Since nobody commented on it below, I'll start a new thread.

I'm ready to replace my rock. I think I'll try bending (steaming?) an edge strip, about 1/4 x 3/8", around each blade to protect the tips and the edges.

I'm told Ash works good for bending around a tight radius. But I dont happen to have any ash. I have Oak, walnut, cherry, holly, teak, fir, apple, bamboo, and maybe some bubinga.

I dont like the idea of oak, as it turns black where water stained. Teak doesnt bond with epoxy, but it probably would bond to polyurethane. I guess my top choice would be holly, and next would be cherry. Are either of these pliable enough to steam around a 3-1/2" radius with a 1/4" thick bend? If I used bamboo, is it tough enough for the edges?

Or should I bite the bullet and actually spend money to make a paddle? And if so, what other good choices are there? Willow? Something dark-colored that steam-bends easily?