Vulcanite — also known as ebonite — is a historic material made by curing natural rubber with sulfur, a process known as vulcanization. This transforms soft, plant-based latex into a dense, stable, and durable compound that feels remarkably smooth to the touch and resonates with a subtle elasticity unique among natural materials.

Once a staple of 19th- and early 20th-century craftsmanship, vulcanite was prized for its balance of hardness and resilience — firm, but with a faint give that makes it ideal for high-touch, high-precision applications. Over time, it develops a rich, organic patina that speaks to age and use.

Today, many people have unknowingly encountered vulcanite at the bowling alley — it’s still used to make bowling balls — but it continues to be favored in luxury and artisan circles:

• High-end fountain pens, where it provides a warm, tactile grip and deep vintage aesthetic.

• Premium pipe stems, where its comfort and mouthfeel are unmatched.

• Woodwind mouthpieces (especially for saxophones and clarinets), chosen by professionals for their rich tonal response and subtle flex under embouchure pressure.

• Jewelry and eyeglass frames, where its polish and aging qualities rival those of horn or tortoiseshell.

We’ve developed a custom formulation of vulcanite specially suited for flatpicks that, when paired with our patented plectrum inlay, offers a rare combination of snap, warmth, and organic feel — making it a compelling alternative to synthetic materials. It’s not just vintage — it’s virtuous, handcrafted, and time-tested.

Vulcanite isn’t mass-produced. It’s cultivated, cured, and refined — a material for those who value not just performance, but provenance