Quote:"Come Again ???
Most historical cane/staff/poleweapons were made from hardwoods, with a few exceptions coming from softwood and/or grasslike materials. on all of mine that I have, and that is a fair number, I have never had a issue with the problems that you have mentioned above.I would actually argue the inverse is true. if you are going to create a shafted weapon that is going to see hard use then use a hardwood."
I'm not saying they're not made from hardwoods, I'm just saying most hardwoods have every poor strength:weight raito, poor shock absorbance and splinter *very* poorly. I've experienced quite a few hardwoods.. and broomsticks too.. that splinter in a manner that is definitely not pleasing and once they start you pretty much have to throw them away. This is not the case with rattan and wax wood.
Quote:"Or go with a hardwood....BTW thats what waxwood is anyway. Trust me hardwoods are also used by ancient martial artist too. If i recall what Lowrey stated in his book on the Jo most Jo's made in feudal Japan were either oak or cedar.
One of the problem with rattan is that it is a naturally harvested vine. this means that it is not farm grown. there are indications that staff sized rattan may soon be drying up.
so again with my hardwood weapons i am not afraid of hitting things with them and they are cheaper than what i would pay for similar weapons at any martial arts suppliers."
Again.. not saying that hard woods were never used, I'm sure they were as they still are today. If you can find them for cheaper, great, but I generally cannot.. and when it comes to splintering and lifetime of a weapon I've never had one last me anytime at all - so even if I got them cheaper that would kill cost efficiency for me too since I have to buy more replacements. I think you'll find that if you're very rough with one you could easily go through it in a day or two.. I know I have. Not to say that you wouldn't want to throw out your rattan weapon too, but at least it wouldn't be attached to your hand like burs to your wool sweater.
But back to the topic.. again, if you're doing solo training or just light Aikido style stuff with a jo as I'd guess (sorry if I guess poorly.. just guessing.. no offense intended - I train lighter/solo maybe moreso than you do) broomstick handle all the way =) Just giving some notes should you decide to hit much harder.