Yay! The new bedroom floor is all finished so I'll have the time and energy to blog again now.
I thought I might start off blogging again with something I like very much, and that's my hair forks, mainly Jeterforks for today. This seller is one of the very best three on etsy in my opinion, based on the product and customer service. The top three all produce very different but very desirable things. I honestly think everyone should own a fork from each of these sellers.
Elymwold produces forks and hairsticks unlike any other. His work is more like jewelry to me than hair-toys, with inlays, burls and seamless combinations with a glass-like very waterproof finish. I am in awe of his skill. I have never seen anything quite like his work before. He's also one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to ever deal with.
60thstreet produces beautiful slim-pronged forks in mostly dymondwood these days. There are so many different woods and topper shapes to choose from for quite different looks if you are lucky enough to grab a custom. These are somewhat addictive but very, very difficult to get a hold of, especially if you want natural wood or four prongs on your fork. These have a satin finish and on slippery hair days I find they hold best if I buy them a little longer to make sure a bit of prong pokes out at the other end of my bun or twist. The makers behind 60thstreet are very good people.
Jeterforks produces perfectly smooth, comfortable, beautiful, functional hair forks out of a variety of lovely woods. I have always appreciated the apparent strength and subtle beauty of these forks. He is available to create customs for you in your desired wood, topper shape and prong number. He is very friendly, genuine and helpful and a joy to communicate with.
Unfortunately during the time spent renovating the bedroom I seem to have forgotten how to take good photographs and I'm having what could easily count as a "bad hair month", so these photos don't really do my Jeterforks justice. I've included some older photos and I tried to get some shots of my newest ones in use, but the photos are quite blurry. Still, I'll add them to break up the block of text. I believe these to be much nicer in person than my photos. Also disregard the naughty, messy hair and imagine them in smooth, pretty hair.
Here's a group shot of all the forks I own. I had a few more but sent some of my larger ones to friends when I realized they weren't getting nearly as much use as my favourite figured cherry wood fork. I hope they're enjoying them.
About Jeterforks:
They have a reliable gentle head curve. This makes them very comfortable.
They are always sanded very smoothly. I have never caught hair on a rough part (because there are no rough parts) or prong end on any of these forks. They are consistently hair safe. The only other fork sellers I can say that about are 60thstreet and Elymwold. You can absolutely tell that Mr Jeter has a long-haired wife because he 100% respects the need for wood to be snag-free and hair friendly. This is a great quality for a seller to have. You can trust him with your hair.
The very tips of the prongs have a nice taper to gentle points, so they aren't stabby at all, but still slide into hair easily. No worries about poking anyone's eyes out. More great news.
Black and white ebony
The newer Jeterforks are much more slim-line in profile than the older ones. I didn't mind the size of the older ones and found them to have beauty and charm but for some people the slimness will increase comfort certainly. They still work well and look strong to me. The prongs are even along the length rather than tapered (until the tips) and that's one of the things that differentiates these from some of my other forks by other makers. This makes them hold differently too, which is good news if my hair is in a uncooperative mood and is spitting out forks made by someone else. I find that I can use a shorter Jeterfork than a 60thstreet fork and it will hold the same way. This is neither a good nor a bad thing for me, just a fact, but may influence the purchase of someone who minds how much the fork prongs show in an up-do.
My Jeterforks have a silken smooth finish rather than a satin shine about them. I wonder if this contributes to their ability to hold so well? Or it might be the smaller gaps between the prongs than some of my other forks. Or the straight, wide, yet slim-profiled, even prongs? Whatever it is, it works!
Mahogany
I don't think these are waterproof or even water resistant so I wouldn't recommend wearing them in the rain or damp hair at all to keep them safe. Maybe I'm just being over-protective of them but better safe than sorry.
I am very happy to own these forks. They are incredibly good value and well made and Joshua is so helpful with custom orders and convos. I will always be grateful to him for letting me know he had that black and white ebony fork available for purchase. It's one of the most beautiful non-burl pieces of wood I have ever seen, and finished well too. I will treasure it and finally my first purchase ever, my incredible swirly cherry wood Jeterfork has competition for favourite Jeterfork.
Figured Cherry
I would recommend owning a few of these forks in a variety of woods, prong numbers and length as this seller produces reliably hair friendly and very functional hair forks from beautiful wood in a variety of shades. It's definitely difficult to stop at one, or two.
I have heard that some people look at the listings and think they'll be too "chunky" compared with some of the thinner forks like 60thstreet, but I honestly disagree. I believe that everyone I know who has tried them is very fond of them and would definitely purchase from this seller again. Some of my friends have accumulated considerable collections. I know I'd like a couple more with three prongs.
Bocote
Last of all, one last link to his Etsy shop. If you are feeling enabled, click here.
