ok, this might sound dumb but.....

Why do people pay big $$$ for those tortoise shell (and faux tortoise) needles? I can't imagine it is because they just look cool. (or mabybe it it)
Do they have some special knitting power?

-gg

They feel really nice. I saw some faux ones at, oh, mental blank, that yarn shop in the city that we both got slabs of rainbow wool from, and they weren't too expensive. I have some that used to be my mothers, and they just feel really nice to knit with. That's all I can think of.
Incidently, they are Clintons favorite too. He says he likes the look of them and always thought they were special when he was growing up!

aren't those casein needles? if they are, then it's because casein needles are flexible but strong, and warm in your hands.

People have various preferences--I've paid through the nose for addi turbos because I think they're worth the money, even though I can get Susan Bates for uner $5.

I'm not really sure. Maybe it is because the faux tortiseshell needles are so old, but they don't feel at all like my other casein needles..

there's always the taste test--apparently casein needles taste HORRIBLE.