my first 2 kens were beech wodd but i found, that the spike got dull quite fast (given i wasnt too godd at spikes at that time but nevertheless). have a maple one now and it holds up incredibly well. glued the spike once and its still holding up perfectly fine.
In my opinion, nothing beats a perfectly broken in maple dama. Such a classic wood, always looks clean and plays even better!
Birch is becoming one of, if not my favorite kind of wood for a ken. Breaks in like a dream. Maple is definitely a favorite as well because it is so durable and makes awesome clack sounds. Beech, maple, and birch are pretty much the only wood types my kens consist of (with the exception of a hickory and a bamboo)
I'm really a big fan of my Japenese maple ozora; that wood is excellent, but then again all maple is nice. I have been wanting to try some other exotic woods like hickory, Elm and birch but haven't boughten any yet. I have several zabrano kendamas and those are nice too. I don't particularly like Purple Heart, it is a very heavy wood and I like my damas more in the mid range.
I also have a keyaki ozora and that wood takes a while to break in...in fact mine isn't even close to honed. It is however very durable and has a nice slick quality.
Maple cos of the durability, clack and grain ash or elm because of the the grain too and for some brands they make the kens grippier
Eyy! Whats up everyone! Today's thread is gonna be whats the best wood? In every term that you think of! Exotic, Durable, Grip or Smooth! Vote on the poll! Have an awesome day! Shoutout to htimSxelA for setting some ground rules on downspike! Take part in the poll! Thanks! - Hon
For you and everyone kinda of threw me off, I'd say if you were to go straight up for everyone beech,judt because it's a classic entry into kendama, but as far as for myself and what I like to play if go keyaki just because I like the sound and howw a natty yak plays broken in
Padauk is such a under appreciated wood breaks in super durable and it gets that darks ass red that looks extra dope. Only shitty thing about the tamas is that a natty padauk tama stays slip. But if you have the KUSA silk ones they are extra prime.
Maple is definitely my favorite. It is such a durable wood type, it looks beautiful, and it contrasts so well with walnut! If i had to choose a second favorite, it'd probably be beech. It's definitely a classic
I love maple it breaks in so nicely and so good for stalls. Although my #1 favorite wood us Birch because of its softness and it's gripy-ness.