Progresso Woodeless Pencils, 12/PK, Graphite, Sold as 1 Set

What hardness are the pencils. I don't see it listed anywhere

How are these pencils in comparison to cretacolor or generals brands?

So these smudge/smear easily? I'm left handed and am looking for pencils that don't smear too easily if I happen to run my hand across the drawing.

Do you need to use a pencil holder with these woodless pencils? Are they good for portraits?