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This was my EXACT feeling as well (including comparing them to Vega Pro).

Is the $60 including rubber, or just for the blade? If $60 for the entire package: I think the Yasaka Sweden Extra ($30ish) and Donic Applegren Allplay ($30ish) are nice, inexpensive blades. I think the Tibhar Force Pro Black Edition ($45ish) is what I would get if I had to go back in time and...

They are great questions - I can't imagine the R&D is wildly scientific (in comparison to other fields and other sports equipment), and it wouldn't surprise me if much of it comes down to a small batch of blade testers who try things out occasionally (or from top players). My fear is that there...

I've made quite a few Koto-Koto-Kiri-Koto-Koto blades. I even made one for Der_Echte! I like them - they're very crisp feeling, with less of that low pitch, dull feeling you get from a Limba-Limba blade. They're pretty stiff, so some people feel like they're not great looping blades and that...

Thanks, Alan! I've made 3 now with asymmetrical plies and I haven't seen any warping yet. I think that might be due to 1)the rigidity of the poly glue I'm using and 2) I'm using the same veneer woods on both sides, just in differing order - so I think the forces that might come from differing...

I'm glad they got there so quickly and safely. Nothing brings me more joy than knowing you and erm enjoyed the beefy handles I put on those blades! :)

I have made a few with an aramid-carbon weave, which I suppose would be most similar to ALC. My own personal blade is one of them. Composition: Limba-aramid/carbon - spruce - kiri - spruce - aramid/carbon - limba. Nittaku G-1 on both sides. :)

I appreciate that - thanks for the compliment!

Finally finished another blade for Der_Echte's friend, George. The goal was to provide George with a blade that has two speeds (depending on which side he is using). My tactic to meet this request was 1) asymmetrical ply layers, and 2) using a different glue between the outer limba and medial...

I get my black limba from certainlywood in the US.

You might not be happy with the composition, but your craftsmanship is great! I can tell you improved on the little details from the first one you posted.

If you've seen some of MDP's work, you know you'd be getting a quality, handmade product from someone who is specifically trying to build blades for the exact thing you're looking for: lightweight and doesn't play like a "stereotypical" balsa blade. I don't know his costs off the top of my head...

I got my Palio AK47-Yellow rubbers just two days ago and finally got a chance to try them out. I think it's really great for the price. Combined with making my own all-wood blades for around $10-15ea, I can build a really nice paddle for beginners for under $30. I let a few beginners try it...

I generally use the veneers as sourced, but I use a thickness sander (and planer) for my core woods. I have a few projects where I thinned down my veneers using the thickness sander - I generally run a thick board through the sander and then lay my veneer sheet on top to keep it a perfectly...

Yeah - it's nice to be able to put something together that's high quality, yet affordable. My walnut comes from "cut off" pieces at a woodcraft store that's about 2 hours north of me - I stop by every time I'm passing through and pick up 5 or size little boards for just a couple bucks each. My...

Alan (GingaNinja) is correct - there are a lot of factors involved. I built a blade recently for an older gentleman I play with often, and my cost calculation for the materials for this specific blade was $7.16. Time spent is another thing... As you'll notice, I prefer plain black walnut for...

Great work, as always. The grains in the butt of that handle are amazing!

Good goals, but I think it's a little too late into 2018 to consider these your New Year's Resolutions. :p

Amazing post and "first" blade! I use Alan's advice and put 2 layers of polyurethane on my outer ply to prevent epoxy bleed through, then just sand it off later. Also, I find wax paper works great as protection when gluing and pressing. Now you just need to find a way to take 10 grams off or so.

Nice! I should be getting some next week I hope they play well. Keep us updated!