Hardekool sanded to around 320 grit, and then given a treatment of running a hard synthetic disc over it used to remove paint from concrete.....that gives you some idea towards the hardness and tough-ass character of this wood. This brush fits in between a short and a long handled brush and is surprisingly comfortable, while still allowing for more hand movement instead of wrist movement. The dense wood weighs in at 73 grams, 125 mm high, with a 21mm Best badger knot set at a 57 mm loft. Very little, or if you prefer no maintenance is required for this brush.