The Benefits of Using Bamboo in Pottery and Ceramic Tools

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Bamboo pottery tools have been the most widely used by production potters in East Asia for centuries. Bamboo is the material of choice for pottery tools for a number of reasons. Read more to see why!

Bamboo is durable.

Bamboo - a grass that has a long, running "grain", is an incredibly durable, flexible, light-weight material. With a sharp knife, bamboo can be readily shaped and will hold an edge that stands up to heavy use far beyond most woods.

Bamboo is low maintenance.   

Unlike wood, bamboo does not need to be soaked with oils, its water-resistance is far superior to that of wood. Bamboo will never become soft, waterlogged, cracked or warped even after being left in water for an extended period of time.  

Bamboo fits right into the hand.

Bamboo's natural contour fits the human hand remarkably well. This, together with its lightweight, toughness and aesthetic appeal, makes it uniquely suited for throwing, including left-handed throwing tools. Bambootools has created several, unique, "reflected" shapes have been designed specifically for lefties.

Bamboo is environmentally friendly.

Did you know that bamboo is the fastest growing tree?  Bamboo is considered a grass, rather than a wood, which means that the same tree can be re-harvested for many years. Bamboo has a very intricate rooting system allowing the same plant to regenerate itself and to be re-harvested every 3-5 years. Bamboo also grows in large amounts and may be selectively harvested annually. This makes bamboo one of the most renewable and abundant natural resources on the planet.

We hope you've learned more about why we love bamboo! Check out the of bamboo pottery and ceramic tools we carry such as anvils, paddles, gyuberas and ribs!