This is one of my favorite all-time Kikel cues. And that says a lot coming from me, because, first, I like a lot of his cues, and second, I'm not particularly a fan of wrapless cues. This one, though, is an extreme exception. Everytime I look at it, one word comes to mind - "striking." Dave made this cue for the ICCS in Park City, Utah, several year ago and it has been in a private collection.
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Dave started this cue with a nose and butt sleeve of Pernambuco, and then spliced in a midsection of ebony as a handle. (Pernambuco, also called "Brazilwood", is a wood from Brazil most commonly used in making violin bows.) In this cue, he flawlessly blends these woods with a maze of inlays that bring the cue together in an amazing way. It's simply beautiful.
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I find it difficult to describe this cue, so I'll have to let the pictures do most of the talking. However, the contrast of the woods used, and the use of ivory against the ebony all come together to result in one of the prettiest cues I've seen. (Dave also told me that there was a huge amount of work in this cue. The design took a tremendous amount of thought and fitting it all together was like doing a fullsplice cue from both directions. According to Dave, "It looks the same no matter how you look at it - upside down, backwards, etc.")
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| Again, the joint protectors on this Kikel are outstanding. A unique shape with matching rings and the famous KQ logo engraved on top. He uses a flat-faced ivory joint with a radial pin for great playability. And, everything white you see in this cue is ivory, right down to the butt cap.
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Saying this is a one-of-a-kind cue is oversimplifying it - it's a once in a lifetime cue. Dave really outdid himself on this one. It's one of the best cues of his career. This cue was originally priced at $7,800 and recently sold for more than $7,000, but I have it priced at $6,900 for a quick sale. It is unplayed, and I rate it as a "new" cue. This is a very special cue, and unlike any other cue I've seen.
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