These picks are cut to shape, but otherwise *unfinished*. The sides are perfectly square, so you can use your pick files and finishing gear to get exactly the edge you are looking for!
Buffalo horn is in the same Rockwell hardness class as original tortoise shell, but is much more resistant to wear. Once you get this pick to where you want it, you'll have a new favorite for a long, long time.
The tone and responsiveness is , in my opinion, actually better than tortoise, but shares none of the 'guilt' factor involved with using the shell from an endangered species!
NOTE:
The natural state of sheets of buffalo horn is *not* perfectly flat. Your pick may be slightly bent, one way or another. This is perfectly normal and does not affect the playability to any great degree. As the pick is played, it will continue to warp slightly and take on the shape it is being stressed to conform to in your hand.
