Earlier, I posted that I did not like ash for knitting sheaths. Now, I have recarved the goose wing prototype that I made from an ax handle. While the ash, particularly in cross grain, is NOT smooth enough for a yarn contact material, the friction generated by the textured surface does a very good job of holding the sheath motionless when tucked under a heavy leather belt. This allows the use of looser or softer belting. I have decided that I like the ash so much that I just cut a blank out of ash for a knitting sheath dedicated to # 0 and #00 needles.
I have also started using brass tubing to line the holes that hold the knitting needles. Knitting needles made of music wire fit snugly and smoothly into standard brass tubing, also available at hardware stores. A bit of hot glue in the bottom of the brass tube protects the points and provides just a bit of adhesion to keep the needle from slipping out. (This may not work in the long run, but the first 2 days are pretty good.)
I knit ~ 2000 stitches last night after the fireworks, that is worsted weight yarn knit at 8 spi. I could never do that with cable needles, at least not without stressing my wrists.
Aaron