Best Online Source for Sticks?

[Moving Target]

One thing to keep in mind is that rattan, as a natural product, is bound to have some imperfections and occassional defects. I have had more than a few bad sticks in my time but then again I've had some sticks that seemed indestructible. In my experience, many people can put out a "good" stick but KIL and a few others are the most consistent producers of strong, quality rattan.

 

[K Williams]

Originally posted by Moving Target
One thing to keep in mind is that rattan, as a natural product, is bound to have some imperfections and occassional defects. I have had more than a few bad sticks in my time but then again I've had some sticks that seemed indestructible. In my experience, many people can put out a "good" stick but KIL and a few others are the most consistent producers of strong, quality rattan.

I think my second pair of KIL stick qualify as being indestructable. They are 28" X 1 3/8", heavy, dense rattan. The only visble damage is the outer skin, which is scuffed. They were nicknamed "tree trunks" by everyone in the school. I eventually stopped doing partner drills with them because they were destroying everyone's sticks.

 

[shmoopiebear]

Originally posted by Bravado
Hi all, I'm looking for natural rattan treated sticks
with the skin left on them. Are there any good
online sources out there?

me: several good sources here which I was unaware of. You might want to check into www.ltspecpro.com which is Lynn Thompson / Cold Steel's Special Projects Division. They have excellent rattan indian lathis and Chinese white waxwood which is very high quality for the price. The white waxwood is a great and inexpensive alternative to rattan or other woods. Be careful of whipback and rebound with white waxwood, though. It is harsh! Good luck!