My first spoon

[-Switch-]

I've done a bit of carving before but this is my first proper spoon.
It's not quite finished yet, mainly because I'm not entirely sure how to raise the grain and oil it properly :confused:

And apologies for the poor photo - it was taken on my (rather primitive) phone as I don't have a digital camera. What looks like a mistake near the head of the spoon is actually a deliberate indentation for the users thumb for a better grip when using the edge of the bowl to cut soft foods while eating.

My First Spoon (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=982&limit=recent)

Thanks for looking :D

-Switch-

[Tor helge]

Aside from the quality of the photo the spoon looks good :) .

Tor

[yarrow]

Nice lines on that spoon Mr. Is one enough though? Could we have another addict in our midst :rolleyes:

[-Switch-]

Nice lines on that spoon Mr. Is one enough though? Could we have another addict in our midst :rolleyes:

Yes, definately :D

I'm setting my sights on a few more spoons then maybe a bowl or two and a kuksa.

Can't run before I'm walking though - I still don't know how to finish it properly :confused:

[yarrow]

Can't run before I'm walking though - I still don't know how to finish it properly :confused:[/QUOTE]

To finish give it a good rub down with fine grade sand paper then coat with oil, even olive oil will do. You will find this makes your spoon somewhat rough again, rub it down once more and re-oil. Then I like to give it a buff with steel wool, but the leg of an old pair on jeans works just as well. The more you polish and buff the better it looks. Try putting an old tea towel on a mouse mat and rub vigorously, this give a good shine.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f122/MissyMycelium/IMG_4521.jpg

[Chopper]

Hi Switch, is that holly that you have carved the spoon from? :)

[-Switch-]

I'm not too good with trees but I think it was a type of birch :o

It was carved from a log that had already been cut by forestry workers so I didn't get to see the whole tree. I passed them on the way into the woods, noticed the cut logs and asked if I could take a bit, they said yes so I did. The spoon was carved sitting in the woods.

The bark was like silver birch in every way except colour - it was a purple-brown colour. But it had a horizontal grain, a silky finish and paper-like peeling flakes and also had that 'birch' pattern to it.
Definately wasn't holly though.

[bushtuckerman]

Agree with Yarrow. I use either sunflower oil or olive oil depending on the wood and how i'm feeling!

Good effort with the spoon mate, not sure on the wood you've got but there are several woods with that papery, flaky appearance to the bark, hazel can be like that (but not very purply-brown!), or cherry (but grows quite small and not common in woods as far as i know), and there are several types of birch in this country. The only one i can think of which vaguely fits your description (apart from birch which sounds most likely) is perhaps alder? (corrections welcomed :D) though not sure how light coloured the grain is.

[bowman]

Yep, nice work. As already stated above, either oil to raise the grain or run under a warm tap, then re-sand. I am also a big fan of cabinet grade (00000) steel wool to finish.

Good feeling, isnt it?

[-Switch-]

Yep, nice work. As already stated above, either oil to raise the grain or run under a warm tap, then re-sand. I am also a big fan of cabinet grade (00000) steel wool to finish.

Good feeling, isnt it?

It certainly is :)

Where can I get 00000 steel wool from?
I remember someone mentioning it before and saying to get it from a DIY store in the decorating section, but I've tried 4 different stores with no luck :(
It'd be useful for polishing up the tools as well.

[British Red]

Switch mate,

Try B&Q. Its not kept with the other wire wool,, its kept with the teak oil and woodstain. If you really struggle, PM me and I'll sort something out for you (either get your local B&Q store manager to get some for you or send you some)

Red

[-Switch-]

Cheers Red, helpful as ever :)

[British Red]

No worries mate....do make sure you have a 9V battery on hand when you get some :lmao:

Be sure to wear a mask when using it too - fine wire and hardwood dust - nasty stuff!

Red