Gaff length

[ful-rac]

Since when did bamboo gaffs become "CUTE" ?



Bamboo is what gaffs should be made out of. Light, strong, floats, beautiful, sustainable, cheap, doesn't corrode, available world wide....why wouldn't you make one out of bamboo?

[Mr. NiceGuy]

Originally Posted by ful-rac

Since when did bamboo gaffs become "CUTE" ?

What lots of people make and sell as gaffs now looks like art. Homemade gaffs are nice to hand out as gifts.

Why not? Ornamental knives and swords are nice too. Beauty can transcend function and creativity is up to the artist.

I found a vintage gaff on ebay not long ago that is embellished with a pattern of beautiful burn marks on the hardwood handle. Non-functional patterns, but pleasing to the eye.


I don't know when "calcutta" bamboo became popular as a pole material (not sure if that's any different than Home Depot bamboo for most people making gaffs). If you watch "vintage gaffs" on ebay, bamboo doesn't turn up much, if ever.

I didn't mean to imply that I don't like bamboo. I like bamboo too. It makes beautiful gaffs.


Scroll down to "calcutta" for general characteristics compared to common yellow bamboo or other kinds of bamboo:
http://www.franksupply.com/bamboo/bamboo-poles.html

It seems that Calcutta bamboo is known for being solid, unlike bamboo with hollow pockets between the "knuckles"

Wangi and turtle bamboo looks good too.

Vintage walking canes might be a good and beautiful source of gaff poles.

Properties of Calcutta bamboo
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...ylhMag&cad=rja

This looks like a vintage bamboo gaff:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BEAUTIFUL-VI...QAAOSwI-BWFyVD