Hi everyone, Relatively new to Kendama, and I love it. I have a question about a new Kendama I purchased from Sweets. Here is a link to the Kendama on their website: https://sweetskendamas.com/collections/homegrown/products/homegrown-next-gen-splice-v3-split-cups There are several layers of wood on the tama. Unfortunately, the bottom layer around the tama hole is Ash side grain. From what I've researched, side grain is bad because it is very prone to chipping, whereas end grain is what you want because it is durable. Why would Sweets make this tama with side grain around the tama hole if that is undesirable? I've spent a lot of money on this Kendama and I want some advice for what I should do. Should I just deal with it, or try to exchange the tama? Is there anything good about side grain? I've attached a photo so that you can see what I mean.
Mine is the same, just got it in the mail today. Was kinda thinking about why the grain goes like this but I suppose they know what they are doing with these HGs
They had it laminated that way because that side grain breaks in more and easier for stalls/birds. But yes, that also makes it more prone to chipping
I did a bit more research. Apparently its difficult to do end grain when you're gluing different layers together, and so you almost have to do side grain. Can anyone verify this?
Even if a kendama has side grain, it doesn't change the fact that it will eventually chip. I've seen some people play the V3 splice and have thrashed the bevel to the point where stalls just lock in perfectly. Pretty sure they did this on purpose as the regular (insert exotic wood here) stripe HGs have side grain on the maple portion of the tamas. They've been making the striped HGs for a long time now, and I wouldn't be surprised to see side grain on them if they were made using layered wood. In short, it doesn't matter if it's side grain or not; just play it, and it will break in perfectly for stalls. They intentionally used side grain for that purpose.
Just got my Sweets Prime grain Split 2.0 in CMYK on monday and was wondering... Should the cups look like this? I sent them an email, haven't heard back yet. Might not look too bad in the pics, but in person it looks like it's just waiting to chip. Never had a Sweets that looked like this before... Or any other brand for that matter. Am I being WAY TOO picky?
That's as normal as it gets. No kendama is perfect, and wood will never be a consistent material to work with. I've had some freshies turn up like that, but they've always played normally without any problems. Just keep playing it, and eventually it won't matter that much. Also, no wooden kendama can escape being chipped. At some point, it will happen. Don't worry about it chipping; you can always pick up another freshie.
Thanks for the response! I'm pretty new to kendama, so I don't know really know what to expect. On their site(Sweets)the Ken pictures look PERFECT! But I guess every company puts the perfect pic on their site. I really like the Prime, I've just been hesitant too use it too much because of the little pits. I know it's just wood and it won't last a lifetime. I'll start using it full time! I guess I am too picky! Lol
Welcome to the journey of a Kendama player/addict! Having a fresh Kendama is like owning a fresh pair of white shoes. You are too afraid to wear the white shoes outside, but after getting a few scuffs, you're like: "I'm good." So my advice to you is "SCUFF AWAY!"
Thanks to everyone that replied! Sweets got back to me via email. I told them after my order comes in from KUSA(7 kendamas and 1 Ken) I'll get back to them and possibly order a Purpleheart Prime Ken to replace the one that came with my Grain split 2.0 and they said they'll send me a free sarado with my order, AND pick me out a nice ken. I've ordered two replacement kens one from KUSA and one from Yumu, so I'll see how those look when they turn up in the mail. What's the word for this? Kendama fever? I caught the yoyo bug 3 years ago, and 150 yoyos later I feel it again! How many damas is too many?!?! Lol! Now I can't stop thinking about that purpleheart prime!!!
Kaizen Ken and bag Kaizen aqua/purple/yellow Kaizen 2.0 70/30 dark blue/light blue Kaizen 2.0 pink/black/teal ASH! Sol Flow Maple/Walnut stripe 3 TK16 1blue 1red 1 green $81 free shipping????? 2 of the TKs will be to hand out to anyone that shows interest, 1 is for me. I already hand out yoyos left and right. The second Kaizen 2.0 they gave me half off. What was I supposed to do?! That might go to a worthy recipient to. Plus my wife is super on board with anything skill toy/non video game related. Starting a skill toy club next month in our small county(Lewis county,Wa). Anything without batteries is welcome! Yoyo 0a 1a 2a 3a 4a 5a, kendama, begleri, tregleri, kururin, astro Jack's, Diablo, etc! This will not be my biggest order, I can guarantee that!
Brah! Nice, your hair looks like a great start, haha. The reason why I budget and continue to order more Kendamas is bscause I'm trying to find that "one" the "Neo" the "Mr. Anderson" of the collection. Im still searching. But the Kaizen 2.0 is a really close one. I hope you love and enjoy the Kaizen 2.0 shape as much as I do.