ChiaoGoo bamboo needles are made from Chinese Moso bamboo which is the largest and strongest bamboo from over 1,000 different species; dark patina needles go through an additional thermal process to obtain the darker colour (no dyes or paints are used attain this richer colour).Points are handcrafted by highly skilled craftsmen.Size is permanently laser etched on each item for added convenience and easy storage.ChiaoGoo products are mostly made in Hangzhou, China, distributed from Troy, MI (USA) and adheres to the latest environment-friendly manufacturing processes; most product are 100% recyclable.