These have the feel of tortoise, and I am not grinding up antique vanity sets, buttons, other pre-ban tortoise items. All Alparts horn, and hoof picks simulate the feel of real tortoise shell. Its not quite tortoise but its not $50 and up per pick either. Allparts has had these for a while now, and I thank them for it. You do not quite feel as dumb after you washed a natural material pick in your pants pocket. They kinda fall apart. Its that tackieness when you sweat that may make help these picks so desirable. I like it & I love the thick ones for bass.