I have a favorite pair of needles. I bet you do, too. They’re my go-to needles for probably half the projects I work up. If I’m designing a pattern, or making a gift for someone that doesn’t specifically require me to dig out a different pair of needles, they’re the ones I go for. I’ve even switched them back and forth between two different WIPs, so that I could work on two different projects at the same time.
They’re my Knit Picks Interchangeable Size US8 needles in Caspian.
They’re part of a set of interchangeables that I love to death. It’s so convenient to have such a wide range of needles at my fingertips. They come with extra cables in a couple lengths, so I always have the perfect needle for whatever project I’m starting. (And the blue-green colors of the wood are so pretty, I can’t say no to them.)
I’ve had these needles for a few years now, and use them almost exclusively. I love knitting with wooden needles, and only ever use circulars any more (straight needles drive me up the wall), so they’re perfect for me.
In fact, I think I might have used my US8’s a little too much.
After more than three years of nearly constant use, and especially after I just finished my massive vampire project (3+ hours of complicated knitting every day for over a month), my favorite needles are starting to show a little wear. I don’t know if you can really see it in the picture, but the tips are not as smooth as they used to be, and the finish is beginning to wear off. But, after so many years of faithful service, I can’t really blame them. They’re still usable, but they aren’t quite as smooth as they used to be.
It’s funny. I’ve lost needles, broken needles, and my dog has eaten (or at least chewed up) needles, but I’ve never actually worn out needles like this. I feel like I need to frame them, or play taps as I lay them to rest at the bottom of my stash. Or I could try refinishing the tips (though with my dismal knowledge of woodworking, that would probably turn into a fiasco).
Whatever I end up doing with them, they have served me well, knitting (probably) miles of yarn into dozens and dozens of projects.
(But, honestly, I’ll probably keep using them, because I’m cheap enough to not want to buy new needles, and they’re still not that bad.)
Do you have a favorite pair of needles?
On the Needles 
All of my bamboo needles are dear to me! I have a few pairs of metal, and even plastic (wanted to try 50’s before commiting to the pricier wooden ones), but I love my Takumi’s!
When yours become unusable, don’t hide them or *gasp* throw them away–make a shadow box display featuring them, or one of those cool wall sculptures with a wip on them.
I love the knit picks interchangeables too. My son bought me the original set when they first came out. I’ve had 2 needle failures and one cable fall apart with the set and I called their customer service line, explained the problem and had replacements in my hot little hands within a week. It’s one of many reasons I just love that company. You could try and contact them about your needles…I know I figured the worst the could do is say, “sorry ma’am, can’t help you with that …”
My favourites are the Knitpro symfonie interchangeables