'carry' the pencil over to different parts of the art work.But as i have said most others have found them v-good so i'll just put their performance down to me, i think i'll stick to my dinosaur and little pony rubbers for blending i think.

You know what, I was stumped. What the hell are these for?Now I know. They work 'alright', 'okayish', nothing fancy here.I prefer my fingers. But for shading and getting into those fine spaces, yah, yah, I concede they're essential.Still overpriced. Seem cheap, until you find packs of these on the high street for less than a quid. Save your pennies for those artist grade paints you're saving for.

These tortillions are first rate. Its the first time I have used them and now they are invaluable to my work.I am using them time and time again. They blend the pencil mark where I want a smooth look and I can work over the top afterwards.

My daughter has been delighted with these and in spite of her tender years has used them to produce photographic quality work. So they clearly do the job.

As an artist they will b very useful for blending for painting and sketching. Thankyou.