The most expensive and exclusive things have always been made by hand, which meant a long period of preparation and manufacture of this or that thing, but also unrivalled quality of the highest sample. When making a custom-made item, the master takes his time, and very consistently in creates his masterpiece and is not distracted by sales plans and deadlines set by someone else, thanks to this, each of his products turns out to be a true work of art. Factory made cues are also of high quality because large factories have perfected production technology, separate labour and quality control, but still any “factory made” cue is always inferior in quality and playing characteristics to the work of the master.
Don’t chase cost and don’t chase beauty! Not everything that looks expensive and “tricked out” really costs that much. More often a good cue looks simple, but has excellent balance, high impact and feels perfect in the hand.
What influences the price?
Handmade cues are the most expensive, in this case the experience and name of the craftsman sometimes have a significant finluence on the price. Factory made cues are less expensive, but the quality is lower than handmade cues.
Wood is a very important element in determining the price. The rarer and denser the wood is, the higher is the price of the cue.
Treat yourself to the best
Don’t skimp on a good cue! Don’t wait until you become a professional or improve your amateur level. You should learn to play billiards with a good cue right away, because most of the technically difficult and correct shots can only be performed with a tight and balanced cue and a good tip, which “ordinary house cues” cannot afford in most billiard clubs.
Handmade cues: how it all happens
The production of cues is a complex technological process that requires a lot of time and precise equipment. Rough bars of exotic wood are transformed into an elegant billiard cue within a year.
All stages of production are clearly defined. Led by the master, the spesialists work as a single, well-coordinated mechanism.
Hornbeam, which grows on the slopes of the North Caucasus mountains near the town of Apsheronsk, is harvested for the production of the cue shaft. The annual rings of these trees are the most symmetrical, which means that the shaft is radially homogeneous. The hornbeam arrives to the factory in raw condition and is completely dried in Kayukov’s workshop.
For the production of the handle we use particularly dense woods of exotic species: amaranth, danta, wenge, kevazingo, ipe, rosewood, ebony and others. Valuable species are bought dry, but are additionally dried. The wood is then kept at constant temperature and humidity for up to six months.
The next stage is the production of the inlays. They form the herringbone. A block of wood is sawn on a special machine designed by the master himself. The cuts are very carefully sanded. They have to be perfectly even so that when they are glued together there is not even the slightest gap. When the inlays are ready, the future cue is fitted and glued. The glues used are of the highest quality and are suitable for use with wood.
For the production of the handle we use particularly dense woods of exotic species: amaranth, danta, wenge, kevazingo, ipe, rosewood, ebony and others. Valuable species are bought dry, but are additionally dried. The wood is then kept at constant temperature and humidity for up to six months.
The next stage is the production of the inlays. They form the herringbone. A block of wood is sawn on a special machine designed by the master himself. The cuts are very carefully sanded. They have to be perfectly even so that when they are glued together there is not even the slightest gap. When the inlays are ready, the future cue is fitted and glued. The glues used are of the highest quality and are suitable for use with wood.
The obtained billet is stored for up to 6 months. Even at this stage, the future cue may warp and will be sorted out. After the time test, the billet is gradually grined. Now cylindrical, it is stored for a few more months under constant supervision. Only then does the process of making the cue begin, according to specific parameters. Special machines are used to give the shaft and butt the optimum shape. They are impregnated with a special composition based on beeswax, which not only improves the playability of the cue, but also protects the wood from moisture.
The joint and tip are the finishing touches. The metal joints are Master Kayukov’s own development. They are made to order on highly precise machines.
You can also find out how to choose the right billiard table on our website.