Thursday, March 8, 2012

Gems from my toy box


I received a crooked knife and an adze in the mail yesterday from one of my favorite craftsmen, Orien MacDonald. I had already purchased a spoke shave, carving knife and a friction folder from Orien. I carry the folder as my everyday knife. I have tried my hand at making a bow and used the spoke shave and carving knife on that project and quite a few other projects as well. I love a well made tool and these are spectacular.  These tools are not only great to work with but are quite goood to look at as well. I carried a Buck  pocket knife my 45 year old son gave me when he was in third grade for all these years and now I carry Orien's friction folder. I have also abandoned  an old Stanley spoke shave that belonged to my grand father that I got after his death in 1984. I hope that Orien never makes a draw knife or I will have to quit using the one I made for myself. This guy makes incredible tools.

I have not been able to do much since my heart started acting-up two years ago. My cardiologist said no working with the forge & anvil and a lot of other things I didn't want to hear.Today I made a spoon and started on a bowl.  I was able to complete the spoon without a problem but with the bowl there was a problem in logistics. This is the first bowl I have attempted and I had problems using the adze and holding the bowl blank still. I decided that my next project should be to make a shaving horse so that I don't amputate anything I might need on the next project. After that thought  I realized I had really been having fun all day and felt like my old self again. Now I think that I need to get to work. If it kills me at least I won't die on the couch. I have been resurecting old projects and making lists of things that need doing. Tomarrow I am bringing the forge out of moth balls. If anyone sees my obituary, please tell Orien that it is his fualt.