This mink is hand combed -which simply means that no animals were hurt or destroyed to procure this yarn. This yarn is hand stripped off the animal and spun. That's it. We hope if feels like a massage - but it's a heck of a lot nicer than destroying them for their pelts. Its beautiful, soft, and very delicate - jade sapphire recommends that you knit along with another yarn to build strength into the finished project!