Here's how we tie a new takenokawa (bamboo sheath) on the Baren.

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The bamboo sheath is dampened by wrapping it in a damp towel for a few hours. Bending the takenokawa helps to make it pliable	Rub the front of the bamboo sheath with scissors to flatten down the ribs. Do this numerous times back and forth the on the section of the sheath that will be used for burnishing
At the bottom end of the sheath (thickest) cut a notch shape as indicated. Do the same on the opposite end of the sheath.	Tear off a little of the outside edge of bamboo insuring you allow about 3/8" roll over the edge of the ategawa.
On the edge of the ategawa roll and tuck the bamboo around its edge about three or four times. The tip end is thinner and allows more folds.	Continue tucking and rolling the sheath until you have the 4 quarter section wrapped on the ategawa as in next illustration. Tucks should be as close to right angles as possible. This assures that the sheath binds tightly on the ategawa
Tucking and rolling continues. All the time firmly hold the other edges that have been folded. It is at times like this that you need four hands	Hold down the twisted tail with your thumb and twist the other tail (handle). See next image.
Tie one handle end clockwise. (CW)....then turn the baren around under the holding hand and twist the other handle CW. This will ensure the twisted handles will oppose each other and stay tight. See arrows below.	Twisted tails now form a handle ready for tying When both handles are twisted very tightly they are ready to be folded or bent around ready to tie with string.
Tying off the handle One handle is twisted clockwise and the other handle is twisted clockwise, ensuring they will remain tight when tied together When tying the string on, start as close to the bottom of the end in the bamboo handles and wind the string downward to gradually pull and stretch the sheath tightly.	The excess bamboo can now be cut off the end of the handles. Prior to use, and occasionally during printing, smear a few drops of oil, (camellia, olive or vegetable oil) on the surface of the baren. Rubbing it in your hair can pick up sufficient lubrication to allow the tool to glide when burnishing.