no no no!!! that can ruin your striker if your not careful!! mine made more of a turkey sound until i cut them...what kind of wood is it?? whats the top like?? one piece or 2?? ive had real heck with solid ones just being fat at the top about 7/8th inch and narrowing down to a normal size at the tip around 5/16ths or so....but if u distinctly cut the back out and make it look like a 2 piece and have a pretty consistintly sized rod it seems they make the sound...but i havent finished playing with top designs..its has alot to the sound...also the legnth and thickness does too....and the type of wood...only way to find out what works for your style is play around..ive wasted many hours with a knife becuase my design wasnt a sound making one....good luck....also make sure your tip is sanded with fine paper and rounded or flat or however you like yours...a little oil on the ends from you touching them or anything will kill the sound...make sure they are sanded and dry....make sure no finish got on them either.....get some good wood and experiment....you will find that perfect design some day......good luck!