Herefishy
There are more and more rodmakers that have experimented with bamboo ferrules from Bjarne Fries, Calvielo, Schlecht and more recently Poratelli from Italy who taught me his technique which can be realized without the use of special tools nor modifications to the planing form.
The ferrules work very well, and according to the masters they do not alter the transmission of the energy wave from the butt to the tip which a metal ferrule usualy does. They are strong and the most recent ones even look good. If you are interested in further information regarding the technique there is an interesting article regarding the dimensioning of bamboo ferrules on our website: www.rodmakers.it. The article can be downloaded in English.
Cheers
Moreno Borriero
Italian Bamboo Rodmakers' Association