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I made a 1-ply blade out of Port Orford Cedar (I live in the region where it grows, so it's very accessible to me). Unfortunately, it was incredibly heavy - about 140 grams. As Hypnotic alluded to, I...

I'm thinking either 1) textreme-ZLC or 2) trying to hunt down a lighter-weight Kevlar/Aramid-Carbon blend than is typically available in the US (e.g., something less than 5.5oz/186gsm)...unless you...

Perhaps you're really sharp, so you need a duller feeling blade to keep you balanced?

In all seriousness, I built myself one like the ones I sent your way (Larch - AYC - AYC - WRC [core]) - I love...

Hi Mas,

Unfortunately, I don't have much experience with Obeche for comparison since it's been nearly impossible for me to find in the United States. I've used Obeche in commercially-produced...

Thanks for all the kind words, UpSideDownCarl!

I've decided that I love the springiness of Spruce when it is placed under the top ply, so I've been using it in a lot of my recent blades.

Larch...

I know this is a contentious idea, but I THINK I've finally settled on the ideal blade for me.

Composition:
Blade: European Larch - Lutz Spruce - Alaskan Yellow Cedar - Kiri (core) - Alaskan...

Built a couple new blades for the same customer who is looking for that perfect asymmetrical blade. I don't think I've ever heard of Red Alder being used in blades before, but perhaps that's because...

Mas,

I think the Textreme ZLC blades feel much better than the ALC blades I've made. Both ALC and ZLC fibers I've used were adhered using a more flexible epoxy - the ALC blades played well but had...

I finally got a chance for the first time in 7 months to try out some of the blades I've made. I only had a couple hours, so I tried 3 different blades (out of the dozen or more I still need to try)....

I REALLY like working with Alaskan Yellow Cedar (AYC), but I haven't had much of an opportunity to try it out as a material in every layer (i.e., core, medial ply, outer ply). It looks like I might...

Blade for a Local Player:

Composition:
Blade: Koto - Spruce - Limba - Kiri - Limba - Spruce - Koto
Handle: Walnut - Alaskan Yellow Cedar - Walnut

Blade Properties:
6.5mm thick
91 grams...

Thanks, Sérgio! I built myself a template sanding apparatus/tool so I'd never have to worry about tear-out on balsa or fraying on the carbon fiber blends. It's definitely clean - but it's just as...

Anotherrrrrrrrr asymmetrical blade for the same customer as above:

General Properties:
9.6mm thick
79 grams

Composition:
Khaya
Walnut
Balsa

Another asymmetrical blade for the same customer as the above blade:

General Properties:
5.9mm thick
97 grams

Composition:
Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Red Alder
Alaskan Yellow Cedar (core)

Asymmetrical Blade for a Customer:

General Properties:
83 grams
6.2mm thick

Composition:
Limba
Redwood
Aramid-Carbon (core)

Clamps are fine - you would generally want to leave it clamped for a few hours at least. I find rubber bands to do a great job of applying pressure while also keeping the handles centered with...

That was very quick. How did you get the handle swapped over and rubbers glued in that short amount of time? If you used wood-glue, make sure to give it the proper amount of time to dry (likely 24...

I would use real wood. MDF does not do well with moisture.

I love it! That composition, even though it's a relatively thin 5-ply, feels SO solid and like the ball retains 98% of the incoming energy. I just couldn't find a way to make it light enough for...

Welcome! I've never played at SPTTC myself, but pre-COVID era I used to play at Greenlake and the International District community centers (which are affordable, welcoming, and have a great range of...

That's awesome that you've been using Sen in your builds as well! Unfortunately, I have not been able to play for the past few months due to Coronavirus, so I have not had a chance to try it out yet....

George specifically requested these handle dimensions, so he better like them! :D

I had the opportunity to acquire some rough alaskan yellow cedar and sitka spruce lumber recently (they are quite expensive per board-foot) and was excited to use them as core-woods. The good news?...

I would love to know the dimensions of that blade AND handle (especially if you want me to make a blade that shares or is similar to those same specifications).

Looks great! Based on your description and my wild imagination, I thought it was going to be less traditional looking (this one looks very similar to Ross Leidy's "Compact-2" shape). What's the...