Hi Joe.. There are plenty of authentic ones out there. I had a collection of around 30. Most all gone now except7..
They are surprising easy to spot a fake.. Main reason,,that wood!
I don't know the proper name of it. I've heard many times it only grows around that area!,,but I don't believe it!
It is light as balsa wood,,but man is it strong! A real one would easy hold up a 300 pound man yet its light as a feather!

There are plenty made from other wood types. But as you mention then how do you tell if good!
Most collectors of these things have their own secret criteria!
- Me,,I only like what I call the 'correct wood' type! and I look for worm holes! I know it takes time for a worm to do that so IF it has a few worm holes I'm happy! I'm also leery of a perfect one from other wood,,won't touch it! And,,I'd prefer a 'square' stick,,[harder to make]
Some of mine are in that article on the first post..

wHr7lXKZYER8137969019849P1973.jpg (75.39 KB, 261 downloads)
Last edited by Gaspare; 07/10/2016 08:13 PM.