Our Materials

Our Materials

Every material used in a Blackthorn Ballistics product is chosen deliberately. What follows is an overview of what we use and why.

Leather

We use full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather throughout our slings. Full-grain is the highest quality cut- the outer layer of the hide, with the natural grain intact. It's robust, abrasion-resistant, and develops character with use rather than deteriorating.

Vegetable tanning is a slower, more traditional process than chrome tanning, and produces a firmer, denser leather that holds its shape well. It's also considerably more environmentally sound in production.

The leather is oiled with our own proprietary blend which includes birch tar oil, the same compound responsible for preserving Russian leather artefacts found perfectly intact after 200+ years on the seabed. It conditions deeply, repels moisture, and extends the life of the leather significantly.

Synthetic Materials

The synthetic materials used in our slings is selected for performance. Zero stretch is a key property here — it means energy transfers directly and efficiently to the sling, with no lag or dampening. The result is a more responsive feel and a more predictable release, which matters when technique is what you're trying to refine. By minimising the variables introduced by the equipment itself, the cordage lets you focus on what you're actually doing.

Vectran

Vectran is a liquid crystal polymer fibre with properties similar to Kevlar. It offers effectively zero stretch under load, extremely high breaking strength, and a balance of stiffness and flexibility that makes it well-suited to sling cordage. 

Dyneema

Dyneema is one of the strongest fibres available by weight. Like Vectran it has near-zero stretch and exceptional breaking strength, with the added benefit of outstanding abrasion resistance. Where durability under repeated friction is a priority, Dyneema is the material of choice. Dyneeema sheathing protects key wear areas on already durable cordage and is used as cordage is some models.