I was asked over a year ago now to build a cue for a local shooter, using some well aged walnut he had. Of course I said yes. the more we talked, the more I learned that this wood was a special key ingredient to this cue. It was wood that his grandfather had in his stock for his furniture making. In the end, the wood was well aged (60+ years), and held large amount of sentimental value.
So…that added some pressure. Nothing like saying you have limited stock that is irreplaceable and means the world to me…now make something great. My goal…to build a cue that commemorated his grandfather passion for wood and woodworking, combined with the honoring of his grandfather’s skill. Something that was different, not flashy, and really exposed the beauty of the walnut treasures I have been entrusted with.
After much thought and tribulation, I finally had a plan, a design. Something a bit out of the norm for design, supporting the simple, yet elegant nature of walnut’s color and grain, all while giving my customer something he is proud to look at, show off, and use.
As an end result, we have a cue with a design where the handle is at the bottom of the cue, with an elongated forearm.
The black walnut in the forearm is open and not obstructed with inlays, allowing the wavy grains and tones to really express themselves.
Cue forearm
The handle, a claro walnut, running across light to darker tones, really compliments the forearm. 4 large black walnut points with a thick single black veneer surrounds each oversize point, decorate the handle…representing the cue design tradition, with a new twist.
Cue handle
Offsetting the handle from the rest of the cue are 2 fancy beauty rings, each black with a double white ring set, featuring 8 crushed mother of pearl diamond, 4 little ones inside the white ring border, and 4 larger ones, protruding across the full beauty ring, into the neighboring walnut pieces.
To top off this walnut marvel is a black joint collar, with a black and double white ring stack, and another matching ring stack for the shaft. A black phenolic butt cap supports the crown style bumper…adding a lot of protection and a little bit of style.
Entire cue
Cue specs include a 29″ shaft, 13mm, oinker layer tip, and a 15″ pro taper. A 29.5″ butt, has a 3/8×10 joint pin. The cue weighs in at a cool 19.3 oz, and provides a responsive solid hit. A hit that provides confidence with every shot.
I am proud to have been chosen to create this cue and share this cue story. This cue was custom designed and made for Daryl Cain.
JK Custom Cues 