Axminster Mora Hook Knife - First use (pic heavy)

[bhofmann]

This post follows on from my most embarrassing moment in ages (claiming the hook knife was blunt when really it was just in a protective wax :o).

I've been out for a walk and found a branch that had broken and was dangling to the ground. I would have preferred a larger section of wood, but for first attempts I though this would do. So rather than being able to carve a proper spoon I decided a teaspoon would have to do. I was also rushed inside by my wife because her parents arrived for lunch. Boo. ;)

Here's a section of the branch with my Mora 840 in sheath, and the Axminster Mora Hook knife (still homeless - without a sheath).
http://gjvx4w.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pTVgd55EgPGLNoNQfXd0M27LmOCR 5NTGDNO_uPuuijzX5XzMOTyWa-4hMbTbe8921B8WakEGSxPdQpQqfLAQ-zq9dgkWf5fXo/P2210113.JPG

I split the branch easily enough with the knife and a stick not much thicker than my thumb as a baton.
http://gjvx4w.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p6CpQiI1zbI45whzSv-CmYIh9GOugUdIMNxhXzvxA3T96vqzF fVpj0_Whv3E2TSh1aoBfOmU6JEyFV9 GsGWsb8jNmLyQLYExn/P2210114.JPG

I then carved down a flat surface to remove the pith and find clean wood.
http://gjvx4w.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pA95psTmBcLzHEUi-F3OFkOfaeic3sfB89I6I1K23SEWb8R G5PW50t3iSE0IPwNkUKzERgZUQLOse bsq-tIMHjwEGc3vK34Uj/P2210116.JPG

I then removed the bark from the underside.
http://gjvx4w.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pA95psTmBcLzPTuIyfpazWI0d4jL kFeAoDWOpCErX7NHq3mGfst8PXwtKB UKUcIjlce3r8Ke_G_Rb-J7RTXR_98-aqV8YVqVC/P2210118.JPG

The hook knife did a grand job on the bowl of the spoon. I found there is a technique to it that I hope to video for other people to critique and learn from.
http://gjvx4w.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pDqRJc9b4JId0_sTtopq0iaSxOZa RtXsMwpLBEQf0ZfiU0AfYZaqZ_PFW0 cHecp7mD22Tz5rjtcjYgcIalHq9gJs iZQ-v38Dw/P2210119.JPG

Once the bowl was done I carved away around and below it to make the walls of the spoon. I think it's easier to do the outside afterwards than before the bowl.
http://gjvx4w.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pyOG2uYQlDPLldxwBqj_JkQ4qo79 LezPBVID2wCOAsH75lG3YvXqKeLWJi 2P_VPNrCSskY9Hs7XF4NIJ9I3FMnNN oBQfRduxI/P2210121.JPG

I was rushed in for lunch and this is how far I got:
http://gjvx4w.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pyyySVkkgDabGYaCpa9FYtclRv6H _UmMs8lZGOR928gd82rPmH7nxVMAfH qysYYFlvFeTEwB9E7R2gxkB1Xew5oc T2Lhvg0j5/P2210122.JPG
http://gjvx4w.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pyyySVkkgDabeJCIquscNdljgPgQ _oxlLfBBz-0JBsN6l_nDj31in2mlzYHj5P5bdFtM O5binlGy43GrZBLDDw7O2XKPysV6G/P2210124.JPG

This is by no means complete or something to be proud of really. But it would function as a spoon and bar far the best thing: I got to use the hook knife! :D

[FGYT]

looks good

one thing i would recomend if your going to use it for eating is to try it in the mouth as you hollow it etc suprizing how shallow a spoon needs to be if your teeth cant touch the bottom its a soup spoon ;)

ATB

Duncan

[Hugo]

Good first go me thinks.

[maddave]

Thats great !!

[bhofmann]

Thanks for the kind words; I'm sure I'll get better with time. For anyone interested, I've uploaded a video of my thoughts on how to use the hook knife:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRcUcpkHw40

I'd welcome suggestions to improve technique, or corrections if I got something wrong.

[ickyan]

sorry you doing it wrong, seems to make nice circular bowls though.

try this method, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjrhB6o1tSk

also have you tried sharpening it yet