The Story of Cork

How cork grips are made: A story of natural materials and craftsmanship

Cork grip used on PICKBOY's baton.
Its raw material, cork, is attracting attention around the world as a sustainable material.
This page introduces the process from cork harvesting to processing and grip molding.

Cork farms and their surroundings

Cork comes from the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), which is found along the Mediterranean coast.
These trees are never cut down, and their bark is harvested every 9 to 12 years for a renewable source, meaning a single tree can be used for decades, even centuries, making it a truly sustainable resource.

Southern Portugal and Spain in particular are surrounded by abundant nature, with vast cork plantations. The hilly areas and Mediterranean climate protect ecosystems where wild animals and rare plants coexist, and are home to endangered species such as the Iberian lynx.

Cork trees have environmental benefits in terms of carbon capture and soil conservation, and are an important economic supporter of rural areas, contributing to local communities through cork production and ecotourism.

Cork bark before processing

After the bark is harvested, the cork is not immediately processed.
First, it is left to rest in a natural environment for several months to stabilize the humidity and remove impurities, making the quality uniform and suitable for further processing.

Once harvested, the bark is stored outdoors in well-ventilated piles, slightly above ground level to protect it from moisture and dirt. This slow drying and smoothing process is essential to bring out the natural properties of cork.

The grip molding and engraving process

Once the cork is sufficiently dry and suitable for processing, the grip shaping process begins.
First, the ingredients are boiled to soften them and give them a uniform texture, and then they are cut into cylinders or blocks.

After that, the craftsman will finish each one by hand or with a special machine into the shape of a grip. The process of using a grinding stone to make it smooth and easy to hold is an important step in achieving both a beautiful appearance and a comfortable feel when held in the hand.

Cork is lightweight, highly durable, and valued as a material that can be recycled back into nature. PICKBOY grips are carefully crafted one by one to make the most of cork's appeal.