John Bender - Hawaiian Koa into Birdseye Maple - Serial #117 (01/17/15)
About John Bender:
John Bender is a New Jersey cuemaker who learned under the legendary Richard Black, though his work has always carried a style and identity entirely his own.
His cues stand apart not only from Richard Black’s work, but also from the other well-known “Bender” cuemakers, Mike and Matt — despite sharing the same name, they are unrelated.
For many cue enthusiasts and collectors, John Bender represents a rare kind of traditional craftsmanship that has become increasingly difficult to find today.
He is known as a maker deeply focused on one thing only: building exceptional pool cues by hand, with patience, precision, and uncompromising attention to detail.
Every Bender cue reflects an old-school approach to cue making. No CNC machinery, no shortcuts — just years of experience, carefully selected materials, and true handmade construction.
His shaft wood is especially admired by many collectors and players alike, often regarded as some of the finest seen in modern custom cue making.
Beyond their beauty, John Bender cues are respected for how they play. Solid, balanced, responsive, and full of character, they are cues built not only to be admired, but to be played.
One of the most remarkable things about John Bender cues is the value they offer.
Many collectors believe his work delivers a level of craftsmanship, playability, and beauty far beyond their price point.
In today’s custom cue market, finding cues built to this standard at such reasonable prices has become increasingly rare.
Over the years, John has also earned a reputation as a genuine gentleman within the cue community — polite, humble, helpful, and deeply respected by those who have dealt with him personally. That same honesty and care can be felt in the cues he creates.
A John Bender cue is more than simply a custom cue.
It is a reflection of traditional American cue craftsmanship at its finest.
About this cue:
This particular cue showcases John Bender’s eye for clean traditional design and precise craftsmanship.
The forearm features a beautifully figured piece of birdseye maple, accented by four tall, razor-sharp points crafted from richly colored Hawaiian koa.
The warm golden tones of the koa create a striking contrast against the lighter maple, while the veneers add depth and a smooth visual transition throughout the design.
The matching solid Hawaiian koa buttsleeve completes the cue with a refined and balanced appearance, finished with a classic black delrin buttcap.
Built with a stainless steel 5/16x14 piloted joint with compression fit, the cue delivers the solid and responsive feel that many players associate with traditional custom cues.
The black collars also allow the cue to pair naturally with other-brand shafts while maintaining a seamless overall look.
Finished with an embossed pigskin leather wrap, the cue feels exceptionally smooth and comfortable in hand — elegant in appearance, yet built first and foremost as a serious playing instrument.
- Cue Features
- Built in Jan 17th 2015
- Serial Number #117
- Birdseye Maple forearm
- Hawaiian Koa points & buttsleeve
- Embossed Pigskin (Cowhide) Leather
- Stainless Steel joint
- Delrin buttcap
- 5/16x14 Piloted (Compression-fit) joint
- 1B1S wooden JP set.
- Comes with 1 original shaft
- Shaft has Juma ferrule
- Shaft has been fitted with Caiden Fighter tip w/ red padding.
Butt is in very light used condition with minimal signs of use. No major dings/dents on forearm/buttsleeve.
There are some flaws on the buttcap, like scuff marks on one part, tiny nicks and a few light scratches.
Shaft is in excellent near mint condition. Previous owner used a different shaft, hence it is barely played.
