Wool: The wool is smooth and fatty. It has good lanolin content. Pile is short and even. On scale of one to 10 this is an 8.5 | Sheen: Very good for a new rug. | Handle: Handle is floppy, resilient and sturdy. | Selvedge: Selvedge is one notch below the very best. It is a tight braided goat hair overcast. |