These are as lovely as I hoped. The texture at the tips makes gripping food far easier than it was for me using metal chopsticks. I'm a fan of the red finish too. For once I can happily say that my money was well spent with an eating utensil. They're heavier than other wooden chopsticks I've used, but I've noticed that the extra "weight" improves my dexterity. Maybe I'm more attentive because my fingers need to press down a little more? Either way, it doesn't feel like my meals are a slippery mess anymore. So I'm happy. These chopsticks are a treasure.