Hey all, ever since Simon Mc Mahon (Eskrimakaliarnis) got out of the FMA supply business I've been on the lookout for good sources of cheap, but solid rattan. Several folks deal quality stuff but at a high price. So far I've opted for cheap stuff from Franks Cane, taping it when it starts to fray and using it till it's more tape than rattan. At about $3-$4 a stick, I figure they become sort of "disposable" and if I bust them up, so what?
On the other hand, I'd like to get my hands on some denser, stronger stuff without spending a fortune. Some use "manau", some recommend "labsica" with a lot of nodes. Some people are almost ritualistic about fire-hardening, brine-soaking and so forth. Years back I had some fun with that. Made the sticks prettier and allowed me to straighten them, but if anything, they seemed lighter and didn't last any longer.
So, what do you guys use and where do you get it?
On the other hand, I'd like to get my hands on some denser, stronger stuff without spending a fortune. Some use "manau", some recommend "labsica" with a lot of nodes. Some people are almost ritualistic about fire-hardening, brine-soaking and so forth. Years back I had some fun with that. Made the sticks prettier and allowed me to straighten them, but if anything, they seemed lighter and didn't last any longer.
So, what do you guys use and where do you get it?