What kind of knives should be used for reed making? Can I simply use a regular utility cutters? I've heard that you can buy fantastic knives (Samurai knives?) from Japan but I'm not sure if they have the knives specifically for reed making...

BTW, what else are required for reed making? I cannot find any reed making materials here in Macau and I'll probably have to get them from the internet. If you know any great sites, please post them here! Thank you so much!

I suggest RDG Woodwinds

Here's the link for the oboe section : http://www.rdgwoodwinds.com/index.php?cPath=1&osCsid=dcb347d9682c9ae4bf02f285c56ae00b

Try Woodwind & Brasswind
http://www.wwbw.com/Welcome.aspx
Sales 800-348-5003 | Outside US: 574-251-3500

I recommend Forrest Music, but it's a California-based company so idk. They sell all things double reed, and have a whole section of stuff for reed making you can buy.
I can't recommend knives, 'cause not everyone likes the same ones, but the 2 I find most useful are my Landwell beveled knife, and a razor style knife, but not everyone likes, or uses, the same thing, so you'll have to figure out for yourself.


Hope that helps.

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http://forrestmusic.com/

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http://forrestmusic.com/

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http://forrestmusic.com/

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Sorry, didn't mean for the link to post 3 times.

that is the website, and they ship everywhere. I like buying knives and other equipment (other than cane, I get it cheaper from my teacher)from there.

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oh, and stuff you need for reed making. In my case I have:

staples (tubes)
cutting block
disposable razor blades
ruler measuring in millimeters
beeswax
plaques
cane, gouged&shaped (I don't have gouging or shaping equipment)
sharpening stone
knives
mandrel
thread
and (not necessary for everyone, but it helps sealing) a bottle of clear nail polish.


I think that's everything I have.

Woah, ok where to begin on this topic. If you are hoping to teach yourself reed making or learn from a book or a video be prepared for exponential years of frustration. If there is someone there to learn from you stand a much better chance. Personally, I use the Landwell "S" and "H" knives. They run about $75 a piece, but it has been a year or two since I've bought one. If you can only get one, get the "S" knife as it gets sharper and is better for working on the reed tip. The "H" knife is used for more general "hacking" so to say, not really detailed work, but it stays sharper much longer. I recommend pairing this with a Norton oil stone, but do not use the stone oil with it. You will also need a mandrel, plaque, razor blades, a chopping block, and your basic reed supplies such as thread, either Nylon or Silk. Some people believe that silk is better because it gives a little more flexibility for the vibrations. You also need to have gouged, folded, and shaped oboe cane and staples. Personally I would not use synthetic corks or the Chudnow staple as they both have a too bright sound. Personally I use the mac-phiffer shaper tip, the shape of the unwrapped oboe cane, but it all depends on your embosure. Good luck reed making... Oh and the most important thing you will need, a big bottle of Advil.