What is the purpose of the protector that slips over the tip of a bachi? Is it only to prevent the bachi blade from chipping? I’ve noticed that all of the ones I have seen are made of wood (or maybe bamboo?) and not something like rubber, which I would think you offer superior protection. I’m curious if they have some secondary function that requires a rigid material, like maybe preventing warpage.
Oh, and is there a real name for this? All I know to call it is a “bachi tip protector”! 
