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Please note that all prices below are in USD. Aroundsquare is based in Victoria, Canada, and items ship worldwide. Standard shipping time is around two weeks to Canada and the United States, but can take longer (depending mostly on US Customs clearance). Normal shipping times to other countries are around three weeks. Please, and very kindly, understand that if you enter a wrong or incomplete address, the item you're purchasing probably won't get to you. Remember your apartment number, and correct zip code/ postal code!
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Mini Hydras - Mokume Gane
Mini Hydras - Mokume Gane
General Information
Aroundsquare's Hydra Begleri are a fun yet highly capable modern adaptation of the traditional Greek multi-bead begleri. All of the Hydra sets have multiple interchangeable beads, allowing for interesting combinations and customization of weight and materials. Mix and match the Mini Hydras with some of your traditional Hydras and Micro-Hydras, for your own unique setup.
The Mini Hydras are a slightly down-sized version of the original Hydra beads, 14mm in diameter, and 7mm tall each (compared with 16 and 8 in the originals). All Mini Hydras are set up to accommodate 550 paracord. Mixed material sets can be reconfigured to provide a different a heavier or lighter feel depending on the position of the heavier beads relative to the end knots.
The Mokume Gane X Ebony Edition
The Mokume Gane X Ebony edition ships as a six-bead setup weighing 23.1g all in with cord, including two beads mokume (8.4g each), and four ebony (1.0g each). The mokume would be pretty beastly on its own, so we paired it with the most fitting wood we had available, Ebony, to make a setup with a very playable weight. This model also plays very nicely as a four-bead setup, with the Mokume beads out at the ends to give lots of end weight to maintain momentum.
You can select polished or etched finish on the mokume gane beads. Both will patina nicely over time, and the copper layers will darken and contrast with the others. The etching creates a rough surface (similar to sandblasting) and tarnishes the metals slightly, for richer colours straight out of the box. In time, the polished beads will take on similar colouration. The ebony wood beads will also darken over time as they absorb oils from your hands. You can accelerate this process by oiling or waxing them with an appropriate non-toxic product.
Additional Information
The Hydras are extremely playable, and despite their cylindrical shape, are surprisingly adept - particularly in the four bead configuration. The shape of the beads make them particularly well-suited for two handed tricks and transfers. They are less solid and somewhat quieter than heavier single-bead designs, and the multiple beads add a nice "fiddle factor" to each set. The slight rounding of all edges on the beads adds the overall feel.
Please note that items included in the package (strings, stickers, patches, bags etc.) vary in colour and quantity depending on availability.
Click for info on: Begleri History, and the Development of Modern Begleri Play