Woodsman Crafts

Polish lavvu in the snow with the AT-AT Stove

2012-02-16T21:28:00.000Z

Two years ago a friend and I got together and designed a stove made using a small ammunition box http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52079&highlight=ammo+box+stove

Its been a while since I last took this set up camping, so I thought it only proper while there was some snow on the deck to have a play, and try a few experiments with the stove.
The heat from this little ammo box stove is just right when up to temp and closed down for a slow burn of 3 hrs on quite a small amount of wood. The pile you see in the pictures to the side would have lasted over two more burns if I burnt it all. I used well seasoned Beech and Oak.

Im very pleased with my flue kit which is all made from scrap and works very well. Scafold pipe, paint tin lid, coffee container and scray can.

Cowboy coffee and hot chocolate were made in the small billy on top with no effort at all, so I reckon this will be a winner in colder weather for taking out my eldest. She thought it was great having it on the back garden, and many snacks were consumed, well we didn't want to rough it now :)

Chestnut Bread Board

2012-02-11T18:40:00.001Z

Managed to get some large diameter Sweet Chestnut recently, so decided to make a new board for simple food preparation and baking bannock when out camping.
I wanted the minimum of waste so I used the woods natural splitting ability as best as possible carefully using a hatchet and baton from both ends of the log. Hardly any thinning was needed so hopefully I can make several more from the same log, where the grain strength allows.

Its nothing fancy just an attempt at splitting well, and obtaining a good surface finish just with axe and knife. The axe used as a plane was very effective.
Now what sort of bannock to bake ? : )

Birch Eating Spoons

2012-02-11T18:28:00.000Z

I thinned out some more Birch in a woodland last week, so saved a few pieces and sat by the fire whittling the nights away
I wanted to replicate the same general size but try a thin, thick and curved handle. There was plenty of extra wood on the curved one so thought I'd pop a hook on there.
All were oiled with rapeseed, and sanded the inner bowl and some of the handle.

I think this will be my new general spoon when cooking in the woods, I'm quite pleased with it.

Dates for upcoming events.

2012-01-30T12:49:00.001Z

Just waiting on a new computer at home as the old one has finally had it after many years faithfull service, so hopefully I'll be more active on here soon.

Events I'm running and demonstrating at.

Shipley Country Park

Spoon Carving Workshop - 4th March
Bushcraft Walk - 29th July

Elvaston Castle Country Park

Woodland Skills Course - 11th April
Elvaston Castle Woodland Festival - 22nd and 23rd September

For Bookings call 08456 058 058
Leaflet with more info http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/images/Events%20book%202012_tcm44-198687.pdf

Also theres the Derbyshire Food Fair and Chatsworth Country fair to fit in alongside some scouting work so hope to fit all that in around everything else ok.

Ive Spent a little more time carving spoons recently due to the carving course and Ive made a start on a few kuksa.

This one is a very basic tea spoon for students to practise making. Ive been enjoying making eating spoons lately and hope to get a few pictures up soon.

Hope see plenty of folks again this year at the various places : )

Carving

2012-01-06T18:26:00.000Z

I've just finished a few items, and theres a few more projects on the go around the place. Rather than posting on each item I thought I'd cram in a few onto one post.

Dough/fruit bowl (Ash), serving spoon(Birch), spatula(Hazel), and two kuksas(Birch and Ash).

I made full use of the bowl mate I made and tryed out an Adze too. I think I still might treat myself to a smaller Carlson Adze though when funds allow, as the one I've been trying from Ox Head is good, but a little large and not quite curved enough for kuksa.

Last off Ive almost finished a sweet chestnut bread board, using the Axe, knife and saw. Really pleased with splittling off a peice this thin and uniformly thick with just the camping hatchet and batton. I love that smell of the wood too.

Hope you like : )

Christmas Wreath

2011-12-11T09:09:00.000Z

Just popped this up on the front door. My daughter and I made it from materials gathered from the woods.
We used a laurel sapling as the hoop, with Yew, Holly and Ivy for decoration.
Willow fibres held it together and to hang it on the door.

Hope you all have a good Christmas folks. :)

2011-12-06T20:50:00.000Z

Not had much time to make recently, but as I've moved on some blades recently I thought I'd swap my main user (enzo traper) for one I made a while back. Its one I forged out of an old rasp. It was a bit bulky originally so the handles been re-worked and a new edge ground on. I love the birch bark spacers when they are all cleaned up. The rest is leather, brass, birch burr and Sycamore if I remember rightly, all foraged in the woods or from bits of scrap. The Bolster is Buffalo horn, not exactly a local find but nice to work with.

Its been a tad chilly of late so i made it and another old knife a new sheath. Sorry about the picture quality.

Hoping to get making again soon.

Campfire cooking

2011-11-27T18:48:00.000Z

Shared a great few days recently camping out with some friends, practising some skills, keeping warm and eating well.

Cant wait till the next camping trip.

Bowlmate

2011-11-18T19:31:00.001Z

Just finished off one of these, just waiting for the adze to arrive and I can get making some nice bowls and kuksa a bit easier than normal. Its all Birch except for two of the Ash legs. I felled the tree and cut out the parts with a chainsaw, drilled with an old auger, and cleft and shaped the legs on a shave horse.

Plans are available from Robin Woods website http://www.robin-wood.co.uk/bowlmate.htm

Bark Containers

2011-11-14T21:53:00.000Z

I managed to harvest some birch bark a few months ago and had a go at some others types of container.

The two containers left and right of the group are the newest ones, using the self locking method on the left and a willow bark stitched example on the right. Both have an inner section of bark glued in to increase the thickness.

I'm quite pleased with them. Most folks like the matchbox best though which is fine by me as its easier to collect the bark pieces for those and there fun to make.

A quick spoon for my Mum.

2011-11-13T19:59:00.000Z

Just finished a eating spoon for my Mum. Its mainly for porridge and the like so its curved, thin, simple and
slightly favours the right handed.
Made from a curved basal section of birch, saved after felling for a thinning job in a woodland I've been completing.

It'll add to the Christmas presents and I hope to make a few more for folks that I know will use them , as I'm quite pleased with my speed on this one.

Cobbling Boots

2011-11-04T18:59:00.001Z

The soles on my trusty old Lowa military boots had finally had it but the rest of the boot was perfectly fine.
I whipped off the old soles with the help of a knife thinking it would be easy to find a chap to re-sole them. Boy was I mistaken, try finding a cobbler that will fix the most basic and worn out item on footware, also try finding soles that you can attach yourself!

After much searching I found a chap on ebay selling all the parts needed for sorting my boot problem, although the glue was not all that it promised to be.

Then I thought nail the fellows on, but how to do this? Luckily I remembered seeing a device in a retired Victorian working museum as part of a shoe makers shop. I managed to borrow the tool today and promptly tacked on the soles. Just need some tidying up of the last section in the middle with some leather, and a final trim of the edges and they should be good to go for a few more years.

A quick overnighter

2011-10-29T21:35:00.000+01:00

I decided a night out in the woods was in order last night, so I packed a simple amount of modern kit and headed out after work.
No camera but I had the phone in case of a problem, so I'm afraid the pictures are from that this time.

By the time all was sorted at home it was dropping dark, and I arrived to my campsite in darkness, but i like to mix things up from time to time and I set to putting up the camp. Tarp up, it was time to look for fire lighting materials and main fuel. I collected the various sized kindling needed - matchstick thick, pencil, and thumb and arranged with some pine needles underneath and fired her up with a match.

All that was needed were some sausages, homemade flat breads and a brew.

Then just settle down for the night just keeping warm as it had dropped colder than of late

I slept better than I have been at home recently and I woke up to this...

Time to brew up, so I lit the fire using the amadou I made recently and the fire dogs, with a few birch twigs to encourage flame.

Then after Tea and Porridge, time to strike camp and head on home.

Making Amadou

2011-10-26T22:46:00.000+01:00

I recently ran out of by last batch of Amadou, the natural tinder for making fire using the percussion method with flint and steel capturing the sparks and turning them into an ember. I prefer using this method over Char-cloth when I find the time to manufacture some out of Bracket fungi.

I come across bracket fungi all the time during my inspection work with trees as they are a serious problem with the decay of the roots, and main stem of many trees. many species of these brackets can be manufactured into amadou, the most referred to being the horses hoof fungus - Fomes fomentarius. Although great in number they are rather small and difficult to extract the trauma layer. A good alternative are the Ganoderma species. You wont find them as often unless you look for them most days, but when you do, you get a bumper crop.

I used a small section of a much larger specimen for this preparation. the rest is still feeding off the decayed stem of a Beech tree. You often find Ganoderma on older Oak specimens too.

Outer cuticle and tube section removed to leave the trauma layer.

I then boiled up a litre of water with two handfuls of hardwood ash, which was then strained through muslin into another container to remove some of the fine particulate, but retain some potassium in the solution.. I've not tried this separation method before but it seems to work a little better on the end result. The little man of the house donated the supplies.

Then back on to simmer with the fungus pieces added. Lacking a campfire on this occasion so the stove came out to play during the day, and I sat him on the woodburner during the evening. Quite useful for a long controlled simmer. It had a good soak in the solution for over 24 hrs. several of which were hot, topped up now and then with a splash of water.

Then I flattened the sections with the baton...

...and left to dry, massaging them now and then to leave them supple like tanned leather.

This batch goes up a treat with very little effort and should last a while.

My favourite way to light fire.

Firesteel tinder practice and paracord fun.

2011-09-27T21:15:00.000+01:00

Been practising a few modern skills today for a change.

Firstly firesteel practice with man made tinders which were :-

Cotton wool and petroleum jelly.
Trioxane fuel tab.
Wire wool with t-cut (color restorer for car paint)
Cardboard/wax in a tin.
Jute twine.

Got the first four lit at the same time, then later on finally found the twine and set that ablaze. I must say the wire wool and t-cut went up with quite some vigour and stayed lit for a long time, with only a spot of the product. Handy things to know if you want to rely on these sorts of tinders prepared in your kit.
The cardboard and candlewax tin (shoe polish type) fits in the crusader cooker to replace the greenheat as an almost free alternative thats reuseable using the lid to snuff out, for several brews. It is a sooty fuel though.

Then thought I'd make a cobra type paracord lanyard for my keys. Quite enjoyed this one and got the folks at work making them at dinner time too.

Event pictures

2011-09-23T21:40:00.004+01:00

There have been lots to sort through to go with the previous post of the recent work I've been doing, so I've added just a few so as not to bore.

Bushcraft walking events. These pictures came from the Shipley Country Park walk. The general idea of the day carried on with the other walks recently.

Hope you enjoy.

These next pictures were from the Elvaston Castle Woodland Festival I worked at where there were many demonstrators covering just about every traditional woodland craft and many others too. Great bunch of folks and a great weekend was had. We had an area to ourselves promoting the countryside service and some of the Bushcraft and Green woodworking skills we like to teach during other events.

Smoky old morning once our area was lit up. We had a a few cooking demonstrations too with a range over a fire, stoves and a brick built oven.

The shelters. All built by ourselves to traditional designs in Mike Abbots book "Living Wood" My shelter is on the end and came in handy during the short heavy showers.

Spoons, kuksas and bark work were the demonstations of the day from myself. As well as the cooking, we had children's activities too which was a busy old place.

Teaching the next generation of pole lathe turners. The chap on the right is Morris, a volunteer who brings a lot to the event and our little meetings when working on projects.

Heres a link http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79562 to pictures of most of the demonstrators at the event that a fine chap called Steve took during his visit.

Looking forward to next years shows and events already. Just finished a batch of Rosehip Syrup for a wild food walk on Sun for folks to dip there bannock in. Even the Daughter liked this experiment so I don't expect it to last long!

Events

2011-09-19T20:51:00.000+01:00

Its been a very busy 2 weeks.

I led 3 guided walks for the scouts, cubs, brownies, and members of the public finding all things bushy to talk about and demonstrate along the way with a camp site set up to finish with a fire by Friction demonstration and then letting folks have a go with the set and other methods of firelighting.We all made several natural cordage bracelets each and my supply of cattail fibres is seriously depleted now.
After the Chatsworth show and the walks I just got my breath back and then helped set up and demonstrate at the Elvaston Castle woodland festival. One of the best shows going and the public and staff all had a great time by the sounds of the comments after chatting away to folks over the 2 days.

Myself and my good pal Adrian, made the trees safe in the areas around the demonstrators beforehand by climbing the large mature Ash, Beech, and Oak trees and pruning out the dangerous sections to prevent any unwanted failures while trying to be aware of the local wildlife and habitats.

It's great to be really busy again, and Ive met so many nice people along the way.

Ive not had chance to take any pictures but plenty of others have so I'll round a few up and post them in a day or two.

Wild food walk to lead this coming Sunday at Shipley country park and then some free weekends to catch up with family life and maybe some knife-making if I'm lucky.

Ash Spoon

2011-09-14T11:58:00.000+01:00

After the recent demonstrations spoon carving, I finished one in a simple style out of a straight peice for eating. The bowl size and depth is just right for cereal, soups and cooking/serving basic food when camping. I'm quite pleased with it and the basic look.

Working at Chatsworth Country Fair 2011

2011-09-08T12:45:00.000+01:00

I was at Chatsworth promoting the upcoming woodland festival at Elvaston Castle and the work that the Countryside service at DCC do. There was general info kids activities with willow star making and a few of us wood turning and wood carving. The shelters worked really well and we let folks have a go on the lathe which proved popular with all types of people.

My little somerset shelter was just right for my spoon and kuksa carving demo with a few simple tools and sharpening gear which folks also seemed to like to talk about.

Hard work but good fun, the red bull aeroplane display, red arrows and skydivers were all in the sky above too. One of the best parts were all the hot air ballons taking off around 08 :00 in the morning. Shame I didnt get any shots of those. One nearly landed on my landy!

Bodgers shelters

2011-08-30T22:50:00.000+01:00

With help from the volunteers at work we finished a bodgers shelter for pole/bungee lathe demos, and another type we've been calling a Somerset Shelter. The ideas were gained from Mike Abbott's book "Living Wood".

I like them both but the Somerset (on the right) turns into a tent-tarp for camping when the front supports are removed and it weighs far less. In the day at demos I'll be using it for preparing billets for the lathe and demonstrating kuksa & spoon carving, fire and cooking.

Both are made from poles of Birch, Ash and Alder we collected, and stripped, and the material is a thick cotton canvass we had made up to size. All cordage is sisal.
Looking forward to using them in a few days at the Chatsworth show.

Bush Bow

2011-08-30T22:35:00.000+01:00

Around a month ago I took an axe, saw, and knife into the woods to make a bow from a green Ash sapling. I found the 6' sapling quite quickly and set to removing the wood on the belly side leaving the bark and sapwood on the back. I've been seasoning it since at home although it was firing straight away at a half draw quite well. Initially in the shade outside, then the sun, then behind glass. I guess the best way to describe it is a flat long bow.

Strung up with paracord its now pulling to full draw and firing garden canes with some good force, and feels flexible and strong.

Just need to measure the draw weight which must be around 45lb and finish the hazel arrows I gathered from a tree in the same woods. Then get practising on some targets!
The previous ash stave I split with wedges has been roughed out and I'll finish it when fully seasoned the slow way, but if this bush made bow works OK then I probably wont need to.

5 Items Camp in the woods.

2011-08-06T15:13:00.004+01:00

Just back from a quick 24 hrs in the woods for a bit of fun on BCUK, great fun.
I took a knife, saw, billy, lighter, and blanket.
I used a lighter, as the rain poured down all day Thursday and as ive only got a couple of Sycamore trees for Friction firelighting, thought I'd give them a miss, as there not very reliable if a little damp.

Walking in

Shelter nearly there, warm work too.

Secured to tree using a branch, Bramble and Larch roots.

Tinder and kindling collected as I went about the work so as to dry out some.

Adjustable Pot hanger made.

Filtering water using a 4 layer merino buff, tied on with bramble.

Nettles, hogweed shoots and cleavers gathered. Got some spruce and a few early blackberries for tea too.

All set up and cooking.

I wasn't keen on hogweed after a taste/allergic test, so left them out. Same there were no roots about in this section of wood.

Settling in for the night in the blanket. This large merino one is the warmest one Ive used and its light too. Cost £3 at Oxfam. Need to dye it though!

I'm making a point of doing this more often when I get the chance. Loved it.

Paul :)

Kids from Chernobyl event

2011-08-01T21:13:00.000+01:00

These guys are over here for a month to have a break from thier normal lives, and today they came to Shipley Park. After a spot of bug hunting, they joined me up in the woods for a little camp hospitality and some fun skills.

Cordage making, fire by friction demo and Firesteel practice. They made around 4 bracelets each out of cat tail fibres, and these two girls would not leave the fire practice are alone. Started adding sticks to the thistle down and birch bark and maintained it without being told.

Loads of Hot Chocolate and tea

Huge chocolate and raisin sweet bannock

Brilliant day with some great kids. The language was no issue with the interpreter and some yes, no's and signs. Great to be teaching groups that want to learn, and who get so much out of something many of us take for granted.

Badger watching and sore hands!

2011-07-24T13:15:00.000+01:00

On Friday evening I set out up to the badger set in the woods to sit and watch through the evening.
Along the path leading to the site, I reached the section that I knew I would have to start acting quietly and add on some warm layers after the walk up. I had no sooner stopped when I heard some scampering about coming towards me. Low and behold it was a badger running up the path that stopped a few yards in front of me, sniffed the ground and came a bit closer, then looked up got a good wiff of me as the wind was unfortunately behind me, and promptly legged it.

I thought that would be it for the night and that I would have scarred them for the evening, but 30 seconds later two more did exactly the same thing. i can only assume they were youngsters out playing. Brilliant to see them so close though, and I wouldn't have expected to see then on this path.

After this I very carefully found my spot further into the wood, and sat against my tree. 10 minutes later one then two very cautious badgers were feeding near the entrance to the set, their eyes shining with the last of the light.
A great night.

The sore hands....well I'm practising Hand drill again and I've bruised them working against a lime board. Going out to hunt for some clematis and if unsuccessful I'll dig out some Willow from the woodpile. The drills are Elder and seem to have good dimensions and are nice and straight. I collected them over a year a go and dryed them in the sun last and this summer.

Managed some successful bow drills though using different kits, lit a fire and cooked up some dandelion roots to add to my rice and bacon for dinner. They are lovely cooked in the embers/ash and also chopped up and boiled with the rice.

Looking forward to a minimal kit camp out in a week or two, making shelter, clean water, fire and food.

Home-made Squirrel buckskin and pouch.

2011-07-12T21:33:00.000+01:00

During the wild food course last year, I skinned and butchered a squirrel, and we cooked him up over the fire. Very nice it was too. I saved the hide, and popped it salted up into the freezer.

I finally got it out last week to preserve it and try my hand at Tanning. First of all I scrapped it free of remaining flesh and then the epidermis layer.

Lacking the brains (quiet at the back there!) I made a solution of 2 fresh eggs and two heaped tablespoons of egg mayonnaise, rubbed it into the scrapped hide well and popped it into a plastic bag overnight.

Unfortunately the hair slipped. I thought this would not happen until a couple of days in water. Well, I just thought I'd carry on as I had got this far, so removed the hair, and started to dry out and work the skin for a few hours until soft and flexible.

Then a smoking session over some old horses hoof fungi. I've loads of these lying around and these had decayed so were just the thing as I was lacking in punk wood.

As I had been working it, I folded it over and it lent itself to a small pouch without hardly any removal needed, so trimmed it up and made a simple money bag, with some linen thread. The pull cord is 4 strands of the thread twisted up into cordage.

I just need to make a wooden bead for securing the pull cord.
A lot of work for a small piece, but interesting to do and hopefully a long lasting pouch with a story.

Paul :)

The Great British Countryside

2011-07-09T20:36:00.000+01:00

A walk around my local area today, just a wander about and a brew.
Thought I would try out the phone camera today, not great but with a tweak here and there they get the message across.

I'm very lucky to live here with all this and more on my doorstep. It was nice to catch up with some basic tracking and walking again. Plenty of game trails and a large active badger set and warren were highlights of the day, along with a good spot of therapy for the old knees.

1920's Wooden road workers caravan - restoration.

2011-07-04T21:22:00.000+01:00

Part time over the last several months as part of a volunteer programme at work, we have been undertaking the restoration of an old relic that had been rotting away in the corner of one of our sites. Long ago it had been given up on and probably would have been too far gone to repair, had the eagle eyes of our project leader Steff not spied it out on a trip.

We decided to relocate it as it was, to a site in the North of Derbyshire, where we could easily work on it, and ultimately use it for the use of teaching crafts to members of the public.

Shifting it however got the old grey matter twitching a little. It was located in the corner of an old estate yard with no wheels and rusty hubs, and needed to be moved into position with an entrance and hard standing track, so that we could then call in the services of a HIAB Lorry to crane it away and up the M1 to its new home. So it was down to my colleague and I with our Landrover winches in tandem and some wooden skis to drag it into place.

..... and away she went, hurrah!

Then we stripped all the wood off the outside, all the floor and all the roof ! Knocked out the large replacement window circa the 70's and replaced it with one to match the others which are smaller, and slide open and shut.
All the metal chassis was wire-brushed and painted, and all the floor, roof (including new beech spars) and sides replaced with new pine tongue and grove.

The gaffers look on...

...at the workers :) That was one coooooold day hence the layers.

New doors were fitted, and we have started to paint it with its first coat

Benches fitted with lifting seats so that materials can be stored within.

Once we can get back together for a few more sessions she should be one unique classroom and a nice cosy retreat in the winter, and I'll post some more picture then.
We doubt it will be on the road again as time and money probably wont allow, but its going to provide a great service to the community instead of being scrapped.

Escape to the woods

2011-06-30T19:46:00.000+01:00

I've had a busy few days at work so yesterday I managed a walk around my favourite local woodland to unwind.

Its an interesting site, an old sandstone quarry full of mainly native broadleaved trees and a healthy understory of holly and hazel.

Beech hanging on to the edges

Quite a few game trails...

leading to this warren within an old sweet chestnut stump.

Plenty of healthy Sweet Chestnut too, look forward to roasting some up again later in the year.

Possible blusher, hard to ID as it had been raining heavily 2 nights ago. Couldn't make out some of the features on the ring and stem base. I'll leave well alone though in case its the Panther Cap.

One of the largest and healthiest Birch trees I have seen since studying trees. See the Bracken for scale.

A True lady of the Woods

The bracken has shot up recently. Changes the appearance of the whole area.

Forest Schools Campfire cooking demonstration.

2011-06-21T21:28:00.000+01:00

Last week I was invited to help out on a demo for people interested in or already involved with forest schools, and wanting some ideas to pass on in sessions.

Seven separate fires were lit and maintained, with a brick oven made, two homemade gas bottle stoves, a tripod, a range, home made fire pit, and a cheap BBQ. Managed to grab a few pics before the guests arrived.

That Muuricca singed the first bannock so we cooked another sweet one as it cooled some which worked a treat, managed a Calzoni with the last of the flour, cheese and toms. Looks a little lost on the pan but was very yummy :)

Food was vegi but far from boring, we made from scratch pizza's, various bannocks, cheese scones, popcorn, soup, and my favourite.. Peach cobbler.

A great day and a success, more so as the rain held off.
I managed to squeeze in a Fire by friction Demo too that went down well. Still get a buzz doing these, and a lady had a go and managed an ember with a little help.

Ash bow

2011-06-21T21:04:00.000+01:00

Made a start on this bow yesterday. Just a young stem, which I split with the axe and then worked my way down with wedges. The Yew one...ahem... snapped. Gutted, but learnt plenty so now the first breaks out of the way I can crack on and keep trying till I get it right.

I've done some more searching and there is a surprising amount of good information out there regarding bows, so hopefully this one will work out.

Little Yew Bow

2011-06-11T10:20:00.000+01:00

I had a stave I saved from a hedgerow restoration several years ago, and decided to finally try making a bow. I've never made one or had any instruction, but have a few magazine articles so collected the info together and gave it a whirl.
Problem was, it's sapwood was twisted at one end so chasing the grain was a tad awkward, and there was a nasty knot there too, so I cut it shorter and it ended up 4.5'. I was going to give up but thought that shorter bows are good enough for bushmen so why not carry on. I learnt quite a bit doing it through trail and error and look forward to trying out a few arrows once Ive bought or made some.

I've a Flemish string to make out of linen thread next time I'm out for a walk as I thought I't be something to do in the woods, then have a practice against some targets.

Most of the Axe work completed, and onto the shave horse

Chase that grain!

Tillering - I took a little too much off the upper limb just over 1/3 rd up from the grip. I think I'll live with it for now till I've measured the draw weight. I't feels very strong or I'm not in bow shape yet! Just need some arrows now. The string is a temporary paracord one.

Gave it a sand and oil. Up to now after cutting the stave length ways with a chainsaw, Ive just used the Axe, draw knife, carving knife, and a round file for the nocks, but could of managed with the knife again.

Looking forward to testing, and I will definitely be making others. I think a 6' Ash one out of greenwood next then another full length Yew Longbow.

Addo :)

Kuksa

2011-06-08T16:41:00.000+01:00

Yet another, but my favourite made so far.

Made using a birch burr that was at the top of a youngish tree as part of a thinning operation I did recently.

The growth inside was normal grain though with out all the faces and knots, but I went with the natural shape, carved quick and dried it slow in chippings then an open bag. Luckily it's not cracked!

It lent itself to a Right handed person so I went with it, then it bent slightly the same way as it dried. Feels really comfy to use, and size wise 250ml ish great for strong coffee, a drop of wine or a wee dram of Islay malt :)

Enzo Trapper 01 Cherry plum and black liners.

2011-06-04T19:55:00.000+01:00

If you want a great Bushcraft knife on a budget and have some basic skills I seriously recommend one of these blades from Brisa in Finland, some wood of your choice and a little bit of brass.

This cost less than £40 in bits.

I wanted to put some effort into it and in my stash of nice woods that i've saved from tree surgery work, I had some Cherry Plum wood that was still green. It made it easier to work with the hand tools but a pain to dry out without checking and twisting.

Sawn block and preparing two flat planes, ready for sawing in two.

Glued up and rasping to shape.

Some abrasive paper and a bit of graft and...

Early days as it needs longer in the grapeseed oil, a cure, then a beeswax polish, so it should look better and be stabilised then.

I'm glad I used the vulcanised liners, I normally use leather or bark, but these do look great and are easier to sand flat.

Hope you like.

Paul.

Busy days

2011-06-03T21:59:00.000+01:00

The other day I was blessed with a Son, his name is Seth and he is keeping us all very busy! 9lb 1oz feeding like a lion and has a serious set of lungs on him. He's great though and makes you think about life in a new way all over again.

So projects are on the back burner for a while, although I am working on a Kuksa, Knife and researching more things to make after some nice new craft books arrived yesterday for my Birthday.

Hope to have the items posted up with some pictures of the making of them in the next few days and hopefully a few walks with my Daughter too, before the school goes back.

Anyhow the most important thing in my mind right now is sleep ! So off to bed and catch you soon.

Paul :)

Mors Kochanski Try Stick

2011-05-14T14:38:00.000+01:00

After Kepis's post and finishing my new carving knife, thought I would have a bash.

I found my old copy of BCUK's Bushcraft Magazine with the article, and had a look though Mors's Bushcraft Book too, which is an excellent read.

My weeping willow isn't the straightest bearer of sticks but did the job ok.

The makings of a stool

2011-05-10T18:13:00.000+01:00

Manage to have a proper play on a pole lathe today, well one with a bungee cord.

I've had the odd 10 mins trying out the tools before but never really made anything, so I tried to make a stool leg to a particular size then thought I'd make a set to try some consistency. There a bit rough round the edges and after seasoning I might finish the edges and tenons with a knife, but I rather like them.

They're made from Ash that my mate and I felled last week, and it was split with a froe, axed to a rough round and finished on the shave horse using a Ray Iles Draw Knife.

I picked up an Adze the other day so I'm going to make a seat for it out of something nice, and scoop out some cheek sized parts, for a bit of bottom comfort.

Saved from the bin

2011-05-09T20:08:00.000+01:00

I well and truly stuffed this one up! :o As I was knocking on the yew section it caught on the tang and pushed it out. I rushed off to the latest drama in the house and away it set.

Very cross and hovering over the wheelie-bin I caved in an kept it as I'm a sucker for a bit of polished Yew.

So I made an Oak bolster sandwich, reground the blade and made it into my own carving knife, to live with the gouge and spoon knife and kept away from nasty jobs like fitting carpets, cutting plastic and opening paint tins.

Re-handling an Axe.

2011-04-30T08:58:00.000+01:00

I finally got around to having a go at one of these. A friend of mine has recently moved into an old property that's not been improved for years. In the back yard is an old coal hole where the deliveries could be added via a little door that faces the path at the rear. I popped my head through and what did I see but a 1.5lb Kent pattern axe sat there waiting for me! We agreed a pint was the payment next time we meet, as he already has a shiny hatchet.

I used Robin Wood's excellent tutorial. http://greenwood-carving.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-make-new-axe-handle.html

Before

Head area wasn't too bad, but was a little decayed around the wedge

Off with his head, and a nice piece of Ash flattened off.

Chop chop!

All done, just used a Gransfors SFA, and my Swedish fast knife as the tools, leaving a tooled finish with a bit of a scrape with the edge to finish. Oak wedge tapped in with a baton.

And a bit of a sharpen. I'll see how it works then take it back some more maybe.

Give it a go, its very satisfying.

Kids new play area

2011-04-17T18:24:00.000+01:00

Pretty much finished this now in the garden. It used to be a heavilly planted shrub bed, then I cleared it and turned it into an allotment. Then with the second child due any day now, thought I'd make a proper place for them to play, (I also get my garden back and more space in the workshop, I hope!)

So we now have a new club house with fitted carpet, big desk and chairs, with plans for the outside to have a long shelf covered with a lean to tarp, for a sand and water bucket area. It leads to to weeping willow, tree house and chicken run. Best thing is apart from the swing and trampoline and some time, it didn't cost anything. A few skip dives, other folks rubbish, some foraging and left over materials from jobs in the past.

Mind, I ache a bit now, just some painting to finish, a fence to make out of split hazel when I get some more coppiced material, and the lean to.

Bark Sheaths

2011-04-02T17:40:00.000+01:00

Had a few more practice attempts at these and then remade the Elm bark sheath, and the birch bark one I made for the Fast knife. Think I have it sorted now as I wasn't happy just winding the bark around spiral fashion so after a bit of research I managed to figure out the weaving method.

One turn round the outside, one turn between the front loop and rear loop. The side view should explain.

The whipping knots are there just to help secure the last few turns from coming loose over time.

Swedish Fast Knife

2011-03-28T20:14:00.000+01:00

After watching Fredde's cool video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eWjqhp_X6c a couple of years ago, I finally got round to getting one made.

Most of it was done in the woods, but I wanted to peen over the tang end so it went though all the handle, so I used the Hammer at home. I also needed more bark as the only stuff I could get in this wood was old and semi decayed, so used some that I had previously gathered from a different woodland after some thinning work.

All the birch wood gathered and carved out for the tang and blade edge, and some of the birch bark.

The blade is a Lauri carbon 95 from Brisa in Finland.

Mines a bit rustic but I like that. It seems very strong and I love bark sheaths more every time I make one. This sheath was harder than the Elm one I made as its difficult to get long pieces of birch bark with out holes in them or splitting badly. So this one was several pieces with the linen thread to help secure and make the perfect fit around the handle. It was the sheath I probably put more thought into, but once I started it only took about 20 minutes after making the wooden liner.

Tricky to get the fit right on the bolster area due to the shape of the blade, but it's good and strong.

Peened tang

I'm real chuffed I pulled it off, and I'm getting more into rustic knives and sheaths now :)

They seem more honest and traditional somehow, and much easier to make.

Cheers,

Paul.

Backyard Billy Bannock Baking

2011-03-26T20:20:00.000Z

Had a play with this Modified Nimblewell / Nomad stove that ive had for a while. To be honest ive always found wood stoves / hobo stoves a real pain to cook off, boiling a brew the best and quickest at 3 minutes but gentle long cooking not so so I've tweeked it best I can.
Loads more air holes added and after starting with feather sticks and thin to thick kindling, on went a generous layer of home made charcoal, and some baking to really test it out.

First off a small loaf. Made a small oven using a small billy lid sat on 3 stones as in Ray Mears Tracks inside a large billy with the lid on, and sat the dough on some flour. I've done this before with yeasted bread over a trangia which was effortless and yummy, but thought this would be easyer(ish) Took about 1hr 20 mins so 4 reloads of charcoal.

The taste tester happy that this one wasn't burnt.

Last few bits we were jammin

One more done in the pan, this one took half the time and charcoal and was just the same really, but needs lifting above the heat now and then to spot burning, so I recon as I wont have the grill most of the time, I'll use 4 upright green wood sticks to support the pan. This one we dipped in golden syrup :)

We had loads of Hot chocolate and Tea too inbetween other jobs, so all in all I think the stove is a winner.
It fits a trangia burner if needed, easy to fuel up, fits with any cook system ie for 1, 2 persons sized billys as it goes in the side poch of my bag and only 400g too. The only down side is esembling when its minus temps as that was the reason I stopped using, but I'd probably just take the trangia set up or have a proper fire.

Cheers,

Addo :)

A trip out in March

2011-03-21T20:37:00.000Z

Had a few hrs off today so headed up to a favourite spot to practice some skills and chill out by the fire.

Main tasks were Fire by friction, birch tree tap, cooking and making a knife in the woods.

I gathered a tinder ball on the walk in using soft native grasses and bracken mixed with birch leaves, and stored it in my trouser pocket to dry out for a while. Gathered all the kindling and fuel, then set to with the bow.
Ive bought a set along (cheating I know!) that I wanted to try out. I made a collapsible bow using two pieces of hazel and a copper tube section, a bearing block with a limpet shell set in, and lime for the spindle and hearth.

Looks like a coal smoking there, with the fine weather and a dry set, it was as easy as using a match. I Used the third hole along as the other two were messing around the other day using different spindles.

Brew time!

Then snap time, sausage and tomato kebabs and coriander and cumin bannock made on my newly carved bread board.

Omm nom nom

Then to try out my new collapsible mini birch tap set

Managed to get a seasonal drinky while there today

Off to find the handle and sheath wood for my "Swedish fast knife"

This looks suitable.

All the coring out finished ready for glueing, adding the whipping knots,and making the bark sheath top.

The wood was damp all the way though although dead and it was time to go home, so I'm drying out first so that the glue will work better, then I'll nip back to the woods to finish off.

Hope you liked the post, Cheers,

Addo :)

A day of quick crafts in the garden

2011-03-20T21:26:00.000Z

It was a nice day yesterday but the wife was busy with friends, and that only meant one thing for me and my daughter, a day of messing about in the garden! Ive left my gardening days behind me though as I used to do it for a living, so as it was kept in check last weekend, we set too fixing things.

We have a swing in the garden but Rowan wanted one in a tree as a kind of swinging seat, so I used a log off the wood pile, flattened it of some, got out the bit and brace and 10 minutes later up it went. Used some sisal rope that has been lying around for a while.

Then we fixed a stool I made for her a few years ago, a leg had been broken so drilled out and replaced.

Then I made a start on a sweet chestnut bread board for cooking bannock next to the fire.

Hope to have it finished and making bread soon

And lastly, a new Oak bearing block with a limpet shell seated within to reduce friction on the spindle top when holding repeated friction fire lighting demos.

Of course there was the usual mud pies, bug hunting, skipping, bikes and scooters. Quite a busy old day!

A misty march day in the trees

2011-03-16T16:01:00.001Z

Yesterday I was able to do some practical tree work, keeping up some skills and clearing the mind a little from report writing.
First off a climbing inspection of a large Lime, then deadwooding a pair of large Sweet Chestnuts either side of a track. After that clearing a fallen Birch that had failed into another tree due to Birch Polypore -Piptoporous betulinus.

The site is Shipley Country Park, and this area is known as shipley hill, which has the more established trees/woodland. Its a nice spot, with daffs coming up at the mo

As well as snowdrops

One of the chestnuts, note the cut off ends up to the top of the picture. We removed the danger to the public but left some deadwood for habitat.

Going up!

A grumpy looking Birch

One of the Large Beech I felled in 2005, someones put a nice carving on it since.

And a nice peice of Sweet Chestnut saved for making a bowl. Ive got to make an Adze first though! Have to crank up the forge again.

Was a nice day, but aching a bit now. Im either old, unfit or both. Still.. climbing trees is good fun

Addo :)

Simple Forged bushcraft knife - Part Three

2011-03-13T09:19:00.000Z

Just Finished the Scandi sheath for this knife now. I'm glad I went with it as I've only made one like this before but it didn't have the wood liner for the blade inside. These help to stop the blade cutting the thinner, closely fitted leather. The stitching runs down the middle of the rear to make a clean front, often used for decorations, but I quite like the simple look. The belt loop is held into the sheath by friction, cutting the six holes and feeding in the forked tongue shaped section of the loop in, and flattening the sections together while wet.

I carved out a a section of Ash to fit the blade, then fitted a cover of Birch as I was running low on seasoned Ash, and shaped it it to fit inside the sheath.

All ready to start stitching

All done!

My favourite project so far, and a nice one to end on before the break. I've another knife that I've been working on at the same time for a customer which is finished too. I'll post up later on. Hope you enjoyed the 3 parts :)

Paul.

Simple Forged bushcraft knife - Part Two.

2011-03-09T21:14:00.000Z

I finally had some time to finish the handle and take some pictures. I thought for ages about shape, spacer types, layout, fancy curves and the like, and to be honest I find the most comfy shape and appealing design is the barrel shape, with no guards to get in the way, a nice piece of local birch burr, and some pewter just for a little lift.
I was going to copy the Mora 510, then others I've seen but I couldn't see the point as.. well, its copying and they arn't as comfy! Because its for me, as long as the wood looks nice and I enjoy using it I'm a happy chap :)

Salvaged parts, Pewter Tankard for the bolster (always made my ale taste bad and it was free anyhow)

Bolster sandwich made with fibre liner in the middle for a change, the wood and blade ready for the fit.

Starting to shape

Rasp, knife and abrasive paper with Grape seed oil and Natural Wax to finish.

Hope its been of interest showing some of the processes of a basic knife build. Its funny, but after making all the others I think this ones my favourite. Maybe simple things suit simple minds !

I reckon I can finally call this one MY knife and thank all the inspiration from other makers out there, and especially Julius Pettersson, featured in the Sweden episode of Ray Mears TV series of "Bushcraft"

I'll start the sheath soon, probably an all leather one with a handmade wooden liner, and a friction fit leather belt loop...we'll see.

Thanks for looking,

Cheers, Addo :)

Simple Forged bushcraft knife - Part one

2011-03-07T20:35:00.000Z

This is my latest and probably last project for a while, I've a Son due in May so there's loads to do at home.
Had a play in the forge again with stick tangs using car spring coils and I really like the dimensions and shape on this one. This will be my standard shape to reproduce when I'm back at it again.
The shape begged a simple handle shape and design, so going with the recycling scheme I went with cutting up an old pewter tankard for the bolster and future spacers. A section of fibre liner and a cracking peice of Birch Burr from the woods.

Lighting the forge

Cut out section of Spring steel.

In it goes

Straightening the piece

Flattening to thickness 3.5 mm

Forming the Tang

Cutting to length and starting to shape the tip.

A tickle with the files, a heat treat and clean up.

Hope you like, Handle in Part two.

Cheers, Addo :)

Welcome :)

2011-02-27T19:42:00.000Z

Hi and welcome to my new blog.
My name is Paul Adamson and I enjoy practising bushcraft on regular basis. Its such a huge subject so there's plenty to keep me going! I've always enjoyed the outdoors, and I am lucky enough to often be working in the canopies of large trees,inspecting trees for safety and helping with woodland management works.

When I find the time I practice, demonstrate and share skills with the public to make life comfortable and enjoyable in the countryside, with minimal kit, employing many traditional methods.

If not out camping I like to carve items at home using native woods saved from the firewood pile or chipper, such as eating utensils, knives, bark containers, and other tools and gadgets.

I try to use just a few basic tools to do this and sometimes use conventional greenwood working equipment for larger more numerous projects.

Forging steel blades, particularly Scandinavian style stick tang blades has been my more recent passion.

I'll be posting up trips out, skills practised and projects made each week, so I hope you return to learn, add comments and that you enjoy your visits here.

Thanks, Paul. :)