Thanks for showing this bead. I can certainly see the appeal.

By now, I have made two more chevron-ish beads.

Two main issues that will probably only be fixed with more tools. (all the others can be fixed with lots and lots of practice, I think).
First: making it on a mandrel without a mold makes getting even layers and even points very hard.
Second: not having any large cutting and polishing tools (like a lathe) makes it pretty impossible to get a smooth finish.

I have some of yours, Art, and they have such an awsome smooth feel.