We set out with the goal of manufacturing a quality clothespin, that for the most part, had died when the last American manufacturer of clothespins went out of business due to the influx of Chinese made imports of questionable wood quality and very cheap springs. What's the point of hanging your clothes if the wind causes the clothespin halves to separate and your clean laundry ends up on the ground? Our clothespins are stronger, larger, and if taken care of, should be the last clothespins you purchase. We also chose to make our clothespins smooth instead of adding grooves to the rear . We did this for two reasons. First, we felt that cutting grooves into the rear of the pin could be problematic in the long term because it would weaken that area of the clothespin that is put under stress each time it is opened. Second, we felt that if a person is still active enough to hang laundry, they didn't need grip grooves to open them. Also through feedback, we found that crafters preferred them smooth. They are easy to paint and more pleasing to the eye in finished craft projects.
We are so confident in our product that they are guaranteed for life for normal wear and tear or a defect in the lumber that we missed. That being said, they are not dog or lawn mower proof :). Give us a try. You won't be disappointed.