The Fluid Union Between Grass and Metal

One of the many fascinating aspects of bamboo rod building is the goal of achieving a fluid transition from bamboo to nickel silver. With nickel silver having a density approximately 14 times more than bamboo, the introduction of a chunk of metal in the middle of finely tapered bamboo strips is impactful. 

During the bamboo rod making process, the chemical and physical properties of bamboo changes each time heat is introduced. The density of bamboo declines significantly when culms are flamed, when nodes are heated and pressed, when strips are heated and straightened, and when strips are oven baked. And with the advent hollowing bamboo, the use of new adhesives, and the introduction of micro ferrules, it is imperative that one engages in empirical field testing. While understanding the material science is important, there is no replacement to experimenting with prototype rods.

While many classic tapers where designed before heat and hollowing were used, experimenting with heat and hollowing can make them almost unrecognizable, sometimes for the better.