The next step is to bevel the underside edges of the soaked cane with sandpaper. This makes a tighter seal on the sides. Carefully fold the reed (bark-out) in half.
Cut off a piece of brass wire about four inches long. Loosely bend the wire around the cane an inch from the butt end. Twist the ends several with a pair of pliers. Add a second wire 11/16ths of an inch from the butt end.
Using the razor blade, make several slices from the end of the cane to the second wire. This makes it easier to round out. Add the third wire about 3/16ths of an inch from the bottom.
Put the reed on the mandrel or round file and try to form the base into a round shape. Tighten the wires with the pliers and set on the reed rack.