primitivepoint

My dad periodically travels to Mexico. As a missionary he goes deep into the mountains to visit indigenous people who live there. He told me about these wooden spoons they make and said he would bring me some. True to his word, on his last trip he brought me back some. These people have been making spoons for centuries, and these are spoons they use. They’re not just some tourist trinkets. It’s fascinating to see the design they have settled on as best. I know they can carve quite intricately because they make their own violins that they play! Yet these spoons are thick, sturdy, and even somewhat crude looking, although certainly not ugly.

Well, I got out to the forge on Wednesday. Just couldn’t handle being away anymore. I forged out a little integral. The metal flowed smoothly. The solid feel of the hammer felt like reconnecting with an old friend. I’m thinking about creosote for the handle.

Started forging out the tang. Shape looks pretty good. But….

Look how small it is! This one is a mini.

I basically finished my first spoon. I didn’t measure or plan it out, just started whittling, so there’s lots of room for improvement. I’m feeling hooked though, and I want to start another one. I like putting my edges to work and seeing how they hold up.

I finished forging and heat treating the two little gouges. The handles aren’t finished and are pretty ugly, I admit, but these little things work great! I’m happy I made them. Still working on the spoon.

I just can’t seem to find much shop time, but I count my blessings. I have a wonderful family. I did manage to put together a couple of quick crooked knives. We went up on the mountain to take the kids sledding and I grabbed some pine to see how they worked. I’ll post a shot of the spoon when I finish it.