While the current trend for knitting needles is stainless steel or some other type of metal, there is a time when using a wood or bamboo needle is a better choice. Certainly in colder weather the bamboo or wood is more comfortable. Using a slippery yarn? Pull out those bamboo needles.
Take care of your bamboo and wood needles just like a fine piece of furniture. Store them away from direct sunlight. Have you ever been told to soak your bamboo needles in water? That statement would probably come under the heading of 'bad advice'. Never, ever soak your needles. Instead, treat them to a nice rub with a high quality beeswax furniture polish applied with a soft cloth.