He nods. "Really, though, it's better to practice stirring, sorting, eating, and writing left-handedly before attempting knifework with any kind of speed. It's quite a different matter to use both hands synchronically as trained, although I've no doubt you'll find yourself more dextrous--or the reverse, I suppose--than a non-musician."
He struggles with himself for a moment; it's so hard to accept anything without a set price. "Well done on initiative," he manages finally. "Cherrywood, perhaps, or hawthorn..." He sighs, giving into the inevitable urge towards common sense. "No--it really ought to be birch, although I wouldn't mind a richer stain. And if you acquire your own tools--I should think you ought to be able to assemble the list yourself, although you may present it to me for editing--the rack for them should be of your own wand's wood, ideally."