I bought the Vandoren thing

 

Lathe bits are a couple of Euros.

 

Agreed about the lathe bits. I've used 1/4" and 3/8" stock. A little sand papper and flat suface and you are ready to go at a fraction of the cost. if you are handy and have a grinder, you can even shape the rounded end.

Prolinemax 5 Pc 3/8'' x 3/8'' x 3'' HSS Square Bits Lathe Fly Cutter Mill Blank Lathing Milling - Amazon.com

Prolinemax 5 Pc 3/8'' x 3/8'' x 3'' HSS Square Bits Lathe Fly Cutter Mill Blank Lathing Milling - Amazon.com

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If you can find some... Reed Rush.

 

Whoa, slow down.....what's the hurry?...

 

Whoops, we couldn't find that.

There are equivalent offerings in Europe. Just don't go with the very cheapest you can find, there are differences in quality.

 

Interesting how the link from grainger.com shows as "Whoops ..." but leads to results at Grainger website:

 

What measurement should I take?
Length, thickness, etc.

 

My pedantic heart says you should get 1/4" for soprano, 5/16" for alto ... just kidding, 1/4" or 6 mm is perfect for everything you need. The length is standard 2- 1/2"

 

Razor knives can work too. Require a little more practice, but in the end maybe more versatility. Can't air travel with them

 

What's wrong with a smooth, flat surface and fine grit sandpaper? 🤔

 

Nothing really if it works for you and you're comfortable with that method. I went through periods of using just sandpaper and also just using a reed knife for everything. Now I use a reed knife or ReedGeek like tool (lathe bit, etc.) to deal with the swelling and flatten the backs of reeds. I use sandpaper on the front if I feel I need to soften them up a bit. For me this combination is what works best and makes it easiest for me to get the results I want.

 

Horsetail grows around the fire hydrant on my block. I could harvest a bunch and ship it to you.
I guess I’m only half kidding…if anyone wants some.

 

Horsetail grows around the fire hydrant on my block. I could harvest a bunch and ship it to you.
I guess I’m only half kidding…if anyone wants some.

I got plenty of those scouring weeds. They are a bit too skinny to use as reeds though

 

Wet-or-dry sandpaper. Cut in into little strips and sand with those. $7.99 will get you enough sheets to last you for probably the rest of your life.

 

+1 for a lathe bit. After that you shouldn't get the cheapest, I did that for a 2nd one and had to work it to get the edges flat enough for it to work well.

I used to be a sandpaper kid but these work way better and last ages, and you can fix reeds mid-set on stage if you have an emergency.

 

+1 for a lathe bit. After that you shouldn't get the cheapest

For optimum straightness of the edge, a lathe bit may need finishing on a sharpening stone (which, in turn, would ever so often need flattening by the flattening stone).

Medium-priced lathe bits have edges that need minimal finishing effort. You will be still ahead compared to buying the Geek.

 

Lathe bits for the win.

 

A folding tanto knife works well too.

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I've always used a craft knife for thinning the surface of the reed and my finger nail for polishing the reed (flattening the grain), works really well.

 

For a reed that’s warped, the best thing I’ve found is the triangular scraper. Music Medic sells one, but you can get these at well-stocked tool stores too. Triangle Scraper

The reed geek / lathe bit tools do well at removing the uneven fibers on the back of the reed, I use one on every reed I play. But for a badly warped reed, the triangle scraper is best. Of course for a badly warped reed, the chances are it’s toast no matter what you do….

Reed rush AKA Dutch rush AKA scouring rush (Latin name “equisetum hyemale”) grows wild everywhere in the world, often next to small streams and creeks. Many nurserys sell it by the pot (5-gallon pot at a nursery near me is less than $20). Often used as decorative ground cover. Be careful - it spreads easily and is hard to get rid of.

I used to use reed rush all the time, but actually prefer sandpaper. I use either 320 or 400 grit wet or dry, cut into small pieces.

 

Go to Marshalls, TJMaxx, etc and get an assortment of glass nail files. A 5 pack sells for around $10. Each comes with it's own hard case.

 

I think a convex edge to a knife is better as you can very selectively remove material from exactly where it's needed. I use a small penknife, the kind you spend $15 for at the hardware store.