Feb 21, 2011

Kolrosing, or at least my attempt

For the last couple of months I've been thinking about trying my hand at kolrosing, a Nordic method of decorating wood much like scrimshaw on whale bone. I've seen examples on Pinewood Forges website and on the BCUSA forums and think it really sets off what was decorated. While milking the cows it occurred to me a drill bit should make a pretty decent blade for this purpose once ground and handled. I used the shank of a #14 bit and set it in an Osage handle

You'll find a better explanation on the internet but basically you make a small cut in the wood with a small knife and rub a fine powder in the cut then set it with oil, I used instant coffee but traditionally they used powdered Birch bark or coal dust from what I understand.

Here's a simple serving spoon I made over the weekend and decorated with a simple design.


I'm a beginner at both spoon carving and kolrosing, but it's great fun trying these skills that goes back to our ancestors.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

looks like it turned out pretty good bob! i guess it worked!

Tom said...

Really nice job! I think it turned out really well.

Simon Hill said...

Very nice I like it.

Back Creek bushcraft said...

Thanks!!

Anonymous said...

very nice Bob. Back Creek are you over around warm springs road ?

Back Creek bushcraft said...

Yeah Jim, Just past the fair grounds.

Keith said...

Nice work Bob.
Regards.
http://woodsrunnersdiary.blogspot.com/

Back Creek bushcraft said...

Thanks, I need a steadier though.

John G said...

Nice carving and kolrosing! I have a BHK Boatail too, it's an excellent scandi blade.