This reed mandrel or "poker" is shaped to fit the inside of your chanter reed staple, and will allow you to adjust the strength of the reed, and also give it a little more life. When you have a reed that is a little bit too thin on the top hand, or gradually closes as you play it, a little nudge from the reed poker ca help open it up and give extended life to your reeds.
Theyare also very useful for setting uop new reeds, sometimes obtaining maximum clarity and resonance with a combination of poking the reed and then carefully shaving the blades to encourage greater vibration.
