tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91816151161181340892024-03-16T18:35:09.979-07:00FimbulmyrkThose are the adventures of Mr. Fimbulmyrk, in bushcraft and blacksmithing, mountainbiking and hiking, reenactment, writing, singing, dancing, stargazing and having a piece of cake and a coffee. Pray have a seat and look around you, but be warned - the forest´s twilight is ferocious at times.
Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comBlogger814125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-24033897692718025122024-03-16T18:32:00.000-07:002024-03-16T18:33:17.645-07:00Proof of concept for a Nåalhus <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEj8bm-rrZ6fULK6_gJGudZ-dfxuXpKEu05Xwb7Js3180vaJgrAwR_L7-YKJ0_vmFa1U5PxlYCP2r7QBr1kRyJaLAFv33mMZKezGuwqds-1g2KlHEAVccpMe-WsYwdvXHxv8NJKsRdkSB5uo63ptAIOvzLmWZX2v9rWPmjwllaiBUlSw72lh-tEVguMhL/s1440/IMG_20240312_202611_735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEj8bm-rrZ6fULK6_gJGudZ-dfxuXpKEu05Xwb7Js3180vaJgrAwR_L7-YKJ0_vmFa1U5PxlYCP2r7QBr1kRyJaLAFv33mMZKezGuwqds-1g2KlHEAVccpMe-WsYwdvXHxv8NJKsRdkSB5uo63ptAIOvzLmWZX2v9rWPmjwllaiBUlSw72lh-tEVguMhL/s320/IMG_20240312_202611_735.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I have been meaning to carve myself a Nåalhus for ages now. Now for those who never heard of it, it is exactly what it sounds like. Originally deriving from Sáami culture, it is, plain and simply put, a "house" for your needles, a needle case to be worn on the belt alongside your knife and firesteel equipment. Typically, it stowes away the needles, stuck into a cloth and sometimes secured by additional leather flaps, which rests in a case typically made from reindeer antler or bone, but also sometimes wood, being secured by a rather intelligent combination of gravity and friction. I personally think it is genius. Now I wanted to set myself a challenge to make it entirely with a Victorinox SAK, and only from stuff that was lying in the woods not doing anything, also because I also want to do a fancy-schmancy version in antler soon. I drilled two holes from either side of the piece with the awl, and made a long hole by sawing out the middle. Needs a bit of patience, but it is perfectly doable. You can also remove the middle part by using the blade. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuuneTz2tndq7S8djyRLlseRolCYRknIlFugDcdlb1C0PAgN4vKm-MmjQXBlUSuCZ9U3QvuSOT-pIQx6ts3KygM9ruNI5RhISs3cm5VFneD4d2gR5facyqgu_T2jfunqMzdg7xS6A6sPDe7d0WkO1f0y3SXrnTk1Qh2yA5TnrvOWN0LHZFvkSpIuGE0Xl/s1440/IMG_20240312_202611_791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuuneTz2tndq7S8djyRLlseRolCYRknIlFugDcdlb1C0PAgN4vKm-MmjQXBlUSuCZ9U3QvuSOT-pIQx6ts3KygM9ruNI5RhISs3cm5VFneD4d2gR5facyqgu_T2jfunqMzdg7xS6A6sPDe7d0WkO1f0y3SXrnTk1Qh2yA5TnrvOWN0LHZFvkSpIuGE0Xl/s320/IMG_20240312_202611_791.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>That said, I actually left it on a bigger piece in order to better being able to handle it. When I had done the drilling, I carved the outline of the body of the case. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zGJ9a7-ah1bcBaANqjU6zeIW0YAy5BEWG7wvn6HkQyl5D4IzUfWciUDhkJN5wobTvs8bMu14aZhHtOQqrZP7qydC2zc5Q_zqBfCinO4iOZNgM3wSy6ExqcMZfzO0gYriIl8JQgus6MBfWatR0pyncyXoEKLcNtgipdTp2B6K6JYjXEyNe98bMxv0QmtU/s1440/IMG_20240312_202611_852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zGJ9a7-ah1bcBaANqjU6zeIW0YAy5BEWG7wvn6HkQyl5D4IzUfWciUDhkJN5wobTvs8bMu14aZhHtOQqrZP7qydC2zc5Q_zqBfCinO4iOZNgM3wSy6ExqcMZfzO0gYriIl8JQgus6MBfWatR0pyncyXoEKLcNtgipdTp2B6K6JYjXEyNe98bMxv0QmtU/s320/IMG_20240312_202611_852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After that, I sawed it off. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iSCvDQnRHe9I5xaEYDm-aKesQApnSDSVQlWZC94n8jzO6CaHIFFIO60xur4I3Xcb1tJKQFx-Az8r2akte-ax3LoGveK1KzzDYP10um22ixfdv_AnwFuA8mfM2YphYMhA9O6nB6dArvm-b23d6mahsM1zWD6_csDl16f9m23GYH8aGE97HiijtECCEJy0/s1440/IMG_20240312_202611_906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iSCvDQnRHe9I5xaEYDm-aKesQApnSDSVQlWZC94n8jzO6CaHIFFIO60xur4I3Xcb1tJKQFx-Az8r2akte-ax3LoGveK1KzzDYP10um22ixfdv_AnwFuA8mfM2YphYMhA9O6nB6dArvm-b23d6mahsM1zWD6_csDl16f9m23GYH8aGE97HiijtECCEJy0/s320/IMG_20240312_202611_906.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A bit of cleaning going on, and I actually put an angle into the bottom to create a bit more of a friction fit. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGp7m7iRqLF3F41ZtbBVxP2x38o1lRjtDwlDu9cRQpwihyphenhyphenJaco1C1YOt2IJqEOxgPBp-Mxz0hIyJb_eCDxKINIzvj2X_95pK5humTeaGZKzWTBNjh6spX5sGp2sGaH6TkIiRtz_cj7A8CN_YyfXnN7mEgZMDj8Cx43flmT1GvfUDdEpbDNTCDrTQD1pQD/s1440/IMG_20240312_202612_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGp7m7iRqLF3F41ZtbBVxP2x38o1lRjtDwlDu9cRQpwihyphenhyphenJaco1C1YOt2IJqEOxgPBp-Mxz0hIyJb_eCDxKINIzvj2X_95pK5humTeaGZKzWTBNjh6spX5sGp2sGaH6TkIiRtz_cj7A8CN_YyfXnN7mEgZMDj8Cx43flmT1GvfUDdEpbDNTCDrTQD1pQD/s320/IMG_20240312_202612_013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Splitting and carving the bottom. Now to carve a ring for the top.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkxi8lIXRert7UoyemI3r-NheqfGQwc5OkxoctLYfV5h7dAFToADRL195oP_1CY4CxvKCQxM4wwx_D119ScDoPaXa5jJ6RfaRA17c9T7XphmZEVgPJrzRdGTy9PfLLcfEOgTxRlMqkRxgqxqXFc2NHG5KB6Mic2uN_Mi4brm8d0g5eeFXpZU-wdDjFGqV/s1440/IMG_20240312_202612_132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkxi8lIXRert7UoyemI3r-NheqfGQwc5OkxoctLYfV5h7dAFToADRL195oP_1CY4CxvKCQxM4wwx_D119ScDoPaXa5jJ6RfaRA17c9T7XphmZEVgPJrzRdGTy9PfLLcfEOgTxRlMqkRxgqxqXFc2NHG5KB6Mic2uN_Mi4brm8d0g5eeFXpZU-wdDjFGqV/s320/IMG_20240312_202612_132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Also I am currently contemplating what to use as a cloth. Originally I had planned to make it from Amadou, also the flaps, but it, while being an awesome material in its own right, has its shortcomings, at least mine has still, because it is not very homogenous. So maybe I will use leather and cloth from an old couch I found in the junk... we will see. I hope to show you some progress soon! <p></p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-72673321804706074542024-03-14T13:20:00.000-07:002024-03-14T13:21:39.840-07:00Review of a Casström Woodsman <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/47IpuBp3jn0" width="320" youtube-src-id="47IpuBp3jn0"></iframe></div>Last summer I had ordered a Casström Woodsman bushcraft knife. It being a design by Roger Harrington I had been sneaking around that knife for ages now. I had handled the old version, which was made from O2 steel, almost a decade ago. Fact is, I loved it then, but also did not quite understand the concept. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When Casström announced that they had launched a new version in Uddeholm Sleipner steel, I decided to give it another try. Now Sleipner is quite an interesting steel. http://localhost/en/products/uddeholm-sleipner/ is the spec sheet. More than 50% better resistance to abrasive wear than D2(1.2379), not that I would be too fond of D2, but still. Also a finer edge possible, and a lot more positive aspects. The steel is an allen of Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Silicium, a wee bit of Chromium and so forth. Technically it is relatively stain resistant, albeit no stainless steel. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvxeLPgjWqfe8jmrrNynt4fCW0GyAmqJ4czf1o6fWW8Vk5_rrGklcihWJlizoPm-o0OJtIDwVqcX0MvVWDvrMnoMXkDkGuU-ew9Yb3jURILWj4q3Q3ICu5kxEzEz1gzWS-4WCfurALPDUnhwxHPxXfic9uI8P0jFScaYrdCLaTLBeCCo4z3abOfXWi1ro/s4624/20240314_145554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvxeLPgjWqfe8jmrrNynt4fCW0GyAmqJ4czf1o6fWW8Vk5_rrGklcihWJlizoPm-o0OJtIDwVqcX0MvVWDvrMnoMXkDkGuU-ew9Yb3jURILWj4q3Q3ICu5kxEzEz1gzWS-4WCfurALPDUnhwxHPxXfic9uI8P0jFScaYrdCLaTLBeCCo4z3abOfXWi1ro/s320/20240314_145554.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The blade is 88mm long and offers a rather thick spine at 3,9 mm, with a low slightly convex Scandi bevel. It is therefore possible to do food prep or slicey tasks, but it is of course not optimal. The edge had a really microscopic microbevel and was able to split a fine hair out of the box. It was possible to shave your beard with it out of the box. The blade also offers a 90° really sharp spine. It is possible to use it for debarking branches or create fine resinwood shavings for fire starting. After almost a year of really hard work all it has needed was a leather strop. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcB6xXl6TadsddaczzUPtD1O6tyyABRJib3i47JDDO69ElOkliz1MWkPX_YqE5tSjr29K5HsAzuqQhry9TvVG9qg9Xv89WVFn01X9Gk2B_IbOCApUVSGDsQoZ67A6Ug3qe862w4DVHbVoJ61Lu5LW-0cUw6YEZZiFtgCoKTWIpXbHloThApsyrX-QxXD3/s4624/20240314_145610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcB6xXl6TadsddaczzUPtD1O6tyyABRJib3i47JDDO69ElOkliz1MWkPX_YqE5tSjr29K5HsAzuqQhry9TvVG9qg9Xv89WVFn01X9Gk2B_IbOCApUVSGDsQoZ67A6Ug3qe862w4DVHbVoJ61Lu5LW-0cUw6YEZZiFtgCoKTWIpXbHloThApsyrX-QxXD3/s320/20240314_145610.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Rather thick spine, you see... but it actually does the job of food prepping, too, if you cut at an angle. Batoning is obviously a cinch with it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY4IuVqqLCN6UGr71DsdPFHF9-_16qo8MrLESq6iV0xU3dDghdHAMF7V1ifnNQO7P0s8Yxxjn5qFepph8gt_9IcC3gIUfAXN5naAe-HmEwumaWAbjkS0QXXFahEiz_1w-GRrsMvNJlDWzbU9GG0w2I1v6sxA7Rb1E-vmcxOXXeRT4NV0D42pKh6ftvbci/s4624/20240314_145702.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY4IuVqqLCN6UGr71DsdPFHF9-_16qo8MrLESq6iV0xU3dDghdHAMF7V1ifnNQO7P0s8Yxxjn5qFepph8gt_9IcC3gIUfAXN5naAe-HmEwumaWAbjkS0QXXFahEiz_1w-GRrsMvNJlDWzbU9GG0w2I1v6sxA7Rb1E-vmcxOXXeRT4NV0D42pKh6ftvbci/s320/20240314_145702.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The long handle also allows for more leverage when using it for mild chopping tasks. It is made from stabilized birch burr and really beautiful. It comes with a small, but sturdy lanyard included. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NGk3c2bLgmOlKSUmPnAEAja5xk2sVKU_-kkWKdbXq4I7edZNRMT_EoMHKAobkh9I6e74xlDMkON-Wgkzpujnpi-mhCNFJKabezsRH25mRcOYWQmecncQCEfa-DlhhrTuFT22r3gp148TazEp7oadUKf2h7xi5xFhLN2dKHypgP5ITCNDtBJZipDhK_tc/s4624/20240314_145706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NGk3c2bLgmOlKSUmPnAEAja5xk2sVKU_-kkWKdbXq4I7edZNRMT_EoMHKAobkh9I6e74xlDMkON-Wgkzpujnpi-mhCNFJKabezsRH25mRcOYWQmecncQCEfa-DlhhrTuFT22r3gp148TazEp7oadUKf2h7xi5xFhLN2dKHypgP5ITCNDtBJZipDhK_tc/s320/20240314_145706.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBTRELVbY5l4bpw0IZ15d-aye8tneNGgb5cjmonZKWSEQsbrLV25YLQICIf52G-DbsFyFlXRSFdAGbTIsF84miwv293W2Liw3ZN-uCCBIjGiVn1ydjVRtxj8N5qzyY-cP3qWHU4oB0m3dTAuaR0ZUMFH5uUoOXtBANxD91FHFM-QtgnrTfz8rkvBetiOg/s4624/20240314_145747.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBTRELVbY5l4bpw0IZ15d-aye8tneNGgb5cjmonZKWSEQsbrLV25YLQICIf52G-DbsFyFlXRSFdAGbTIsF84miwv293W2Liw3ZN-uCCBIjGiVn1ydjVRtxj8N5qzyY-cP3qWHU4oB0m3dTAuaR0ZUMFH5uUoOXtBANxD91FHFM-QtgnrTfz8rkvBetiOg/s320/20240314_145747.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The sheath is absolutely stunning. When new, retention was so high it was neigh on impossible to draw the knife, which is a good thing. The seams are made with sturdy yellow twine, the welt is good and thick. Even after half a year of wearing, it still has some crisp to it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6n7fGkSYrg3XWIh6cPNiJvdvdiqXGMgtJDZ42dWRy5PEgKnVcGdFPCfc7eLCUplYKvUolHODGo2bi31-9tT3RirxIK9cWs_PmHXKkKId0DXpqk5N4JuGaxNM3TSG8303i9106tNv4ucjCmkNZAquSrOG_qiNgtVWv3cyzz6svtlPZLN-sDTtStIei0Dp/s4624/20240314_145953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6n7fGkSYrg3XWIh6cPNiJvdvdiqXGMgtJDZ42dWRy5PEgKnVcGdFPCfc7eLCUplYKvUolHODGo2bi31-9tT3RirxIK9cWs_PmHXKkKId0DXpqk5N4JuGaxNM3TSG8303i9106tNv4ucjCmkNZAquSrOG_qiNgtVWv3cyzz6svtlPZLN-sDTtStIei0Dp/s320/20240314_145953.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The belt loop accomodates standard common jeans belts, but also military issue belts and is stitched and riveted in place. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMDX-W5_CbW6mFlKnY75YvsmrO7jm4tFPamt5RxbASgyB_U3kVzXgH0PoSm5zzTjlhKJaiC_8Na-ZZxXI1P6N80qmjnU0n6v7SsD9W4rdkQsJ5eiXFOfyD_0a0p4X2rcr_EDoX0qGY7WOyKZM48umABXxtrPURip5y35P9P94_BmcrJnG1EO1v3YgqEeu/s4624/20240314_150002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMDX-W5_CbW6mFlKnY75YvsmrO7jm4tFPamt5RxbASgyB_U3kVzXgH0PoSm5zzTjlhKJaiC_8Na-ZZxXI1P6N80qmjnU0n6v7SsD9W4rdkQsJ5eiXFOfyD_0a0p4X2rcr_EDoX0qGY7WOyKZM48umABXxtrPURip5y35P9P94_BmcrJnG1EO1v3YgqEeu/s320/20240314_150002.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> All in all, the knife does do most tasks exceedingly well. Edge retention is almost otherworldly, and it gets really frightening sharp. It really excels at most woodworking tasks involved in bushcraft, and is also suitable for delicate carving in the woods. <p></p><div>A classic bushcraft design with mythical edge retention and sharpness. As of today, it is not exactly cheap. You pay up to 199,00 € , if you want a Firesteel. In my opinion, and you know I do not say that lightly, I could have saved a lot of money had I bought it earlier. </div><div><br /></div><div>Btw, also available in British bog oak... 😜If you can afford it, buy one. </div><div><br /></div><div>But wait until you read my review on the SFK 10 Forester, which is coming up soon...😜</div>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-59917367507296243072024-02-28T15:51:00.000-08:002024-02-28T15:53:03.454-08:00Carving a Snapskuksa <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaHZRDx7Rcws3lAAQlmd3mS9GnxSbSWzOrWW5Dr6Xjfv5c4n7uflW28xCPcuy1mmzJffotNix6FPVUw36-zyCLhoM6wux7c_JkPNdPEEv2vdiVKqbfh8Bi0-GyJoMvfa4Oai6ddexSSONhUEPz-JVh7-cH5RB5IkYS_sHtKXerwRIKIVlYxQfmQo69wAz/s4624/20231019_142651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaHZRDx7Rcws3lAAQlmd3mS9GnxSbSWzOrWW5Dr6Xjfv5c4n7uflW28xCPcuy1mmzJffotNix6FPVUw36-zyCLhoM6wux7c_JkPNdPEEv2vdiVKqbfh8Bi0-GyJoMvfa4Oai6ddexSSONhUEPz-JVh7-cH5RB5IkYS_sHtKXerwRIKIVlYxQfmQo69wAz/s320/20231019_142651.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>It has been several months ago that I treated myself to a new kukså. Unfortunately the birch I was permitted to harvest was long dead and a bit rotten, so all I got was a smaller burr. Cutting two slits above and below the burr I removed it with my carving hatchet. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXhePzq7EcDz9R2qIman3zVX0UMINg0JGeTz7VCo9A7N5huQI41muG9dX_Q-3CRez7PxIuZLaPq82VhlDrfTfNeEoj-AUwjcTZ-ySSxEw_ipJQE8Rcyh5IDe2IdYRpyMOAQlVVmJeBDi9Oqq9-WIDdxS53ypbDLRYMdnC85bafZEsncgFNpY-UGVg1cKy/s4624/20231019_142659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXhePzq7EcDz9R2qIman3zVX0UMINg0JGeTz7VCo9A7N5huQI41muG9dX_Q-3CRez7PxIuZLaPq82VhlDrfTfNeEoj-AUwjcTZ-ySSxEw_ipJQE8Rcyh5IDe2IdYRpyMOAQlVVmJeBDi9Oqq9-WIDdxS53ypbDLRYMdnC85bafZEsncgFNpY-UGVg1cKy/s320/20231019_142659.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>A bit of axe and knife work later (the Casström Sweden Woodsman performed admirably for the job, by the way. I will give you the ins and outs on this really great knife soon), I got the blank roughed out. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmk3Jgcun7d4FwEQ6_78OtcWdnqrFF8JZPvNhx9xxyCAL2jfre5Z9kTan_wWoNPgSxLkYUxqjuiRmbJAejZvo2nhMWoCXq5zgNcNm8FuWbB4KAagtiRBkLefaqXbfAvlq0EBISKMH6J_YiG9LlRvqbNSKkAsPEfn5d-IUdK-Fwm7ktjwbZcZB2_VpewQF/s4624/20231019_145434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmk3Jgcun7d4FwEQ6_78OtcWdnqrFF8JZPvNhx9xxyCAL2jfre5Z9kTan_wWoNPgSxLkYUxqjuiRmbJAejZvo2nhMWoCXq5zgNcNm8FuWbB4KAagtiRBkLefaqXbfAvlq0EBISKMH6J_YiG9LlRvqbNSKkAsPEfn5d-IUdK-Fwm7ktjwbZcZB2_VpewQF/s320/20231019_145434.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>There was a lovely grain showing in that burr. I cooked it in sunflower oil and beeswax. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpRhqU37bQ4lukBoRrw8-SZnKfL-ZyAsDWJakWuiNMEyxtSC4ApCszN382XkFwWIxtSQZPbY7WKf1x-mpNHmuwHNWQk4UKH5U9MCQll8Grkgl9xHK82S3OjY4j_Qj_y1ZJ7essyzVoSgRqmbBSK4CiVRsqXxkcVx11qs9XwzQCmdrZjPXvCOqZc6aqVyh/s4000/20231021_191858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpRhqU37bQ4lukBoRrw8-SZnKfL-ZyAsDWJakWuiNMEyxtSC4ApCszN382XkFwWIxtSQZPbY7WKf1x-mpNHmuwHNWQk4UKH5U9MCQll8Grkgl9xHK82S3OjY4j_Qj_y1ZJ7essyzVoSgRqmbBSK4CiVRsqXxkcVx11qs9XwzQCmdrZjPXvCOqZc6aqVyh/s320/20231021_191858.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Made one for the magical sorcery troll, too, and it was baptized the traditional way with a bit of Whisky in the woods. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_ei41MldHNfOBYzYxg3IR4C9cHCcfYlWOz10eZxLOc_t675dBf3qvIChp8y_VAcEYWcWc58ezSOgsvJxmMNwjWUqOPOppbYnIRyKurTGcpJbKeiDE0WwThhSOOUAsOm73H8TWgospuueh_M09eJL0t7K7nX5PouMW5suvQjMUQnjqajc2Uevk9mwOYG0/s4624/20231019_143337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_ei41MldHNfOBYzYxg3IR4C9cHCcfYlWOz10eZxLOc_t675dBf3qvIChp8y_VAcEYWcWc58ezSOgsvJxmMNwjWUqOPOppbYnIRyKurTGcpJbKeiDE0WwThhSOOUAsOm73H8TWgospuueh_M09eJL0t7K7nX5PouMW5suvQjMUQnjqajc2Uevk9mwOYG0/s320/20231019_143337.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> It is a relatively fast project where you can try out the technique for a bigger Kukså. Already got started on several other little fellows... it is quite addictive... 😜 there is something soothing in sitting in the woods whittling away and making stuff you can actually use. And somehow sipping from a Kukså, big or small, reflects that feeling. You have to try it out to be able to relate. It is somehow like a wonderful little ritual. <p></p><p><br /></p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-74440826455847803922024-02-28T08:55:00.000-08:002024-02-28T08:58:57.215-08:00Sheath for a very old and very weird knife <p> Some of my older readers might recognize the knife. </p><p>It has been in use in the kitchen for ages now and it is of course kinda weird. So I thought I would share the story first with you. </p><p>In 'em days in the Bethaus smithy I forged it from junk spring steel I found near the roadside when mountainbike riding to the trailhead. Long story short, I forged it, annealed it, and when it came to quenching, the lard bosh was nowhere to be found. Volker simply had disposed of it. </p><p>He had some delicious chicken soup in the larder of the Restaurant, though, so I used the steel to heat it up and the soup to quench the steel. I have never had to actually sharpen it, although it has seen at least ten years of hard kitchen work and cut a lot of hard sausage and bacon, nuts and what have you. </p><p>So I looked it up why this mad prank did work. </p><p>It finally turned out that the fat on top of the soup was solid and served the purpose of a first quench. The salt in the soup created sort of a bainite temper. Of course I just hardened the edge up to two thirds of the blade, with two different zones of hardness. Of course I was being a bit over the top and it was sort of a mad prank, but it turned out surprisingly well.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEoZ8uE5Iyx328e922zhzx03jtgJhMT4xYHCksbRioCxv_1K4rdZKEHbHIHuvbdjI5H4iZSskEcQx-h4IoailtRRx3Jd6iyj97CJg7ONJbf5idQSIYWnH5Bj_QgaVu5gnOURV0VIxO4kgKRUTIqpcqWOS3Vn23GzCX09tWv0Nuwee6Ta-_JB9HHACMeXH/s4624/20240227_180640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEoZ8uE5Iyx328e922zhzx03jtgJhMT4xYHCksbRioCxv_1K4rdZKEHbHIHuvbdjI5H4iZSskEcQx-h4IoailtRRx3Jd6iyj97CJg7ONJbf5idQSIYWnH5Bj_QgaVu5gnOURV0VIxO4kgKRUTIqpcqWOS3Vn23GzCX09tWv0Nuwee6Ta-_JB9HHACMeXH/s320/20240227_180640.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Now I am actually quite fond of the knife, so I just made a sheath for it. Really dirty technique, but I think it will still be durable as anything. The dangler I had forged from mild steel. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ4eZ6WwT560YJlIxPOIlpW-UenxguLx7HBIaE81eolUmyRtUWVNBMpBcHASoim50QPzGthja49TaUdoxRqaJiU2IF4XywWCaIiCIU6trFpnbvurnbxLi9Em8s5jGP9anV0RIHge64y2li5ppszKL1BViGgyRSchei8nexE0GUnDi-6pwr-_RIDYYDlzo/s4624/20240227_180615.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ4eZ6WwT560YJlIxPOIlpW-UenxguLx7HBIaE81eolUmyRtUWVNBMpBcHASoim50QPzGthja49TaUdoxRqaJiU2IF4XywWCaIiCIU6trFpnbvurnbxLi9Em8s5jGP9anV0RIHge64y2li5ppszKL1BViGgyRSchei8nexE0GUnDi-6pwr-_RIDYYDlzo/s320/20240227_180615.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Looking forward to carrying it into the woods! <p></p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-44301745973547253392024-02-27T15:13:00.000-08:002024-02-27T15:15:27.218-08:00Review of a Svante Djärv Slöjd knife <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAMtgr6zD1Oy-7_EEJRvvn8_RVCjZv4X_mFTQueoyQOjZDXw_lAjA01PCBLl4in32HnrKWbRKXyAIwZwxntje5toGQkrnQ72vMTfUnp2c7srvRIdq18huVZGPVvp2lHYwO9pKIlkIwy5DsbZJ04bocLWC8XlGX5ajn4tth0ktz7q2wPcD-Ui-7Gtv9C33/s4624/20231218_150336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAMtgr6zD1Oy-7_EEJRvvn8_RVCjZv4X_mFTQueoyQOjZDXw_lAjA01PCBLl4in32HnrKWbRKXyAIwZwxntje5toGQkrnQ72vMTfUnp2c7srvRIdq18huVZGPVvp2lHYwO9pKIlkIwy5DsbZJ04bocLWC8XlGX5ajn4tth0ktz7q2wPcD-Ui-7Gtv9C33/s320/20231218_150336.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Several months ago I got a parcel from Sweden. Ella and Svante Djärv are really hard-working, lovely people doing things the old way. For starters, I had ordered a smaller Slöjdkniv, a spoon carving knife and a big Slöjdkniv. For the smaller Slöjdkniv I also treated myself to a lovely traditionally made sheath. <p></p><p>Service was really awesome, we really worked everything out really great. The tools were partly made on demand. It took a bit of time to make, but that is only natural. </p><p>Do not get me wrong, the finish is in no way showcase queen standard. The handles were glued in with a big blob of epoxy. Fit is really great, though. The handles are relatively rough, but this is on purpose. These are tools for your toolbox, no knives for display. </p><p>The blades are forged to size. The temper seems to be really spot-on.</p><p>The grind...blimey. Out of the box, without any stropping at all, they literally split (!) hair, and yes, I tried. </p><p>The little Slöjdkniv has a mild hollow grind to zero.</p><p>The leather of the sheath is half-tanned for the body and top grain leather for the belt loop. It keeps the knife in really great, even upside down. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGrxDvM_ZfNbzS3rFZB2grnHJ6WITF3X-UD9AtEEO08Mg5hDkgqoGUR5cCVPZd-JwDon9SuYIntc7y6p3QVZ6MjLwFLOye7qYIfAj5zUORvgwo0YTIxfrp-Jk1iwypJz6KuEDLDAyEe_aQolgWkd91SQWq6joKtqXHWlXERSXP21NN86KNGtaNr8Zv1MC/s4624/20231218_150343.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGrxDvM_ZfNbzS3rFZB2grnHJ6WITF3X-UD9AtEEO08Mg5hDkgqoGUR5cCVPZd-JwDon9SuYIntc7y6p3QVZ6MjLwFLOye7qYIfAj5zUORvgwo0YTIxfrp-Jk1iwypJz6KuEDLDAyEe_aQolgWkd91SQWq6joKtqXHWlXERSXP21NN86KNGtaNr8Zv1MC/s320/20231218_150343.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Actually the blade took a bit of getting used to. Making feather sticks first just resulted in me cutting off the branch rather than just making shavings, it is that sharp. Taking the handle with just three fingers did the trick. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxV1kdwI2opT8L10rEpuM1wUt0X3Gni4AlkTYKaZDVS79ko5E8nQcldvdkfVc-W7Yx0O9oLiWeuiR_AQrb-L8vxHD9lhDXr2r5XiPi4WmQTsxlPhFUNT_8YjNavgsUHrsKypy9Yc1w2Hi7EcJnNwIvBlJIEznB6Bv2b9KWwtdUxvFnPH_qqFZR9FLfEGH/s4624/20231218_150448.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxV1kdwI2opT8L10rEpuM1wUt0X3Gni4AlkTYKaZDVS79ko5E8nQcldvdkfVc-W7Yx0O9oLiWeuiR_AQrb-L8vxHD9lhDXr2r5XiPi4WmQTsxlPhFUNT_8YjNavgsUHrsKypy9Yc1w2Hi7EcJnNwIvBlJIEznB6Bv2b9KWwtdUxvFnPH_qqFZR9FLfEGH/s320/20231218_150448.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The spine is rounded to prevent blisters, so throwing sparks from a ferro rod obviously isn't possible, but this knife is not a bushcraft knife in the first, at least it is not designed as one. The thickness of the blade is some 2,4 mm, length is 76,5 mm. Balance point is on the Index finger. It is a really light carry. I took a leather thong to carry it as a neck knife, which is perfectly agreeable even for a longer period of time. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1zrJxmLLpr5XyBwVmjehQoE-XwBYLUnHfJBWvD54mda6aHG9z_PonRYji6zaPvypBkA-B2KyqB7rloyusA_NEeCzeOuzRhTkxxGjF0vL7L-sFgJK97LyAzM2BPRh69C_rOY8TotMpr18g8RcEN0oqqDI8HGBgHAWphrhthM0yh3v5cj8mK5oGJHkzaKG/s4624/20231230_144635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1zrJxmLLpr5XyBwVmjehQoE-XwBYLUnHfJBWvD54mda6aHG9z_PonRYji6zaPvypBkA-B2KyqB7rloyusA_NEeCzeOuzRhTkxxGjF0vL7L-sFgJK97LyAzM2BPRh69C_rOY8TotMpr18g8RcEN0oqqDI8HGBgHAWphrhthM0yh3v5cj8mK5oGJHkzaKG/s320/20231230_144635.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The knife is absolutely dexterous, and its frightening sharpness lends it to be suited for really delicate tasks. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRWNbgu1gpAFYUm6u2KVL_jQyZ77Pqt2aRR1A5gZbkKt1BvToosFQPkvO14nArugDuvcLwJ3UhEC1fdnUlLSbwEbISpcWjbonQAAwNYIdLQXscb0r9-6dlcD1gxYJNo8KRDLD4iI5wLNRHelD3gAQ7lvjKVjOaA8GIEfYb9PckMldFlT3sfPXR74tjCJo/s4624/20231230_145543.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRWNbgu1gpAFYUm6u2KVL_jQyZ77Pqt2aRR1A5gZbkKt1BvToosFQPkvO14nArugDuvcLwJ3UhEC1fdnUlLSbwEbISpcWjbonQAAwNYIdLQXscb0r9-6dlcD1gxYJNo8KRDLD4iI5wLNRHelD3gAQ7lvjKVjOaA8GIEfYb9PckMldFlT3sfPXR74tjCJo/s320/20231230_145543.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The handle has a very grippy structure. People with soft hands might find that a bit rough, but it really enhances grip and control for really precise cutting. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0nOBJIDXxZrdkrg_U0VcQ-QrXJuDvC__Dt9t0PwpSQUfZd9xpFHrKIdn4xy24gMgjvj-9uoSNzQK6A5OSQsGdjaqrIGr2im9oFlGjLz8xN9VrCwpnno_7SD6ovrRu_tpvJ7LVO-_2IQKT9-slyuhk5VCsQaZy2Y9v-kKtYBMiE3bKsq_XT_tLHI-sTld/s4624/20240102_151109.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0nOBJIDXxZrdkrg_U0VcQ-QrXJuDvC__Dt9t0PwpSQUfZd9xpFHrKIdn4xy24gMgjvj-9uoSNzQK6A5OSQsGdjaqrIGr2im9oFlGjLz8xN9VrCwpnno_7SD6ovrRu_tpvJ7LVO-_2IQKT9-slyuhk5VCsQaZy2Y9v-kKtYBMiE3bKsq_XT_tLHI-sTld/s320/20240102_151109.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Carving a spoon takes no effort at all. Combined with the Skedkniv, you can use few, articulate and precise cuts. No sandpaper needed. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02zW14y3OoGaxZcXTvG_cT36EWNjk4zM_Ex94ojzGc3TFUPUeniizQg2meIr-Kxc87gcBvKyz5BYPFG-Q-66qAZNvrBf2T2zLUHcUmisT3ydGhWoBJq8tczc9E3zOihFwajyb8VHJfn6Bzz76E6aP69dhH4-HSW8JAK440wxoN8U2rEAbyhmmzLeZpYzk/s4624/20240111_153604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02zW14y3OoGaxZcXTvG_cT36EWNjk4zM_Ex94ojzGc3TFUPUeniizQg2meIr-Kxc87gcBvKyz5BYPFG-Q-66qAZNvrBf2T2zLUHcUmisT3ydGhWoBJq8tczc9E3zOihFwajyb8VHJfn6Bzz76E6aP69dhH4-HSW8JAK440wxoN8U2rEAbyhmmzLeZpYzk/s320/20240111_153604.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>It is also the one tool for really complex and delicate try sticks. It is capable of doing work of knives double the size. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9ku4Rfs4F745Z-c55jtu3B3tsNsmJO2BU7qF9zZpZS7QC7GKFl3S-xe1uaVs8FWvstnwqqxiWzmi9vWhgvfjOyXcdFTd1mY69LcHTcTMHXFSjuvsD7LbAx_qosk4hmMqM4zRrfbyS2zVTjYMh9M-DpL7C88EUliwcoEBRGHieq9AAtzuNbBfUFXgjQ8k/s4624/20240109_144359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9ku4Rfs4F745Z-c55jtu3B3tsNsmJO2BU7qF9zZpZS7QC7GKFl3S-xe1uaVs8FWvstnwqqxiWzmi9vWhgvfjOyXcdFTd1mY69LcHTcTMHXFSjuvsD7LbAx_qosk4hmMqM4zRrfbyS2zVTjYMh9M-DpL7C88EUliwcoEBRGHieq9AAtzuNbBfUFXgjQ8k/s320/20240109_144359.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Carving hardwood is not a problem either. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYwTVEDJj2IK6UQb4QtrQZP8dvUhz2LeHmq-PMyjzz-PjCox6nxYW9sXAZEdbyAT12qy8t-LtLi2G94AFHkaf5aJaEkX7w3naewhmpvNDcmVdydQJHwrUI7ilhXDvO3YK5mBETLbqAUKfhqjvZrNtYVpQ-yGFfkU9NhDErT7hMvYtOvnXGkkaGRDEiYCb/s4624/20240109_143921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYwTVEDJj2IK6UQb4QtrQZP8dvUhz2LeHmq-PMyjzz-PjCox6nxYW9sXAZEdbyAT12qy8t-LtLi2G94AFHkaf5aJaEkX7w3naewhmpvNDcmVdydQJHwrUI7ilhXDvO3YK5mBETLbqAUKfhqjvZrNtYVpQ-yGFfkU9NhDErT7hMvYtOvnXGkkaGRDEiYCb/s320/20240109_143921.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Carving bone resulted in a tiny burr on the edge, which could be removed by stropping with a steel. Small wonder, however, it has the same grind as a straight razor, and I really put it through its paces. Drilling with the tip did not do any harm to tip nor edge, even in bone. I put a micro-micro-bevel on afterwards, which did not compromise the cutting performance much, but led to a more robust geometry, even though it still splits hair. As is, I do not think any sensible use could damage it beyond repair. It is a somewhat specialized knife for carving wood, but it also excels at food prep, cutting leather and string. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It doesn't cost an arm and a leg, too. Pair it with a SAK and a sturdier bushcraft knife and you are ready for anything. But on the other hand, it also does a lot of things a bushcraft knife can do, if you use it sensibly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wholeheartedly can recommend it. </div><br /> <p></p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-68164174433534428942024-02-23T09:12:00.000-08:002024-02-23T09:16:36.941-08:00First flint and steel fire starting success <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEh6zRfrswjRVccXFOKaeTHYALkgJSovKLoVbxABAC6vwSjrN3GvqfoWwpGixX80wpHTMFl20MbAMjiUy_fLBr02_1fq_wraACZuFlVZW6A2IP8o1WKKm1RYRL3o8Kw0V1qSU43QB4VX1oH0-2ySMUhGIgMunCMMaVJgXCrdzrKVoRAfu3Or-NefXKm28m/s4624/20240223_170830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEh6zRfrswjRVccXFOKaeTHYALkgJSovKLoVbxABAC6vwSjrN3GvqfoWwpGixX80wpHTMFl20MbAMjiUy_fLBr02_1fq_wraACZuFlVZW6A2IP8o1WKKm1RYRL3o8Kw0V1qSU43QB4VX1oH0-2ySMUhGIgMunCMMaVJgXCrdzrKVoRAfu3Or-NefXKm28m/s320/20240223_170830.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Today I have reached another milestone in my learning. Just started my first fire with flint and steel. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggy6b-AZGWTjKF2yeHHc4LIy1gcPtb3o6rXKpL2-EqVO_tNlr-SLSxWd0zAlziem-Yg48YcxD2b5ae70vFi9eI2G2N50zVNMUs-nZhhO8luY7pbSveOXOgzz_o98ObaDXRD9tFGhuAs8QBkW3pe49I_kPEoeHLJWMG61NO0YDUvieKUxltLnRXcZWceYwF/s4624/20240223_170844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggy6b-AZGWTjKF2yeHHc4LIy1gcPtb3o6rXKpL2-EqVO_tNlr-SLSxWd0zAlziem-Yg48YcxD2b5ae70vFi9eI2G2N50zVNMUs-nZhhO8luY7pbSveOXOgzz_o98ObaDXRD9tFGhuAs8QBkW3pe49I_kPEoeHLJWMG61NO0YDUvieKUxltLnRXcZWceYwF/s320/20240223_170844.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> The striker I forged myself ages ago from junk file steel, and of course I processed the Amadou myself. <p></p><p>I also used treated Cattail seeds as a fire starting agent. Which worked really awesome. </p><p>Now, some of the more survival minded folks might say "why bother, if I can carry a flint and steel set, I can just as well use a BIC lighter", and yes, you are right, but you maybe miss my point here. </p><p>In fact, it actually is more of a bit of psychological self-care and historical fascination that drives me. It is not as much about the thing or the fact you just started a fire with a piece of steel- it is about knowledge. Of having forged the striker from junk people discarded, of having processed the tinder, of understanding the chemistry and the principles, and the almost alchemical context involved. </p><p>You can lose your lighter, your matches, your ferro rod, but you most argueably will not use your knowledge. The more you understand the principles, the more likely you are to not only survive. Survival is not enough. It cannot be a way of life. You cannot exist in Code Black all the time. </p><p>I personally always look for ressources. Everything can be used, you just need to know how. It is really fun to learn new things. </p><p>Our culture is of course really advanced scientifically, and that is a good thing. But sometimes I get the impression that we did not grow to that point. We did not keep up with our own pace. So we jumped to that point, taking a lot of shortcuts. We are just now paying the price for that. </p><p>Processing tinder, making birch pitch, firecraft, preserving and processing food, distilling and baking and cooking are the roots of medicine and chemistry. And alchemy. Do not get me wrong, alchemists maybe were the ones that invented scam. Éa-Nasír is famous for his fake copper ingots until today. </p><p>But what we forget is that it was Maria of Egypt who invented the pressure cooker and the Bain Marie, and her recipe for the lapis philosophorum and the homunculus most argueably involved making Adamantoplasts and Osteoplasts. </p><p>Well, that is stuff for a different post. But it also explains why I bother to try as I might to learn stuff like starting a fire with flint and steel. Why you can strike sparks with a file and a stone is fascinating in its own right. Why the Amadou works also explains part of its medicinal properties. </p><p>And this is a really great example for the fact that a lot of things are interconnected. It is a bit like that phrase "by word to word I was led, work led me to work." . Actually, that is a scientific principle, one of very many, but also sort of a spiritual practice. </p><p>This is what drives me. Sometimes I think it drives me mad, but I could not possibly live another man's life. Tried that for decades. Was shit. 😉</p><p>So, I had a lot of fun learning it. It was of course also humbling to get there, and really testing for my patience and resilience, and it is but a first step. But I also learned a lot about learning, and about patience and resilience and trying not to be a dickhead. 😉</p><p>Which is something, too. </p><p>Anyway, now I am in for more practice to make the learning sustainable. Which I am really looking forward to. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxFkTD9GjnzzGLdN8VQLgqLpuAttOx9wYqaYx4zbDaG3gPOL9Jj5zuaVcoIqpT2CS3DDwMrqIKRU3DvbvkLPQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxgcSWklEonX2C51VuhVIFTr40PGUxOJ9BRJTl9yMwPhJVFg278ZKwFUgQXWeoXipHn3lNJ3pNWOozRVYAirQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-76342379692321385432024-02-17T12:51:00.000-08:002024-02-17T12:53:04.269-08:00More Mushroom Mischief<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2PjWOotUSs98cfgBG_dMp8Hd351Fm0Ve9B0udRPMgDpWqtu_IuVv2ok9nxjvjCQQMh6v70ctMuFyUq8fFe8vHYUnDfx9Mpcmt4luzM37MeXCe8vZSJ9ZejEOz-eqsy5nEyYxXfteQxrb6AiNgedZqx03n0G_p3AbSPJAhmiL9DCMfDAJTizsp3D4-4bq/s4000/20240217_180201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2PjWOotUSs98cfgBG_dMp8Hd351Fm0Ve9B0udRPMgDpWqtu_IuVv2ok9nxjvjCQQMh6v70ctMuFyUq8fFe8vHYUnDfx9Mpcmt4luzM37MeXCe8vZSJ9ZejEOz-eqsy5nEyYxXfteQxrb6AiNgedZqx03n0G_p3AbSPJAhmiL9DCMfDAJTizsp3D4-4bq/s320/20240217_180201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Today I found another wonderful tinder conk. It offered an added bonus. <p></p><p>See, I always try to harvest the conks responsibly. I process most of it on the tree and always leave the part of the trama intact that roots into the mycelium inside the tree. Conks and mushrooms play a very important role in the ecosystem, so I try to just take a bit in order not to kill it off. On the other hand, this is a very resilient conk. You will learn why in a second... </p><p>The polypore was growing on a tree that only but recently, some years ago, had been felled by the storm. The conk, while still maintaining its trama at the root, also had developed a rather thick trama on the underside in order to adapt to the new position.</p><p>So I left a sensibly thin layer on the conk and cut off the rest. After removing the callous on the underside I was still left with a thick layer of nearly perfect trama. </p><p>Needless to say, by the way, that I am doing this on private ground, with permission. Also, all of the conks I harvested through the years have grown back. Please do forage with common sense (I am convinced you will. ).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEHg8ZTPDoGKfezHB67rfUUDOtlEpXvVYDTfuZ1lX8OOcCxFvz5-81NxGKwb3wOJ4hcmumr-8FtmeM1EfN59jZ0KjPKHugcLqYWgJoQaa3fl-yw-lzi3Uzjvt2dIEmkC-2oCq0qgL2qKqjc2FX2eyVYJmqTYd2vVkCl8QCdyOy6Xb-bnFzs5TWQ8U_dVi/s4624/20240217_182104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEHg8ZTPDoGKfezHB67rfUUDOtlEpXvVYDTfuZ1lX8OOcCxFvz5-81NxGKwb3wOJ4hcmumr-8FtmeM1EfN59jZ0KjPKHugcLqYWgJoQaa3fl-yw-lzi3Uzjvt2dIEmkC-2oCq0qgL2qKqjc2FX2eyVYJmqTYd2vVkCl8QCdyOy6Xb-bnFzs5TWQ8U_dVi/s320/20240217_182104.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>After half an hour of some working the piece, this is what came out. Simply lovely, and working that material is deeply satisfying. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAsRxN5R2tGa6wIF_ypaQaW2n96H_M4wF1vBIu0ELZvB0KsNlEvjXujFcItJJu02RvcfU08fxwIuctMCN7FKdgxwGquU1Gux8aiE_UUU26x3bfz8JKpTsia3-Eyd98tfbpTX7s5y9tc1WOUmGx6SVzI7HuU5aBV0zoWaWQ4bQFk0e_pl-k-uQyibDeXPs/s4624/20240217_183048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAsRxN5R2tGa6wIF_ypaQaW2n96H_M4wF1vBIu0ELZvB0KsNlEvjXujFcItJJu02RvcfU08fxwIuctMCN7FKdgxwGquU1Gux8aiE_UUU26x3bfz8JKpTsia3-Eyd98tfbpTX7s5y9tc1WOUmGx6SVzI7HuU5aBV0zoWaWQ4bQFk0e_pl-k-uQyibDeXPs/s320/20240217_183048.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>There is still somewhat of a stretch to it, meaning, I can still get more out of it. <p></p><p>The stuff is simply fascinating. What I would really love to do is make myself a hat or clothing from it, but there is still a learning curve to be had. Which definitively is a fun thing. </p><p>Really looking forward to the next pieces to the puzzle. </p><p> </p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-5903975119400674162024-02-15T10:19:00.000-08:002024-02-15T10:20:37.839-08:00Making a pouch from Amadou <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AvOHsFlrMw__N17fUiOWBM049Rj8UNEMF4e2b06hzbNukjjkC2EXQV9CpXznUrZgTT0Xdj_Bc85ynTEw-vjjQGgE1ASjyD7Z7pjuiON6nGcobFXIcTVZ-oFPq5Bulqjg7dDmFrmvZqEmamTwo1X98-GqUNW0xpqBxiga_DqVSfESwl75bc1dkQMNmmTw/s4624/20240215_140415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AvOHsFlrMw__N17fUiOWBM049Rj8UNEMF4e2b06hzbNukjjkC2EXQV9CpXznUrZgTT0Xdj_Bc85ynTEw-vjjQGgE1ASjyD7Z7pjuiON6nGcobFXIcTVZ-oFPq5Bulqjg7dDmFrmvZqEmamTwo1X98-GqUNW0xpqBxiga_DqVSfESwl75bc1dkQMNmmTw/s320/20240215_140415.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Used the recently foraged and processed Amadou to make a pouch for a Victorinox Forester Wood. <p></p><p>Now that little knife is really beautiful, and that means it needs a bit of protection. So I thought I just wanted to fire away instead of getting everything together. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3OxjgpxN1_bbVAqvNf6k54O2hQ8vUdrLwQ5s5oTQDkiPDnEwKnDBqFEW3LMci_Emq2gOCAVMeZINJyOkP1CUorsjxrR_eitDE3BAOcX3W_oF6VAsZrDBVW0uIPuERHuSb7Q14Ij_TOU2eO1AVKCiZweNXqw5pB8rSwMSvlIudEcHH1fedlStf79FkZIC/s4624/20240215_140438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3OxjgpxN1_bbVAqvNf6k54O2hQ8vUdrLwQ5s5oTQDkiPDnEwKnDBqFEW3LMci_Emq2gOCAVMeZINJyOkP1CUorsjxrR_eitDE3BAOcX3W_oF6VAsZrDBVW0uIPuERHuSb7Q14Ij_TOU2eO1AVKCiZweNXqw5pB8rSwMSvlIudEcHH1fedlStf79FkZIC/s320/20240215_140438.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Actually it turned out surprisingly like leather. You can oil it and even do a bit of modelling. It is not as durable, but perfectly okay. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0GeVi_cn7QUbm71tqB4AjGcCrlEKXYbiF96KlyL1q5ArbwW98TNbyR8Fu3NtQuEgxf7TBNoHi6BJQv4Ew3j3BSxjwmnGfm2MGpmSAk7BMsU-e1KAoZRrrScapDbLNrX09N_KyUTuk3Q5IBFDa8yfhBwZ-xtSqlNqbm59-8Oz4a4VREVDr78dmlpIB1Ek/s4624/20240215_140444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0GeVi_cn7QUbm71tqB4AjGcCrlEKXYbiF96KlyL1q5ArbwW98TNbyR8Fu3NtQuEgxf7TBNoHi6BJQv4Ew3j3BSxjwmnGfm2MGpmSAk7BMsU-e1KAoZRrrScapDbLNrX09N_KyUTuk3Q5IBFDa8yfhBwZ-xtSqlNqbm59-8Oz4a4VREVDr78dmlpIB1Ek/s320/20240215_140444.jpg" width="240" /></a><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Actually it is another piece of knowledge that is currently sending me arse over teacup down the next rabbit hole.... which is a good thing. ;-)</p><p><br /></p><p>I love to learn. </p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-33276381587418427942024-02-14T13:07:00.000-08:002024-02-14T13:08:28.795-08:00Carving a bone needle<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had decided to make a neck pouch from the Amadou I recently harvested, and I thought, well, why not make it a challenge and make it with stuff procured in the woods. I still had that hare rib, so I decided to make a needle from it. Sourced ethically, by the way, taken with permission. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3j4MmMflaVA6XrsPJBAt8kfeAd7HNoS1kNjqKgvgmjTF4pAzn3Evu8o0Rzkt3XKVExwlvUwevxuraxoxVkcCHpPtagGGkuu0KzxYju6itJFGzzDWgLyxDmYujr-jAzB8k8FjRpLs-0rEGYx9pJsgXE0w_sExLPCBX_lNp3Q_znpDDJ6n1x7qBRj4P_dJi/s4624/20240213_141013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3j4MmMflaVA6XrsPJBAt8kfeAd7HNoS1kNjqKgvgmjTF4pAzn3Evu8o0Rzkt3XKVExwlvUwevxuraxoxVkcCHpPtagGGkuu0KzxYju6itJFGzzDWgLyxDmYujr-jAzB8k8FjRpLs-0rEGYx9pJsgXE0w_sExLPCBX_lNp3Q_znpDDJ6n1x7qBRj4P_dJi/s320/20240213_141013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I drilled the hole first with the awl of my trusty Victorinox Outrider. Take care not to apply too much pressure, the material cracks easily. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQAMEcktxfL8qvLR8wndAiwkut447qdG28HigvT-7xFY079eKnjOM68KjY-N8CdqcHrQlHsQUBMlUlkN46CqI1jEIZWkVg6faSzzkboDHkjHoUc4GyjLpQwh2kucGSNnG0G5cNDEyc4deLDT_OaaY6jiknjw6sGPjio6Gs6Df1V8RLL_2kZg3IE54vUYh/s4624/20240213_141017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQAMEcktxfL8qvLR8wndAiwkut447qdG28HigvT-7xFY079eKnjOM68KjY-N8CdqcHrQlHsQUBMlUlkN46CqI1jEIZWkVg6faSzzkboDHkjHoUc4GyjLpQwh2kucGSNnG0G5cNDEyc4deLDT_OaaY6jiknjw6sGPjio6Gs6Df1V8RLL_2kZg3IE54vUYh/s320/20240213_141017.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Carving the sides, really carefully, I actually reverted to a fine sandstone. Make sure to get rid of all the marrow and to remove all the dents and nicks. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU9Rb4IvY7Ptt49aUzJy2BiRUHGuK8en_1MGqLEYU8opqaEnb7_I4VCUvPq7pYzwz8lg3Lv64e5xx85VTGv5Ctat7sFZZZiVHsM87FtvDUU_bxdh-Kgv9bRt3vIaMQLEIDWlFucdfI7ZVFcgfkCkkLazjoNx8-2WWz9uMzXj5IUt-q6htqkpf9k2eljYZ/s4624/20240213_141026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU9Rb4IvY7Ptt49aUzJy2BiRUHGuK8en_1MGqLEYU8opqaEnb7_I4VCUvPq7pYzwz8lg3Lv64e5xx85VTGv5Ctat7sFZZZiVHsM87FtvDUU_bxdh-Kgv9bRt3vIaMQLEIDWlFucdfI7ZVFcgfkCkkLazjoNx8-2WWz9uMzXj5IUt-q6htqkpf9k2eljYZ/s320/20240213_141026.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Et voilà....bone needle. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Not sure about the twine, though. I am not good at that sort of stuff, so I will maybe just take twine I have. But we will see how it all turns out. Maybe some nettles...we will see. </p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-18799445193547566052024-02-11T15:33:00.000-08:002024-02-11T15:33:32.526-08:00Processing horse hoof fungus Amadou <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsLqsThFXKiv0VbouFwX3VRAhi-PXdCPwPIG5Ls7QP0inXrgL8r49LrhztBXuIsrB64GRfnEuEPi9rSc3gpcwyEru1RGlLAFdbY8G0JDV1lkHsdZkqJk95k0LPRqgsSLVvDZYKqqC5QwIMBw-3jiHa5kspLMEYJPzC4QY9xjHOnJpVQ52Ogxu8u2_gso1/s4624/20240210_165226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsLqsThFXKiv0VbouFwX3VRAhi-PXdCPwPIG5Ls7QP0inXrgL8r49LrhztBXuIsrB64GRfnEuEPi9rSc3gpcwyEru1RGlLAFdbY8G0JDV1lkHsdZkqJk95k0LPRqgsSLVvDZYKqqC5QwIMBw-3jiHa5kspLMEYJPzC4QY9xjHOnJpVQ52Ogxu8u2_gso1/s320/20240210_165226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Another bushcraft treasure trove is the humble tinder conk, also known as horse hoof fungus, fomes fomentarius.<p></p><p>It is a large polypore growing in Northern climates, preferrably on dying birch and beech trees. It has been used for making Amadou for centuries, even millenia. Recent clinical studies confirmed its many medicinal properties. You can use it to make a tea with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties that doesn't taste too bad. It is reputed to be anticarcinogenic, too. Please keep in mind, though, that I disclaim all liability if you mess up. Also, the fungus is protected in Germany. I have permission to harvest a smaller quantity for educational purposes. But please use common sense if you want to get some yourself. Taking one might not be a big problem, but please ask the local authorities first. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylyYw6AwZjPpVyxF2hnFBGKYVpBz65iazIXPqA_ItNjHof4B5Br4Dj9vLz5Bto9xzHSlxnVzE1O1iTpmn2Lv7CAeUa78bUoCM-v8XAAjPo_VsTba6rYfYnJh_k_g9RS-M9tvtI7qjYB-pxbhz_Qku4xhGGFmxBTxw3yLr_aynpfZBXTwReLZ6plD707zv/s4624/20240210_165237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylyYw6AwZjPpVyxF2hnFBGKYVpBz65iazIXPqA_ItNjHof4B5Br4Dj9vLz5Bto9xzHSlxnVzE1O1iTpmn2Lv7CAeUa78bUoCM-v8XAAjPo_VsTba6rYfYnJh_k_g9RS-M9tvtI7qjYB-pxbhz_Qku4xhGGFmxBTxw3yLr_aynpfZBXTwReLZ6plD707zv/s320/20240210_165237.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>That said. I took one from a tree that broke off. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRudjnE5KBU1UVL0ZNjy-BdX-bb8BS0alXAnsyrdaVGy76FkhuvfNUl4uxmbWosq8tDbIA-kQ2vSzQB7hMM4tCoTfFIocRAUZtyMOVH-SOJhbS2tl0BFuh6LayOk6tQ3tTz_Sr270GGBzYQ1kOlQl2QPaew2D5EKSWJXcwWsjM1UZEFNRSQRudDEp-kgW/s4624/20240210_171240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRudjnE5KBU1UVL0ZNjy-BdX-bb8BS0alXAnsyrdaVGy76FkhuvfNUl4uxmbWosq8tDbIA-kQ2vSzQB7hMM4tCoTfFIocRAUZtyMOVH-SOJhbS2tl0BFuh6LayOk6tQ3tTz_Sr270GGBzYQ1kOlQl2QPaew2D5EKSWJXcwWsjM1UZEFNRSQRudDEp-kgW/s320/20240210_171240.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>What you are looking for is the piece underneath the hard grey skin on top. It is a small light brown layer without any layers that is called the Trama. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V0jnlFknnUyrq25UwAqvP38s-S-HaoiIoIYl7MuDUFXCdRvTPglfZQg6uCIeJ1ncVp2nnv8JFQmSAjOIO72X5sYfoVluFWlqmA0xF781_LJXEOOUi1Ba8ThYpZo_1TwRxcMy4e6DfkVPpNaVOhyilZcaqNyfhFHnXF7Nfarnttr2wckg2dpNYyTR60Bi/s3000/IMG_20240209_000537_138.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V0jnlFknnUyrq25UwAqvP38s-S-HaoiIoIYl7MuDUFXCdRvTPglfZQg6uCIeJ1ncVp2nnv8JFQmSAjOIO72X5sYfoVluFWlqmA0xF781_LJXEOOUi1Ba8ThYpZo_1TwRxcMy4e6DfkVPpNaVOhyilZcaqNyfhFHnXF7Nfarnttr2wckg2dpNYyTR60Bi/s320/IMG_20240209_000537_138.webp" width="320" /></a></div>On this picture you can see the topmost and relatively small layer. On this tree I left a piece of the trama on the tree in order for it to regrow. In most cases you will end up with a leathery piece about as big as your hand and as thick as 3-10 mm. Whack it gently with a clean and smooth baton or the handle of your knife. By working it in either direction with your hands then you can stretch it, sometimes to as much as triple the size. The material can be used as is as a material for flint and steel fireststarting techniques or processed. You can also use it like leather. In Hungary and Romania, there are still living traditions of making hats and pouches from the material. Mine will become a pouch to be worn around the neck. <p></p><p>The material being antiseptic and very soft, it can also be used as a plaster for tending wounds. The fungus is rich with Polysaccharides and Triterpenes giving it its properties in wound healing. </p><p>That said, it is also a very satisfying feeling touching this awesome material. Maybe I will just keep it to touch it from time to time....;-)</p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-31435904875669695632024-02-11T14:00:00.000-08:002024-02-11T14:01:53.155-08:00Making a sheath from birch polypore <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQyOpWxNpzqGhr9Oad3dYsOL2ApQadvU5KeGTQSuqwS9TR43imUaqp6OQXfBZ4uNIu3c2VD1LlsqfysBoFbXmUIodG7M6sVGkUeXp91saSJut6EtyoLKfXP9HuN4jf1V5Pj1vZz77H584GzTOAA0oSFKp9Nhpitm98wo8zvQwqAroePAUzom2x89Afi6Y/s1440/IMG_20240208_010445_879.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQyOpWxNpzqGhr9Oad3dYsOL2ApQadvU5KeGTQSuqwS9TR43imUaqp6OQXfBZ4uNIu3c2VD1LlsqfysBoFbXmUIodG7M6sVGkUeXp91saSJut6EtyoLKfXP9HuN4jf1V5Pj1vZz77H584GzTOAA0oSFKp9Nhpitm98wo8zvQwqAroePAUzom2x89Afi6Y/s320/IMG_20240208_010445_879.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is the common birch polypore, fomitopsis betulina, also known as birch bracket or razor strop. <div><br /></div><div>For a bushcrafter, it is a treasure trove. Not only useful, as the latter term suggests, a valuable asset, if you want to strop your razor or knife, it is of high medicinal value. Rich with polysaccharides, Betulin acid, triterpenes and potassium, it is reputed to be anti-inflammatory, immunestimulant, beneficial for the cardiovadcular system, reputed to be anticarcinogenous. It is also antiseptic and antiviral. You can use it for wound treatment if you cut plaster strips from it. It can also be used to transport a spark and as a fire starter. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQ1UmnoYTncC8ao1ovW8Ibh9dO-Qf4-izHScDe8xhMmtZYNhTAi-V51Uquj3KMyUSpExgjOnPeMoFjf4AjF6A1EuKc4bb0H4KXtpPfKbgCHdVvgTT_10wp-yZ3Z8B79rp_90zWYusvB1G-Y0yd6yyUXNVIFuJB23W0-6gwgRIl1W1LDNec5vLiOQHaEON/s1440/IMG_20240208_010445_941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQ1UmnoYTncC8ao1ovW8Ibh9dO-Qf4-izHScDe8xhMmtZYNhTAi-V51Uquj3KMyUSpExgjOnPeMoFjf4AjF6A1EuKc4bb0H4KXtpPfKbgCHdVvgTT_10wp-yZ3Z8B79rp_90zWYusvB1G-Y0yd6yyUXNVIFuJB23W0-6gwgRIl1W1LDNec5vLiOQHaEON/s320/IMG_20240208_010445_941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And, as it turns out, if you cut a suitable piece from it, as a great leather substitute. Cut off the brown skin and the pores. Your material to start with should be quite thick, about 3-5 mm. Gently whack it with a clean and relatively smooth stick or your knife handle, then work it with your hands, gently stretching it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwpJ7156WE9fBpbus216mFi7VSTPJq3EULcwXyOH6HNyuZQzmIR0q-Y_QvfbeH6WvTEKRr9vwc1pNMhCcQkbmdJMOSGb88HdPDTfoVE9sJl0nklzusC4BPTlbl4ku_xE-9_9wlRP9HI0dRkhiIuNhlQFqfvSD4kaysg_A1G2hT54GcEIsPVEXOGmszCGx/s1440/IMG_20240208_010445_978.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwpJ7156WE9fBpbus216mFi7VSTPJq3EULcwXyOH6HNyuZQzmIR0q-Y_QvfbeH6WvTEKRr9vwc1pNMhCcQkbmdJMOSGb88HdPDTfoVE9sJl0nklzusC4BPTlbl4ku_xE-9_9wlRP9HI0dRkhiIuNhlQFqfvSD4kaysg_A1G2hT54GcEIsPVEXOGmszCGx/s320/IMG_20240208_010445_978.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is how it looks after the process. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzcxNcoTn_ZPj2GbC0xrPvyLfjd4I9E4W_kmTjBMhd_dEOlip9XJhHcGh5HIHKc6NW8QntsQkMjrLrcjqcqdi0OPkFNiNND-lSh4WigtdrNL9hlBNWtFbJFJZMmcqdZRkmGDueVyB09BzETcewKm5TSX2l5D7KURYbfsc4QQeGrFV3I0ZUkuDfm8ZRDdm/s1440/IMG_20240208_010446_028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzcxNcoTn_ZPj2GbC0xrPvyLfjd4I9E4W_kmTjBMhd_dEOlip9XJhHcGh5HIHKc6NW8QntsQkMjrLrcjqcqdi0OPkFNiNND-lSh4WigtdrNL9hlBNWtFbJFJZMmcqdZRkmGDueVyB09BzETcewKm5TSX2l5D7KURYbfsc4QQeGrFV3I0ZUkuDfm8ZRDdm/s320/IMG_20240208_010446_028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You can then use it to make small pouches and knife sheaths with it. Apologies for the lousy stitching, it was getting dark and I am abit clumsy, as you guys know ;-). I used some strong sewing twine, but you could also use bramble or nettle cordage in a pinch. I put a wooden model of the Mora inside and let it dry around the model to get it to the desired shape. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have fun! <br /> <p></p></div>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-81476023053512286302024-02-11T13:35:00.000-08:002024-02-11T13:39:03.761-08:00Hazel catkin sweets and tea<p> So, folks, long time, no post. I am still alive, though. </p><p>What a shitty time to live in, eh?</p><p>But, well, it is not that we did not see it coming. And, trust me, that is not all there is. </p><p>The woods have their problems, but at least they have not gone completely conkers. Except conkers. ;-)</p><p>So, shit on that, here is a treat for you I recently tried out. </p><p>Hazelnut catkins are in bloom. </p><p>They are rich with nutrients, protein, potassium, vitamins and minerals and are reputed to be a staple winter survival food. More on the ingredients maybe in another post. They are said to be anti- inflammatory, rich with antioxidants. I also like them fresh off the tree, but they are a right treat when processed. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiox3dbey85q9mQEZN0IbCv9kx4lJM_O09uZ1GnnBypQyFuzm6MbQB0tubbU7iKl-O3PGC4jzr2Yl6tGc7LcAtGBqUf0kmVQ0ieuJWRuxdDfY6pbUsuNlmd4tMMoxCvnuCoH3eIWdGDfJ76taiDXCOP6DQ1f7EvE8tfUkfet-ZgTGZHjqqmbraXIfS8Zl8c/s4624/20240206_194354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiox3dbey85q9mQEZN0IbCv9kx4lJM_O09uZ1GnnBypQyFuzm6MbQB0tubbU7iKl-O3PGC4jzr2Yl6tGc7LcAtGBqUf0kmVQ0ieuJWRuxdDfY6pbUsuNlmd4tMMoxCvnuCoH3eIWdGDfJ76taiDXCOP6DQ1f7EvE8tfUkfet-ZgTGZHjqqmbraXIfS8Zl8c/s320/20240206_194354.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Took one tablespoon of butter and a good sprinkling of refined sugar, put in the catkins and caramelized them on low heat for about five minutes, until golden brown. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCDIaHvz67xJeZs4bguNiFdEhA2XNVmKSlwNd0lVe6dnVaJB9VfLVrWQwP_-xI3q0p_4msKN6mg5sN45QwpBBtgohnkYJW8EA22FLr5AFfqDT8Kdmxq7DdM91xUEp5lx0rMj-CJYjuSBOR6N8x7Gv9GIoifh7F1kRHSyjaKZM71B3mKxE-FIkOkYHmMtH/s4624/20240206_194501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCDIaHvz67xJeZs4bguNiFdEhA2XNVmKSlwNd0lVe6dnVaJB9VfLVrWQwP_-xI3q0p_4msKN6mg5sN45QwpBBtgohnkYJW8EA22FLr5AFfqDT8Kdmxq7DdM91xUEp5lx0rMj-CJYjuSBOR6N8x7Gv9GIoifh7F1kRHSyjaKZM71B3mKxE-FIkOkYHmMtH/s320/20240206_194501.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>They have a bit of a taste of relatively dark popcorn with a flowery aftertaste. Yummy! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbRAJZgtu5DHan6qK_dw2J5nX5ldqr0iNxydyzwU1gKPTpTQpy-MK_y6ocVSYzWNod9lh97s5vEIZk8k1ArgeMNGQvQ9orxXS9lrdUQQlEl_6gubHNm7gXf0g8vjTJLQVKWyYaYIQYmFd9weIrVSE_Fq0CwmReXPFKDhk4733CBZlFEzldZrtFgos0VFg/s4624/20240206_201030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbRAJZgtu5DHan6qK_dw2J5nX5ldqr0iNxydyzwU1gKPTpTQpy-MK_y6ocVSYzWNod9lh97s5vEIZk8k1ArgeMNGQvQ9orxXS9lrdUQQlEl_6gubHNm7gXf0g8vjTJLQVKWyYaYIQYmFd9weIrVSE_Fq0CwmReXPFKDhk4733CBZlFEzldZrtFgos0VFg/s320/20240206_201030.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Of course that wasn't the end of it...<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlwaLbfnbPJhqSTq9Ibk3oJHMRzAsodIG4BdnFQgq-L8Bg5aMimG__d5A6Tk6y3H8gdpHIZSvf9xmS0gvPO5kYXvtm5B1n-4cOqE5cTU_oD_uj9Zo_IZB50dwlZiEbZCWFi7NZxW_Oh-DwHVBhBuCjsdNcUx_NpgVxq03uehkx6ZlsNm2QOzSoa4onFNT/s1600/IMG-20240206-WA0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlwaLbfnbPJhqSTq9Ibk3oJHMRzAsodIG4BdnFQgq-L8Bg5aMimG__d5A6Tk6y3H8gdpHIZSvf9xmS0gvPO5kYXvtm5B1n-4cOqE5cTU_oD_uj9Zo_IZB50dwlZiEbZCWFi7NZxW_Oh-DwHVBhBuCjsdNcUx_NpgVxq03uehkx6ZlsNm2QOzSoa4onFNT/s320/IMG-20240206-WA0013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNW-TguY6K91kFKmdlnHY1Ur_4e7sP_cHS9js89Anvcgg_pbv0sfumy58GRA7jLOQcLhTXVRNrgnfes1qsoMmxmWMICk3t5p361_20dBRQ5kJG3zoXSnuTyl_nFimsQbKtA5V1nJMQYH0J6AL2n5Q3GuP7ZtjP4znMgISiDxYcWzdmAq81Y59LVfZ-Qf2/s4000/20240210_163649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNW-TguY6K91kFKmdlnHY1Ur_4e7sP_cHS9js89Anvcgg_pbv0sfumy58GRA7jLOQcLhTXVRNrgnfes1qsoMmxmWMICk3t5p361_20dBRQ5kJG3zoXSnuTyl_nFimsQbKtA5V1nJMQYH0J6AL2n5Q3GuP7ZtjP4znMgISiDxYcWzdmAq81Y59LVfZ-Qf2/s320/20240210_163649.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>On a recent hike I took some...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqKOLKe9W7kwjIOxFvHVfy_gWqIIX7La7-Fbu1YtKfycA5TjCM-Wew_YXZBy_RefHWSzhv1ibH_z7Zcelgm8D8pTFzS2DlTQtRk4liNUU5BLzKUG6AZqsb7ZryGa1iRzU3J_CzMzyiXnktINAbrQ4p5AFs8870J_z5tEhILCv6tqwPGVs4G5iwL-_Z9yi/s4624/20240210_183003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqKOLKe9W7kwjIOxFvHVfy_gWqIIX7La7-Fbu1YtKfycA5TjCM-Wew_YXZBy_RefHWSzhv1ibH_z7Zcelgm8D8pTFzS2DlTQtRk4liNUU5BLzKUG6AZqsb7ZryGa1iRzU3J_CzMzyiXnktINAbrQ4p5AFs8870J_z5tEhILCv6tqwPGVs4G5iwL-_Z9yi/s320/20240210_183003.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Put them in the kettle....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUjqN46yQwJjtUNxh-FaB2n5NTQonDPrxHQ2vYcojafLmmzWsM4V4X9p4nznyH35UnjNzv_SrKILRA_MoRpBdxf3EmSLGVVtjq_ZvkhtaKMGKsU67KQ41aVZfxShXkHN4IsMokjZUwrUUsO8L4WySSaCO0N91GD3N3RkjZeRHW1BIZkr16ZZHm1ls7hmp/s4624/20240210_183007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUjqN46yQwJjtUNxh-FaB2n5NTQonDPrxHQ2vYcojafLmmzWsM4V4X9p4nznyH35UnjNzv_SrKILRA_MoRpBdxf3EmSLGVVtjq_ZvkhtaKMGKsU67KQ41aVZfxShXkHN4IsMokjZUwrUUsO8L4WySSaCO0N91GD3N3RkjZeRHW1BIZkr16ZZHm1ls7hmp/s320/20240210_183007.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBekLoc-xLwkQf_6QD5SppEQ9tFrqDYjV-pDiex5LSo3QvSQBYzS_OZS0VIlxLpaATkKNoXg5IAnIZ-Ll00ommNgKmEYekxJy937scGNR1aTgBOviUUZN9oOUmG87qp0q0bsEDTRrba-_uH28SfRh9Qoynzfip7CvVJwpbENFj0qlG_0-Y7jxYl90bfPj/s4624/20240210_183559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBekLoc-xLwkQf_6QD5SppEQ9tFrqDYjV-pDiex5LSo3QvSQBYzS_OZS0VIlxLpaATkKNoXg5IAnIZ-Ll00ommNgKmEYekxJy937scGNR1aTgBOviUUZN9oOUmG87qp0q0bsEDTRrba-_uH28SfRh9Qoynzfip7CvVJwpbENFj0qlG_0-Y7jxYl90bfPj/s320/20240210_183559.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Charred them somewhat...(you, however, might simply want to brown them ;-)) and boiled them with a bit of honey and water. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYglxplEXGzPTJDlFV8cKlKYuiY-tdL27lhvXG6Tyfw09YWVoW7LePZcUJH0s45JyxUNkGkIhBsv7VevKLZrEFCMz-rW4PfVqBr6e_DfIbxzInFKV033F5GxIUIVAck-Qa7sW9DbS7uj8zzNRqaHfRxdETGCGurbZjfXYR3n0btUUTNfUShezxCNmf55J/s4000/20240210_184713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYglxplEXGzPTJDlFV8cKlKYuiY-tdL27lhvXG6Tyfw09YWVoW7LePZcUJH0s45JyxUNkGkIhBsv7VevKLZrEFCMz-rW4PfVqBr6e_DfIbxzInFKV033F5GxIUIVAck-Qa7sW9DbS7uj8zzNRqaHfRxdETGCGurbZjfXYR3n0btUUTNfUShezxCNmf55J/s320/20240210_184713.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The outcome was a really lovely, caramel popcorny tea. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Neb9DF-hWR5j6QW27OQ5mmi6vu-YQ_QOZoh9GcwFBsd7t3sHPV0ZqY8MD6SiLwa04F-Y5R9_Ja7ELTVY30B6sYYiM3Te7uDmuFKOs8UendAFA8baJxUhygH_P63ZTP3qz3Vw8I812hMfq9YWMLKyugg8ZldZJ1shbGyzTxC6oc83TELQwz34Sok_XrPy/s4000/20240210_184909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Neb9DF-hWR5j6QW27OQ5mmi6vu-YQ_QOZoh9GcwFBsd7t3sHPV0ZqY8MD6SiLwa04F-Y5R9_Ja7ELTVY30B6sYYiM3Te7uDmuFKOs8UendAFA8baJxUhygH_P63ZTP3qz3Vw8I812hMfq9YWMLKyugg8ZldZJ1shbGyzTxC6oc83TELQwz34Sok_XrPy/s320/20240210_184909.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>For the second batch I added a heaped spoon of coffee. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXm359njvoHe4ie8h9j4ArTZO7G8_Z5SRE7EbtKTFKqWweUfhOYJ2cC1iiatfUXBRwRNWl4OARLHsv8KQ8O0Eytsbtazjr-0nqAFhC8SrqNB3QfiZjD4OtiefdjoxzRVdgWy8py_y588Oyx2RjtSWrfcI2GfNO017xdxAnAQkxuYCm89wo7VqfRCcAwce/s4000/20240210_185420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXm359njvoHe4ie8h9j4ArTZO7G8_Z5SRE7EbtKTFKqWweUfhOYJ2cC1iiatfUXBRwRNWl4OARLHsv8KQ8O0Eytsbtazjr-0nqAFhC8SrqNB3QfiZjD4OtiefdjoxzRVdgWy8py_y588Oyx2RjtSWrfcI2GfNO017xdxAnAQkxuYCm89wo7VqfRCcAwce/s320/20240210_185420.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Turned out delicious, too. It would most certainly go well with Chaga or acorn coffee as well. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-15390821422144449002023-04-18T23:44:00.002-07:002023-04-18T23:47:16.796-07:00A different take on Slöjd knives <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbNdK-ctvgO_6wu90UvbLdB8-gnwwlGCQAgy-I-p4toSw-oVvHc5_p0YDstGNcpcBMsQpOPJJGeq36M2wt2ZktkMy1kiTp8l-UbDwjGvmotZJtylpRbgV4Nu8kUi7VQOna3wOoVcm1reH4U_7qjUgX7MVLZbl5rGPoCBF9K9xIkP5k_o8BheQRpE5HA/s5056/DSC_8359.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbNdK-ctvgO_6wu90UvbLdB8-gnwwlGCQAgy-I-p4toSw-oVvHc5_p0YDstGNcpcBMsQpOPJJGeq36M2wt2ZktkMy1kiTp8l-UbDwjGvmotZJtylpRbgV4Nu8kUi7VQOna3wOoVcm1reH4U_7qjUgX7MVLZbl5rGPoCBF9K9xIkP5k_o8BheQRpE5HA/s320/DSC_8359.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The magic troll and myself ordered some slöjd knives. Fact is, when we go out into the woods, a lot of the stuff we do is slöjd. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now there are a lot of people, still, and they are becoming even more numerous these days, who buy stuff that is labelled "Survival". You know my stance towards the marketing hype. No, it is not exclusively so, and well, I own Cold Steel and Fjällkniven and Böker stuff and it performs pretty well considering those are essentially prybars. But actually, while I have always said that survival as such is pretty much based on instinct and a lot of knowledge, this has been enforced (pun intended 😜) by several encounters with Ukrainian refugees. Who walked through some sixty kilometres through woods and dirt roads frozen solid in minus thirty degrees with a pot of boiled potatoes, a kitchen knife or a pocket knife and a suitcase, with both hands occupied with the little ones. Now one can safely say that Ukranians are of a harder breed than we sissies can even imagine, but this is also due to us living in a candied world of dreams. If you need to, you will be resourceful. The more you know, the better, obviously, but we need to stop believing in illusions. It is dangerous. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Ka - Bar is called a Ka-Bar because it is an abbreviation for to "Kill A Bear". I have often heard that since I was a kid, and as a kid, I really fell for it. My kid's knife was a Ka - Bar copy, actually not that bad, but ridiculously long for what I did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recently, and keep in mind that my thoughts are with the guy and his family, an Italian runner was attacked by a momma bear, with fatal consequences. It was a relatively small bear, nothing compared to American brown bears or grizzlies. And you do not kill a bear with a knife without getting possible fatal wounds period. If you get close enough, the bear will hug you, and you do not want that. You win a fight with a bear with high - caliber firearms or not at all. Period. But in Europe, a fatal encounter with a bear is about as probable as being struck by lightning, and even if it is really a tragedy, there also was an insane amount of bad luck involved. Like getting hit by a widowmaker, which is actually far more probable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or a topic that often comes up is self - defence, and well, I have elaborated a lot about that already on this blog. You don't win a knife fight. It is nonsense and if you find that notion romantic or even desirable, you might want to consider getting psychological help. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Which leads me to the question, well, what is it then that we do with a knife. Bushcraft? Camp chores? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, like it or not (I clearly do not), a lot of knives are illegal to carry in Germany. And only but recently knife bans have been identified as antidemocratic by the High Court of Administration in Berlin - with no effect at all. If it serves the political charade, there is little even the judicative can do. Also, there is no such thing as legal wild camping or lighting an open fire in the woods in Germany, which in times when draughts get ever more common makes perfect sense for a change. You are not permitted to cut down a tree, if you want to take any amount of anything sustaining you as provision for over a month, it is prohibited. You can take dead wood, but we are talking a stick, not timber. The Bushcraft that takes place elsewhere in the world is nonexistent or illegal and can cost you dearly or even put you in jail in Germany or you have permission by the authorities, the landowner (and even if you own the property you need permission, actually you have the right to toil and sell the timber) AND an invitation. If you want to collect timber, you need to apply for a permission, that has to be paid. Not all of this is bureaucratic chicanery and some of it actually makes sense, but even sitting in the woods whittling a spoon can be illegal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Camping is permitted on official campsites. A lot of those really are kind of cheap hostels without a roof, some of them are, actually. Of course they cost you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, realistically speaking, you do not need a huge Survival knife in Germany if you are not an operator, soldier or hunter. You are allowed to go hiking, and that is that. You can collect herbs and mushrooms (but only a strictly limited amount per outing) and you can carve a dead stick. If you have permission, you can also take a strictly limited amount of timber, which, even if you are the owner, is defined by the authorities. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, well, essentially all you can do is a bit of mushroom hunting, foraging, small whittling projects and prepping a snack. Some forest officers tolerate you setting up an alcohol stove for a brew, but little more, and actually that is illegal, too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the tasks at hand I love my Moras, as I said countless times. They could build an entire farm (if it were not illegal in Germany 😜) if you complemented them with a saw, an axe and a chisel. They also look quite civil and a police officer will, most of the time, believe you if you say you need them for whittling. My love for Moras has not faltered, but I am fairly intrigued by these new kids on the block. ☺️ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These knives are made for www.mehr-als-werkzeug.de, aka Dictum, a German corporation. The handles are beech wood, which is quite a no-nonsense approach. The blades are made by Laurin Metalli of Finnish provenience. They are roundabout 3mm thick and come with a high Scandi grind to zero and are, very consistently so, tempered to about 59 HRC. Steel is 80CrMoV (L6), which is a good choice for a slöjd tool. The carbides in the steel make the edge holding capability almost equal to my Moras. The blades are a bit wider than the Moras, but the difference is marginal and doesn't impair detail work too much. The handles are good and comfy and do not have any bigger hot spots. The finish is a bit rougher than on the Moras, and you need to apply some wax, oil or varnish before use, but if you are not a musician, you should not get any blisters. The bolsters are made from steel, apparently, or painted brass. They just cover the front part of the handle and do not offer additional support to the half-tang. The Moras will be a tad more robust. Out of the box, all of the knives came shaving sharp and polished to a relatively fine hone. Delicate work, but also roughing, was a cinch, also over extended periods of time. I also bought a sheath for the bigger one, since it would also make for a decent belt carry. It is well and nicely made, but doesn't have a welt or liner, which maybe will limit its life span. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As a conclusion one can safely say that while the Moras are still a tad more robust, quite certainly those tools are no-nonsense options for your slöjd roll. They are a little better in deep cutting and a bit better for more delicate carving. For sensible tasks, they are maybe all you will ever need in German woods. Complement them with a more sturdy full tang bushcraft knife, a hatchet, adze, chisel and saw, and you could build a village with them, just like with the Moras. Also, they come in at about 30€ each. For a tool that good this is a right bargain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, well, you might want to add them to your toolbox. </div> <p></p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-48380773673707658332023-04-18T00:11:00.001-07:002023-04-18T00:11:23.946-07:00Some thoughts on a traditional knife <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lISYpiYZf1FNR7JSqbjzvnF5HUj4-ZGWDyDRJJV66pSaiF8clGRT7VF6SrMonL87VKlWNNVn2RRb-0NxUp4C_S_2WjxkepmBJD1xxgG4reKaZbL0iqq2wpa_SOgwFExUrqqGQkkYztzfRl3soOm2Z29z_LfUlKA75MMY3G_Ma6a4QlU5mfXY6_zKxw/s5056/DSC_8253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lISYpiYZf1FNR7JSqbjzvnF5HUj4-ZGWDyDRJJV66pSaiF8clGRT7VF6SrMonL87VKlWNNVn2RRb-0NxUp4C_S_2WjxkepmBJD1xxgG4reKaZbL0iqq2wpa_SOgwFExUrqqGQkkYztzfRl3soOm2Z29z_LfUlKA75MMY3G_Ma6a4QlU5mfXY6_zKxw/s320/DSC_8253.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Some days ago I got a package from www.otter-messer.de. I am actually a huge fan of the corporation. Do not get me wrong, they do not offer display queens or collectibles. They offer traditional craftsmanship with a reasonable quality for reasonable prices. I already have one of their "Hippekniep", which is known in France as "Mineur" and prominently known elsewhere as "Sodbuster". Because this is what it is. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyBq6nXKNzFaWiVh2t3MJi7_SdaB1zX08o-JaTyo0jWkrmmyds5Mj6PXURjMUJpK9QbA0f0x_rs254OXnrqt4dP6i5IRsBgHZAAjEFJN2QNDFnO9VxUjs9Zat_Re7WCDM149RfyaTCkD6ykanHD9C4i1wt_meGbMRsiro2pM5jko5HwjlX4L5772bfw/s5056/DSC_8255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3792" data-original-width="5056" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyBq6nXKNzFaWiVh2t3MJi7_SdaB1zX08o-JaTyo0jWkrmmyds5Mj6PXURjMUJpK9QbA0f0x_rs254OXnrqt4dP6i5IRsBgHZAAjEFJN2QNDFnO9VxUjs9Zat_Re7WCDM149RfyaTCkD6ykanHD9C4i1wt_meGbMRsiro2pM5jko5HwjlX4L5772bfw/s320/DSC_8255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In Germany, the knife was really common with miners, farmers and working class people. Locking versions were often referred to as "Notschlachter" (emergency butcher knife). To understand this, one must know that most miners, locksmiths and smiths also had a small garden and kept chicken, a goat and /or rabbits, because first and foremostly, food was not as readily available as it is nowadays and secondly, their salary in the heavy industry could not pay for luxuries as food. I mean, they had to be glad to have work, innit? 😁 The knife would serve as a tool to butcher chicken and rabbit, for repairs in the house and garden, and for eating. Like the "Henkelmann" (double pot), it was an icon of the every day toil of the common people. <p></p><p>The Nether German name "Hippekniep" is pretty interesting in itself. It is commonly translated as "goat knife", because as I said, a lot of the common people had goats for milk. In Nether German, a "Hippe" also refers to a goat. It is, on the other hand, also a name for a billhook used for pruning trees. There is a special kind of bread and household knife with a sheepfoot blade that is called "Hepchen". The shape is found with small paring knives as well as bread and chef knives. With these applications, the word might be cognate with the diminutive "Häppchen", which refers to a bite - sized morsel in Germany. This leads me to the assumption that in this case, it is not referring to the goat, even if it looks plausible at first, but rather derives from Old Nether German *hapan or Gothic *hepjan, which has the meaning of hewing or dividing into parts. "Kniep" is Nether German for "knife", and you can see the close relation of the two words. If you want to follow my assumption, "Hippekniep" would mean "cutting" or "hewing knife". Actually it will not do well in hewing, but we will see whether or not it cuts... ☺️ <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg_xvDhqHkFqEik_JhiDH5DCAYFlBEeL3VGxkHS7P5dNFCm17Eb1grjCyRWJu4kjwU05bpmS4Eq0RX1mWCoWmeb9ysm1aPovoo23qsy2VlmI246oo9uz2w8IvouobOQRPBAU3ZGAGVpy2uuEE8OKy6P0rDW-LqntN928Y2xWRKdS3Ep1j2lF5MFHHeg/s5056/DSC_8256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3792" data-original-width="5056" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg_xvDhqHkFqEik_JhiDH5DCAYFlBEeL3VGxkHS7P5dNFCm17Eb1grjCyRWJu4kjwU05bpmS4Eq0RX1mWCoWmeb9ysm1aPovoo23qsy2VlmI246oo9uz2w8IvouobOQRPBAU3ZGAGVpy2uuEE8OKy6P0rDW-LqntN928Y2xWRKdS3Ep1j2lF5MFHHeg/s320/DSC_8256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Out of the box, it came shaving sharp. The handle is made from locally sourced and smoked oak. The liners are made of thick steel, the slipjoint spring is rather stiff. Bit of a pain in the arse to open with cold fingers, but great stay. The knife came with no play and is put together with a big steel rivet, which looks sturdy and has no hotspots. All pins are made from steel. At the end of the handle there is a small (4mm)lanyard hole, without a brass tube or anything. Actually I am not quite sure if it is a good idea. It is not that the blade will cut into the lanyard if you close it, but it will if you push it the slightest against the spring when you close it. Some old Hippekniep I saw often had no lanyard hole at all, or a ring, often handmade by the owner, threaded through a smaller hole. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXc__rHyRm-x9vNddhJySEzuZA8BIMh2t5XqhH39LmyWl4efDZNN05pSPqE0CUoYnBbaBF9_RGAkBOjwXWX-I8rQ1S1V6cCiCBCtgjiv5TUgd1uuHL6a1nr49meTFAkyZrJoKDb2jRImCb5_x3kq_RdTwyioJsM8zJyMGnZg_Xx1eYzwu19COPW7MdAA/s5056/DSC_8257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3792" data-original-width="5056" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXc__rHyRm-x9vNddhJySEzuZA8BIMh2t5XqhH39LmyWl4efDZNN05pSPqE0CUoYnBbaBF9_RGAkBOjwXWX-I8rQ1S1V6cCiCBCtgjiv5TUgd1uuHL6a1nr49meTFAkyZrJoKDb2jRImCb5_x3kq_RdTwyioJsM8zJyMGnZg_Xx1eYzwu19COPW7MdAA/s320/DSC_8257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The blade sits in the handle well centered. Overall craftsmanship is more than adequate. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkf0d4884U3b9hFee-tHbj_nKTS9c9e14YjBi-JIhTUx3Z8Fy4Bj2PALUHn4w3g_BEpokMf85UcXQTuG3NjKSZyIJAz4-6sOIwfDBk-onhCSjA5YjhzfHx14fheyhNYuFJdjUDUfkVr-Gtj5mhxzVYEU_UtlexnruENaAi2zCAmYipI426islppvnvA/s5056/DSC_8258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3792" data-original-width="5056" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkf0d4884U3b9hFee-tHbj_nKTS9c9e14YjBi-JIhTUx3Z8Fy4Bj2PALUHn4w3g_BEpokMf85UcXQTuG3NjKSZyIJAz4-6sOIwfDBk-onhCSjA5YjhzfHx14fheyhNYuFJdjUDUfkVr-Gtj5mhxzVYEU_UtlexnruENaAi2zCAmYipI426islppvnvA/s320/DSC_8258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The blade is made from C75 carbon steel, tempered to 56-58 HRC. This is not exhausting the hardness potential of the steel at all, resulting in a very resilient blade. It has a high convex bevel to almost zero. Thickness above the edge on mine is just 0,2mm, overall the spine thickness is 2,3 mm. The blade is 98mm long, making it possible to cut a piece of bread without too many crumbling. ☺️ <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcxBDIFkbdAfuvHWCV6EalWM0v1Njke6fSfx0GqdSS33hLgKpP0WZwISYLLYmKREJ2Fg0So6XVEqevfh3_h_-Argd20JlT558OoaEOsX8Hc0GhbaxCPQ1XsUXQM9RV1xapk_qJB8PDdUd82TzGijEM6UM8qziNo_yBtLIXIHYSt1M5ED2hJ6tyqOtzA/s5056/DSC_8259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3792" data-original-width="5056" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcxBDIFkbdAfuvHWCV6EalWM0v1Njke6fSfx0GqdSS33hLgKpP0WZwISYLLYmKREJ2Fg0So6XVEqevfh3_h_-Argd20JlT558OoaEOsX8Hc0GhbaxCPQ1XsUXQM9RV1xapk_qJB8PDdUd82TzGijEM6UM8qziNo_yBtLIXIHYSt1M5ED2hJ6tyqOtzA/s320/DSC_8259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I took it to the woods, and while it obviously is no specialized carving knife, it did surprisingly well for a slipjoint. The stay of the stiff spring adds safety. I would very much like some half stop, but alas for production line efficiency, this will not come to be. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1TmzfMM2UJ5gL_a7XOGTIdggFJszJI4Tz5dRfxlqU5YzxxvA3oBTJuI14OIbJZj7WczILOp5MWXsPZOWN8uYJ_B_a16TVYqa43ymu182z0GoEcSMB-lchM2lBH0A8m_INK5_kAJDCf_os3VNew1rU9T7z8BLhEjP-VOVPJ96MXMNbTrApG4J082ZTQ/s5056/DSC_8281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1TmzfMM2UJ5gL_a7XOGTIdggFJszJI4Tz5dRfxlqU5YzxxvA3oBTJuI14OIbJZj7WczILOp5MWXsPZOWN8uYJ_B_a16TVYqa43ymu182z0GoEcSMB-lchM2lBH0A8m_INK5_kAJDCf_os3VNew1rU9T7z8BLhEjP-VOVPJ96MXMNbTrApG4J082ZTQ/s320/DSC_8281.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztQYXGUUPfW64y35Q2-mO9TkTaSLw8T7A0TsdQx20ebuj8rNfcT2P2APA1I2O4T_oJ7yo05urmN-FOz_CGJDf1Ba8APfhsgWAU4A1TiYcdjwc2pl1gV01PARQr74r19CqCGRMDNy6vK-uADE54-_vpoRwo-wQRL6ruB5dItzxyXs3koEAP8XKfaPn6w/s5056/DSC_8282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztQYXGUUPfW64y35Q2-mO9TkTaSLw8T7A0TsdQx20ebuj8rNfcT2P2APA1I2O4T_oJ7yo05urmN-FOz_CGJDf1Ba8APfhsgWAU4A1TiYcdjwc2pl1gV01PARQr74r19CqCGRMDNy6vK-uADE54-_vpoRwo-wQRL6ruB5dItzxyXs3koEAP8XKfaPn6w/s320/DSC_8282.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even more delicate work is well possible if you know how. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-uwz7-ZmaWFtg6NJnTasV8LYcHfYIaQWKEZmCYRhpbDgF0ekn4y4AjwD6U_Mi0z-Szwuq3y_PoDbs6Ub3VDBj93A8q7pNvWvdoATGNN2uBm34Cs3b7xGBS8nNLLFmu-U6_23l5quhjSe8KdiIE-q9egwaYIqWqkiXt5vO-_yrZ-mktQqblZdN7xkDw/s5056/DSC_8291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-uwz7-ZmaWFtg6NJnTasV8LYcHfYIaQWKEZmCYRhpbDgF0ekn4y4AjwD6U_Mi0z-Szwuq3y_PoDbs6Ub3VDBj93A8q7pNvWvdoATGNN2uBm34Cs3b7xGBS8nNLLFmu-U6_23l5quhjSe8KdiIE-q9egwaYIqWqkiXt5vO-_yrZ-mktQqblZdN7xkDw/s320/DSC_8291.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The knife really shines when harvesting vegetables and preparing food. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFjvLfd3UIbyMo8vV4mDWT2G0gkEe6iFxXi7mlDm-lUuFd0gK9yGhtQVYtDI0IwdMmskakmBjUxlRV3IO3HYXQOvrwuKXHWApbmjHBVuBK3vUXySRZ1uqX-A4VDQLK4-A4x14o5p6D9KGvTUzSZOsRMub2lQe5n4tZr1anLWeKhFiFkUzJykMYkHrFg/s5056/DSC_8293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFjvLfd3UIbyMo8vV4mDWT2G0gkEe6iFxXi7mlDm-lUuFd0gK9yGhtQVYtDI0IwdMmskakmBjUxlRV3IO3HYXQOvrwuKXHWApbmjHBVuBK3vUXySRZ1uqX-A4VDQLK4-A4x14o5p6D9KGvTUzSZOsRMub2lQe5n4tZr1anLWeKhFiFkUzJykMYkHrFg/s320/DSC_8293.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>It is also a wonderful eating knife. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZy-5q2dxzT8BkcQdwCLKUeGQishx-YM4Qfxq3RZNV0cJusw1hGwewG-XlE6ImJ4wFe2DuGkCZhUdv-KJ0e6UmLiQG08cD7q8Dj2EVbEZ6EkUiETn85kyUlq6RGqUdIK9NL2h5EpIXDs_AHNgsFciPggXdMBci31PTU9oXQz3uKmgrVOWs3CVd6LIaAw/s5056/DSC_8294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZy-5q2dxzT8BkcQdwCLKUeGQishx-YM4Qfxq3RZNV0cJusw1hGwewG-XlE6ImJ4wFe2DuGkCZhUdv-KJ0e6UmLiQG08cD7q8Dj2EVbEZ6EkUiETn85kyUlq6RGqUdIK9NL2h5EpIXDs_AHNgsFciPggXdMBci31PTU9oXQz3uKmgrVOWs3CVd6LIaAw/s320/DSC_8294.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Snacking is a cinch, and it adds flair to your rustic snack board dishes. It would also be a great companion to a BBQ or to a steakhouse dinner. <p></p><p>It is obviously no specialized bushcraft knife either, but you can strike sparks from a ferro rod and prepare awesome feather sticks. The spine can be used for scraping, but you need to be careful, it is a slipjoint knife after all. But it is a really valuable companion for foraging herbs and mushrooms, and it also doesn't scare the shite out of people if you use it in public, quite the contrary. </p><p>In Germany, it is available for less than 80€. If you are looking for a sturdy, reliable and sensible tool for the house and garden which is a legal carry almost everywhere in Germany and has a built - in legal reason and a long history, well, buy it. It is not a display queen, but it works. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-83587542989619699452023-04-15T06:07:00.002-07:002023-04-15T06:08:06.202-07:00Experiment with Hyourougan <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hyourougan are so - called "hunger pills" in use by the famed Shinobi of ancient Japan. They are actually a military ration for scouts and spies, half power bar and half medication. It is fascinating, because as soon as you manage to leave behind the prejudiced Western view of "Ninja" throwing Shuriken all over the place, a whole world opens up, a lifestyle even, that has to offer a lot for modern day bushcrafters and outdoorspeople. In fact, a lot of the stuff we do is actually quite similar to the Shinobi lore. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let me put something straight first, though. I have, while I have received a tiny bit of training in Bujinkan art long ago (three weeks immersion all in), I am not even a beginner in the art, and I do not make any such claims. I have never received any formal training. Recently a Sensei told me that my lifestyle were similar and that I were on the right track with my mindset. This was an honour, that I want to live up to, but he also told me that I am a bit fat and clumsy. And he was right, of course. I am not a Shinobi and I do not want to make such a claim. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next thing I have to put into perspective is that these Hyourougan are not cookies. They are an emergency food. There are a lot of different recipes from different schools of Nindo, and this is an educated guess at best, and we modified it according to our understanding, which is based upon more than a decade of learning and transdisciplinary scientific research, but as of today can only be limited. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our version of Hyourougan is rather strong and if you take blood thinning medication or have cardic or cardiovascular problems whatsoever, please consult a doctor beforehand. We would you would rather obstain from eating these altogether. We disclaim all liability, and for the same reason we will not offer you precise measurements. Also, the recipe makes for an aphrodisiac, and we also disclaim all liability for any adverse effects caused by this either. Actually I tell you a story for entertainment purposes, or at least I would like you to see it that way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That said, it has been quite a journey. I first heard of this food in 1990 and have been fascinated ever since. I dismissed it as a myth and an exaggeration for years, because, well, while I love a good story, the world is full of supposedly top secret martial arts manuals and self-proclaimed masters who learned their art from the last descendant of the family in a hermit's cave near the mountains of Shambhála. But in the early 2000s, I heard of the Bansenshukai, and while it is disputed whether or not it is a fiction, in that case it is an informed one and serves a good purpose in that it can help to question one or the other prejudiced view of the "Ninja". It was there that I first heard of Hyourougan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Actually the concept of a food like that, easily transported and high in calories and maybe medicinal properties, is pretty commonplace. From the 1700s hardtack to modern energy bars, from Tolkien 's Cram and Lembas to German "Lebkuchen" and "Panhas", from Black Pudding to Native Turtle Island Pemmiigáan (I hope I got that right) to modern political food substitutes, the examples are legion. I spent years in academic libraries to find out more about it, and I do not regret one minute of all the work. And do not get me wrong - I still have not seen one tenth of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was with the advent of the Internet and academical online catalogues that I got that bug bad again and realized those "hunger pills" were for real, and that there are several recipes around. Actually I must admit that learning Japanese, as I first intended to in order to be able to read the originals, turned out somewhat of a bummer, because I really had to struggle on top of all the other struggles. Cudos to the magic troll, by the way, who has been at my side all these years and has always supported my weirdness. I sincerely hope that this is mutual. I hope that I live up to the respect and love. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Actually, not being able to read Japanese lead to us having to heavily rely on secondary sources, and so we had to evaluate the information with our knowledge of plants and their chemistry. Since we do not need to write a literary evaluation or essay, but the whole point was recreating the food in the first, we took several original recipes in order to understand the principle of it. Yes, that is a rather alchemist approach, but well, you are reading the rumblings of the madman Fimbulmyrk in the first. ☺️ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By doing this, we identified the principle of these rations as follows : Compact, light to carry, very sustaining, and invigorating. This in turn led to an assumption of the following nutrients :Carbohydrates, Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals and contents with antiinflammatory and regenerative properties. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth9q7JNiiSD2mqwFq2D_k7ZQ3Pdllyx-MVPHKBq5Ho-eqmpbjl_TacXghB2UyZsLvowOTNWvdlF2LxaX7zljjzwrDP_NcM-pYn59tBzUN4jKjmxsLBGLwiozW7DF7onIG06VGvqsfDzBleoX1Rz98hJ5_TBUwmOf16TLBnoqvyqwOfN-tkV5H7WMUwg/s5056/DSC_8250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth9q7JNiiSD2mqwFq2D_k7ZQ3Pdllyx-MVPHKBq5Ho-eqmpbjl_TacXghB2UyZsLvowOTNWvdlF2LxaX7zljjzwrDP_NcM-pYn59tBzUN4jKjmxsLBGLwiozW7DF7onIG06VGvqsfDzBleoX1Rz98hJ5_TBUwmOf16TLBnoqvyqwOfN-tkV5H7WMUwg/s320/DSC_8250.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>So, I guess you heard enough mumbo-jumbo for now and are maybe stoked to learn what is in that green goo. ☺️ <p></p><p>The base is a mixture of glutinous and Yasmin rice, a lot of nettle seeds, a lot of ginger, pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, green tea (Matcha), a sensible lot of Taiga Ginseng, finely ground, mixed with Sake, sesame oil and paste, peanut butter and honey. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMNjrOl8vo1BZnhNgmgBVsZE_pNSW4-aD79KtgquBPp9kEJfbaH9bnXnfSiV1JnCNiVsPezuKP0ivoOYOu9L7CfqRvab62t4Vz4G38URxws8lkD7n7XAZhdBQMe95YrBnQiTzVTWI0Xv_Gu3qfU_NHxq_qVcwFGwT-D-GEpgkj6BJhQgWGEoB3w5bIA/s5056/DSC_8252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMNjrOl8vo1BZnhNgmgBVsZE_pNSW4-aD79KtgquBPp9kEJfbaH9bnXnfSiV1JnCNiVsPezuKP0ivoOYOu9L7CfqRvab62t4Vz4G38URxws8lkD7n7XAZhdBQMe95YrBnQiTzVTWI0Xv_Gu3qfU_NHxq_qVcwFGwT-D-GEpgkj6BJhQgWGEoB3w5bIA/s320/DSC_8252.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Actually it is important not to overheat the mass, so we just rolled some balls and cookies from it, which we dried at 50°Celsius in the oven for two hours. <p></p><p>The Japanese sources counsil to take three cookies per day to keep you going in an emergency. </p><p>I tried them, of course, and I found it important to drink enough water with them. Both the Ginseng, the nettle seeds, ginger and turmeric have diuretic properties, so it is important to drink enough water. </p><p>Plus, the ingredients stimulate your sexual energy, if you so will. It is taught in several schools of Meditation how to transform this energy into "power". If you are not capable of doing this consciously (which I can), you will not be able to use the food to its full potential but just be left more or less horny. Also, if you are a woman, it will not work that way. Nettle seeds are then only highly nutritional for you. If you want to try this, you would have to add about double the amount of, say, seeds of the wild carrot. Also no suggestion, by the way, and mentioned exclusively for entertainment purposes. </p><p>The Shinobi also carried a sort of candy, named Suikatsugan, in order to suppress thirst, which might be necessary if you have no water, because the Hyourougan can make you a bit thirsty. </p><p>The next experiment will be making a milder version of Hyourougan, and after that we will try out some Suikatsugan. ☺️ </p><p>Watch this space! </p><p>You can also give our Instagram Account a visit in order to get some Info on new experiments, which will be published here. </p><p> It is Acweorna_Craft. </p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you for your patience and your visit! ❤️ </p><p> </p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-35052687396834191942022-10-01T14:24:00.000-07:002022-10-01T14:24:09.249-07:00Winter is coming ?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2_D_CzbZscdpV8rcC_N15zQLgpbecGikwDjpQxj8CfCQ9lzoy1aF79bR_nC6Y_ms6qmwY1uIjqIdcRaEdsfO3G_HTUNY_8wdnQInWZKeDCRu6zWIeuT-xuZ4OaSSmPrOQy33bt0gp5yhAwYnsokQlewbU8DEv-GD8JdFbojFqgIoJrfj0H-GXdLaNg/s5056/DSC_9668.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2_D_CzbZscdpV8rcC_N15zQLgpbecGikwDjpQxj8CfCQ9lzoy1aF79bR_nC6Y_ms6qmwY1uIjqIdcRaEdsfO3G_HTUNY_8wdnQInWZKeDCRu6zWIeuT-xuZ4OaSSmPrOQy33bt0gp5yhAwYnsokQlewbU8DEv-GD8JdFbojFqgIoJrfj0H-GXdLaNg/s320/DSC_9668.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>They say it. They urge us and nudge us, everywhere in the Media. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They talk about the "hardest winter in the history of mankind". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this is obviously bullshit again. It is a lie. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, it may be very cold, at least over here in Germany. Because of high treason, but noone calls it that name. And to be honest, well, I do not care much any more, because I have shit to do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, food will be scarce. The 'rona will reign supreme again. The storms will take down entire cities. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But trust me, we will be fine. We will cope. If we stand together with the people who want the right thing. If we stop believing the lies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are not superior to nature. We are part of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is no such thing as eternal growth, not even the eternal life they so much crave, while their idea of it is some kind of Zombie existence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Living is more or less dying eloquently. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But there also is only one thing we say to the God of Death :Not today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because today is summer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because today we need to savour all the goodness. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENVOd-YrMXADQWv5_oCyhuUwSnzuhS13wtrnxmsWu0u7MHhUzBqrO8io2tG0J_xEJJknlkBaXHWldwEzxL9Vjw0NPBJCfC3mBM6fSMkk8mekL5q-um4dOtTLyK2I3eF0qH4vdxyLDnjtMIbwwSRY7N3AX04qM1JrkC6nbkhhE4wgVmoGQsl-sPwB6Gw/s5056/DSC_9368.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENVOd-YrMXADQWv5_oCyhuUwSnzuhS13wtrnxmsWu0u7MHhUzBqrO8io2tG0J_xEJJknlkBaXHWldwEzxL9Vjw0NPBJCfC3mBM6fSMkk8mekL5q-um4dOtTLyK2I3eF0qH4vdxyLDnjtMIbwwSRY7N3AX04qM1JrkC6nbkhhE4wgVmoGQsl-sPwB6Gw/s320/DSC_9368.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is a secret and many secrets and none at all. It is a doe in the thicket. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DEUbuTTqaJcXrmMtK8LMPufDq7LjBlepyblK4DwHBMJ8HciU_ZteaFhRXLN_Q1K1zcF7NciDkS1ZppB9bxN3gviDJNLCLqLN2JrzFHVNUkD6nof8LjcnxtAvJT47BHgEEQgvkZrQfTrXipE8PTDGPXP7S5QhtXxpluxrUb_3L28gp7npdxFPe9vl2Q/s5056/DSC_9634.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DEUbuTTqaJcXrmMtK8LMPufDq7LjBlepyblK4DwHBMJ8HciU_ZteaFhRXLN_Q1K1zcF7NciDkS1ZppB9bxN3gviDJNLCLqLN2JrzFHVNUkD6nof8LjcnxtAvJT47BHgEEQgvkZrQfTrXipE8PTDGPXP7S5QhtXxpluxrUb_3L28gp7npdxFPe9vl2Q/s320/DSC_9634.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>It is sitting on a hill carving away. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2u9u1aA3PJCwYnm9YgZQxdJNjJsnL9ihM3CAwP8E9aUKtUz6uTYLwBVghkFnOCtydPSDN7edcYv2G273OA2zR82LaP39Y6ci9uqKQqzfSjIpuMCZ2KxQAeKWTqGVcp3VD1pIe_8aMMO3wunvnKygdcQ8TYEBSFpF0FNpA1OpObCOhjYxWGPvwTaPVxA/s5056/DSC_9641.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2u9u1aA3PJCwYnm9YgZQxdJNjJsnL9ihM3CAwP8E9aUKtUz6uTYLwBVghkFnOCtydPSDN7edcYv2G273OA2zR82LaP39Y6ci9uqKQqzfSjIpuMCZ2KxQAeKWTqGVcp3VD1pIe_8aMMO3wunvnKygdcQ8TYEBSFpF0FNpA1OpObCOhjYxWGPvwTaPVxA/s320/DSC_9641.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>It is raspberries and strawberries and wild plums and blackberries and herbs. And we need to take away the feeling and the scents and all that summery goodness as well as the berries and herbs and roots. We need to conserve the food as well as the feeling for the hard winter ahead. But please do not fall into the trap of the "Survival mindset". We will need that, do not get me wrong. But we will need fond memories and food that is actually tasty and good. Conserve your food with love and care. Take your time. If you think you don't have any time, well, you would be astonished how much time I waste on social media. And I don't have a TV. You can put that time to better use. Smell the roses, go foraging, keep some chicken or maybe even a goat. Work in the garden, go swimming, too. Dance naked in the woods and under the stars. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesne0I0PGND_p_C5kft6fSUqtyGb4kciiNFiioZ8yqeGP74c9T0_Xf_2X-ZffkZVmc79XCRvj72YVr2NOPJOeQpn4U9C6kfxioiF8ZhkNlKiZKDCNTIWQU4GZDLVsUjEjocbGPTh6kH8nzF9b44nDxz2lw3qGCXHRiB18tibGJK0S_Z0u9oZoboYhtw/s5056/DSC_9644.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesne0I0PGND_p_C5kft6fSUqtyGb4kciiNFiioZ8yqeGP74c9T0_Xf_2X-ZffkZVmc79XCRvj72YVr2NOPJOeQpn4U9C6kfxioiF8ZhkNlKiZKDCNTIWQU4GZDLVsUjEjocbGPTh6kH8nzF9b44nDxz2lw3qGCXHRiB18tibGJK0S_Z0u9oZoboYhtw/s320/DSC_9644.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Relish in all the fragrance and the wonderful colours. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdEw3CtRmn5ki5qyQ7xrSn8vD0zNhuQ6Lr-38UGVg7CZIYMoynbNRlgKIM6_x8dYHcO68Qh6mI-KURHSgsA8wm3Tss2icgTcCNjgTd-QSBpWjK93Z37cO3_TzzMcMtAPt5jw_u8dQVT-NTN1NJCcjUOmsquzLxB9HRubqYYqFzK7iO8oTRqPAHnqbbA/s5056/DSC_9654.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdEw3CtRmn5ki5qyQ7xrSn8vD0zNhuQ6Lr-38UGVg7CZIYMoynbNRlgKIM6_x8dYHcO68Qh6mI-KURHSgsA8wm3Tss2icgTcCNjgTd-QSBpWjK93Z37cO3_TzzMcMtAPt5jw_u8dQVT-NTN1NJCcjUOmsquzLxB9HRubqYYqFzK7iO8oTRqPAHnqbbA/s320/DSC_9654.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Have fun learning new skills. Make, don't buy, if you possibly can. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyizMZfghj-To26LUx0LcOzS59QmCvE0TUUNtvhxUGGnzsRdwIFurbAmTYKzpQTz_wDWU46NV9SAY-92m8Zz6vbLyiKdzRZ6d28GaICZaTUSAYtc1Mkb-sIDAgZsWP8mWSkcjhjFOqOInSWrQmlgws-SH8PB092EaLTXFEHKewozYa3P_nQY2qLZCz-Q/s5056/DSC_9671.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyizMZfghj-To26LUx0LcOzS59QmCvE0TUUNtvhxUGGnzsRdwIFurbAmTYKzpQTz_wDWU46NV9SAY-92m8Zz6vbLyiKdzRZ6d28GaICZaTUSAYtc1Mkb-sIDAgZsWP8mWSkcjhjFOqOInSWrQmlgws-SH8PB092EaLTXFEHKewozYa3P_nQY2qLZCz-Q/s320/DSC_9671.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Dream. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUOWDzW6ndwUEeiYCGNQ9WKhpFPHHG9RmJv3Z7019OMe0JT6qHyULiqQTBYfM8B-UtmwitLHiH6dB2p1vJx8ruCCTGIOcsVSK2uEYwSJsMVGYWbOCpCBbvUnsRN_sD00irZaRS1ARZcW6acpR-7jV1e3BrF6O7b3zbyI4WKLQ882EQnJyedBZKI-QOQ/s5056/DSC_9652.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUOWDzW6ndwUEeiYCGNQ9WKhpFPHHG9RmJv3Z7019OMe0JT6qHyULiqQTBYfM8B-UtmwitLHiH6dB2p1vJx8ruCCTGIOcsVSK2uEYwSJsMVGYWbOCpCBbvUnsRN_sD00irZaRS1ARZcW6acpR-7jV1e3BrF6O7b3zbyI4WKLQ882EQnJyedBZKI-QOQ/s320/DSC_9652.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABck4_RnlLLbBbFvShJyPKCYH3oMwPuO0GO8NSemgKjsduEaI2HraGhWuIWwgn2xIRwovnqlJIQn9svba5iUPczkRV-Mpwj2zSr1sohZe8Ka6Irq5tqgwfInmfs1_eOjYHn1NlhWKVhlNKSZKnazigGOWcLCJff1OpdHQy6EzB9Ju34LUgCHQ6HoL5g/s5056/DSC_9623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABck4_RnlLLbBbFvShJyPKCYH3oMwPuO0GO8NSemgKjsduEaI2HraGhWuIWwgn2xIRwovnqlJIQn9svba5iUPczkRV-Mpwj2zSr1sohZe8Ka6Irq5tqgwfInmfs1_eOjYHn1NlhWKVhlNKSZKnazigGOWcLCJff1OpdHQy6EzB9Ju34LUgCHQ6HoL5g/s320/DSC_9623.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsCOCa0EnqugtIIflOz1_Gxtsl_KrnSy8zWB-yMWSTflsR4_8IYeIeBG9GSPonhSZlRWAWpNU-XrXMU-MBzFqGeRZnCW9Bc_3vb16awtJSATxcqCWtxk1ywu4Hoa7c-Y30jFlwcl-SAqwirbdHFCR_YklECX9VJ-bTNjMLCQ5sNvhDxZ-ceHOvx84vQ/s5056/DSC_9648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsCOCa0EnqugtIIflOz1_Gxtsl_KrnSy8zWB-yMWSTflsR4_8IYeIeBG9GSPonhSZlRWAWpNU-XrXMU-MBzFqGeRZnCW9Bc_3vb16awtJSATxcqCWtxk1ywu4Hoa7c-Y30jFlwcl-SAqwirbdHFCR_YklECX9VJ-bTNjMLCQ5sNvhDxZ-ceHOvx84vQ/s320/DSC_9648.JPG" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg178BCrSlxfJTHrVxdwjwHip0XTkiDqo-28QDoF2OW6cSvB6F1Rol-uAvOsQ3NXAnUYk9LvwG3kJ7UpWJtFcs_d1W_z0aO5kw0ep6LMpmwCoAFTCGYsvHDF1fel_NsPco82-_h1CCeai6rIxjEO6lu4zCp2FQRykhDWp5Xf10ztlubFlGV1ACv8amM2w/s5056/DSC_9615.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg178BCrSlxfJTHrVxdwjwHip0XTkiDqo-28QDoF2OW6cSvB6F1Rol-uAvOsQ3NXAnUYk9LvwG3kJ7UpWJtFcs_d1W_z0aO5kw0ep6LMpmwCoAFTCGYsvHDF1fel_NsPco82-_h1CCeai6rIxjEO6lu4zCp2FQRykhDWp5Xf10ztlubFlGV1ACv8amM2w/s320/DSC_9615.JPG" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHI6TIEJlNlJBIASL4GNaNb89sCykIdSA6Puo02D9eW-Eoun8gClj9ADl8VL2gU0GHQT7fjdw7kPQae9b-LDuBmxjF18EETJ4kEmb4nYrzR0fT4kS6--AmoJ4ZaozXtsOAXrGUW-UF31ebLHIAG-m1_5RCB8s1CRMlexacPRYbRbqHRSUT4D2TbaAzQ/s320/DSC_9669.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /> <p></p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-14362973365905517682022-07-01T18:14:00.001-07:002022-07-01T18:17:42.787-07:00Chicken of the woods <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kWv9wIH1ZvurwniMNg4y-VNPzidMGPC7X97Bn1SaZDPS3Xkjlep66S2CMhSFXdXH2ACi2Oms-u8it-sPEmDXz1y_t1GkMW89rlsvKTBGMEFG8Y3-szPYPfXs4-O3Mb3U1jNvPIeA2JqHAa8mi_3SKqJb8BGxpaGUFPJCaOMIdlhK9X_CSpa1pp1PRg/s5056/DSC_9223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kWv9wIH1ZvurwniMNg4y-VNPzidMGPC7X97Bn1SaZDPS3Xkjlep66S2CMhSFXdXH2ACi2Oms-u8it-sPEmDXz1y_t1GkMW89rlsvKTBGMEFG8Y3-szPYPfXs4-O3Mb3U1jNvPIeA2JqHAa8mi_3SKqJb8BGxpaGUFPJCaOMIdlhK9X_CSpa1pp1PRg/s320/DSC_9223.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> I only but recently made a really welcome discovery. Long story short, that funghus in the picture is Laetiporous Sulphureus (chicken of the woods, in German Schwefelporling). It is a delicacy that tastes and feels a lot like chicken meat, so much in fact that I can really recommend it for anyone looking for a meat substitute. It grows in large quantities, and as with many other funghi, grows more abundant with the forest problems due to climate change. It grows in brackets up to 45 kg in weight. It can be dried and frozen and then keeps over long periods of time. It is reputed to have antibacterial properties. It can be used as a natural dye, too. I found mine in early summer, and dried some for my stock.<p></p><p>Short story long, I learned about it first... well, in a situation that might be called one of those Fimbulmyrk stories. </p><p>First things first, I have that appointment with the local hunters, the bureau of forestry affairs and the landowner that I virtually can do anything I like (as long as it doesn't involve fire or any silly stunt such like in the local woods, an appointment I very much honour, respect and like, because, well, I would be in a bedlam if I could not sit in the woods the way I do. Deal is that I have a bit of a lookout after those woods precious to my heart, too, which I find self - evident. </p><p>Now I was on a bimble, when I smelled something I do not want to smell at any time in the woods. </p><p>Smoke. </p><p>Looking around, I saw it rising from a thicket nearby. Actually I felt a bit relieved when I saw three people near it. </p><p>Now, well, actually I think while not everyone should be permitted to have a fire in the woods, I also very much understand why someone would want one. And it is not the same if some ghetto kid sets the whole area on fire or an experienced woodsman makes her or himself a brew. Well, living in a shithole of a city, if you can even call it a city still, I very much had my fill of ghetto kids, and will bear the scars of telling some of them off all the rest of my life (they had to bear the consequences, too, of course, but I still do not like that), so I was less than enthused. </p><p>Getting near the fire stealthily, but also trying not to look too threatening, but keeping my Shillelagh at the ready, I realized it was some elderly guy and two little girls. </p><p>They had a pan sat on the small cooking fire, which was built very cunningly to be small but effective, and there was sort of a stew simmering away. </p><p>I introduced myself, and it turned out they were Ukrainian refugees, two kids with their grandpa. They simply did not know it was prohibited in Germany to light a fire in the woods. With a lot of gestures, a translation App and more smiles and respect we agreed that they finished their cooking and then extinguished the fire. I agreed not to call anyone. </p><p>Actually, we got into a really nice, if somewhat complicated conversation. It turned out the old fella was a very experienced woodsman (who sorely missed his home forest). The only German sentence he knew was "Ich kenne Pilze sehr" (I know mushrooms very), and I personally think someone with these priorities cannot be that bad a character. It also transpired that he simply forgot to bring salt and spice. Well, I was on my way to the old man (Fritz) and had a truckload of wild garlic in my backpack, and there were ground elder and ground ivy growing abundantly in the vicinity. I also had made a cutting board from elm just before the encounter, which I gifted to them.</p><p>It all ended that I made a spoon for myself and we all sat around the pan enjoying a delicious mushroom stew together.</p><p>I whittled some fast gypsy flowers and a heart for the girls, and they went arse over tit out of joy for it. We extinguished the fire together. When we parted, we hugged, even though we will most likely never meet again, as friends.</p><p>Message, by the way.</p><p>And that is the story of a new bit of knowledge I learned. Chicken of the woods. Tasted delicious, even without salt.</p><p>Next message, by the way. ☺️ 🤣 You might be able to find out yourselves. </p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-63279395900252413712022-07-01T17:12:00.001-07:002022-07-01T17:14:59.138-07:00A spoon and a pouch <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_FwMCn1UH1zQnHFszhWbvj8UTNVVHPiGaDcJsUMY8TXPrjS44DRHTUjHS3nvDMp0lGY5oEbAwKatCTwhke81Bbu8Uy_5D1bVmmXqbZNo3UIxYxq_lNWbfbQqT0JybfXlc0fQ8ksXdSXGzMhuEfCsFj6aHumY2ReDgs-24xpKRq-4FFsThNoSDYzlNQ/s5056/DSC_9228.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_FwMCn1UH1zQnHFszhWbvj8UTNVVHPiGaDcJsUMY8TXPrjS44DRHTUjHS3nvDMp0lGY5oEbAwKatCTwhke81Bbu8Uy_5D1bVmmXqbZNo3UIxYxq_lNWbfbQqT0JybfXlc0fQ8ksXdSXGzMhuEfCsFj6aHumY2ReDgs-24xpKRq-4FFsThNoSDYzlNQ/s320/DSC_9228.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> I have been doing a lot of small bushcrafty projects lately. I find it is soothing to my mind to know how to create things out of nothing. <p></p><div>Do not get me wrong - I know perfectly well all of the stuff I know is not relevant. I am just biding my time. I am waiting for death, nothing less, nothing more. No so - called "Survival skills" will save us. There are a lot of people knowing a lot more than myself. But all of us are inevitably doomed. The lunatics ruling us will make sure of that. Nuff said.</div><div><br /></div><div>But how I spend the time until they finally pull the trigger, is none of their business, not yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Making things in the woods makes me happy. Of course they do not want anyone to be happy, so I try to be as happy as possible. Maybe this is childish, but I do not care. I do not do this against anyone, but for my soul. Just because I have the custom not to soil it with their swamp, if not because I believe in something greater. Something good. Who knows? It is not fashionable to believe in anything anymore, but I am an old fart, so I am entitled not to be fashionable. </div><div><br /></div><div>I made myself a spoon from elm wood. Actually I have fallen in love with this wood. I love the colours and the oxidation. I also tried my hand at some Kólrosing, which did not yet turn out too well, but could be much worse, so actually I really like the outcome.</div><div><br /></div><div>The little pouch I just made to practice the technique. It is made from bramble splittings weaved together. After plaiting, I gave it a quick oiling to keep it flexible. I still have to learn a lot, and that is a very good thing, because it keeps my mind off things. </div><div><br /></div><div>The "Nessmuk" I made some years ago. It is made from spring steel with a selective quench and temper. Scales are desert iron wood with mosaic pins. It is a bit of a controversial knife, having a spine thickness of almost 9mm at the handle (albeit with a distal taper towards the tip). For the length it is a very able chopper, but it is also a very heavy knife. Having fallen in love with Moras again I find it stays at home more often than not. Actually it also cuts quite nicely, but it needs to get some getting accustomed to it, mainly when carrying is concerned, but still. It is a monster, and actually overbuilt for what I do these days.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, it still is a very good feeling to make things out of nothing, to be even able to do so, in these times, and doing it with tools you yourself made from junk noone cares a runny shit about. </div><div><br /></div><div>Message. ☺️ </div>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-4980567102520272162022-06-15T14:35:00.000-07:002022-06-15T14:35:41.211-07:00Salt flask WIP <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTok9edkW8l9HUISdw2Sp-sj5q1LDS0iKrJFfLl46L7_-_Y4y-8S43diBDRQNvUnuVja5VetwBuvgL4BwEe9IvD3lVBRbPQ982iEmdsb9Gx76BnKIAzNwAyg7BjyylF7sd3NG-dL1yPCmZBbk30ZzedU-8hFYmNnw16Z54sHDOWBD5AtB-9FLg-DjuA/s5056/DSC_9279.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTok9edkW8l9HUISdw2Sp-sj5q1LDS0iKrJFfLl46L7_-_Y4y-8S43diBDRQNvUnuVja5VetwBuvgL4BwEe9IvD3lVBRbPQ982iEmdsb9Gx76BnKIAzNwAyg7BjyylF7sd3NG-dL1yPCmZBbk30ZzedU-8hFYmNnw16Z54sHDOWBD5AtB-9FLg-DjuA/s320/DSC_9279.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div>In the woods I found me a piece of deer shank (taken with permission, of course) and thought I would make me a salt flask. I sawed off the joints with the saw of a Victorinox locksmith SAK. <p></p><div>I fitted a piece of elm into the bottom, leaving it a tad longer to facilitate carving. Since it was fresh elm, make sure you really have to whack it in (you might want to wrap the bone really tightly with wire or cordage before, because it might split. If you possibly can, use dry wood for the bottom.</div><div><br /></div><div>Glued it in with pitch glue. Carved a stopper from boxwood with tarred cordage for a seal. Carve a recession into it, fill that with tar, wax or glue and wrap the fibres or cordage around it while the glue is still hot. Let it cool, cutting off the excess cordage or fibres. </div><div><br /></div><div>Et voilà. </div><div><br /></div><div>Salt flask. ☺️ </div><div><br /></div><div>The decoration is made from charred elm bark in kólrosing technique. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now off to decorate that bone. ☺️ </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-83278630499308901122022-06-14T18:08:00.003-07:002022-06-14T18:12:37.258-07:00Insanity <p> The title of the post is insanity.</p><p>You know perfectly well, why.</p><p>I do not need to go on lengthy about that. Because, well, who cannot relate to the fact that we delve ever more and ever deeper into its dark depths?</p><p>Life has become shitty. For you, for me, for most people on Earth, and it is not a secret that it is deteriorating.</p><p>You don't need me to tell you that. I do not like to dwell on that. </p><p>But there is hope. There is always hope. Never forget that. We will be fine. </p><p>We just need to stop believing in do-no-goods, banksters, hipsters and politicians. </p><p>Actually, I do not have a political alternative. I have no idea how we can solve all that shit going on in the world. And I can safely say that I have and had no part in it. But that is not helpful, either. I can only say what it is that helps me, and you might guess it. </p><p>It is the woods, of course. I find I am spending more time with trees and deer and foxes and hares and robins and thrushes, owls and eagles, bussards and salamanders, toads and axolotls, trout and badger and what have you than I do with humans. And if you do this you realize two things. The first thing is, how toxic the world of humans really is. The second is that it does not matter. Because just fifteen minutes in nature have a great and soothing effect on your soul. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiT0T_pfgOywE2_9dEOrKln8ASOOBM9Q1TDNOHTR4lLyizHe0aVdgRfxPeCk36VwHOtNuLF-OneUjy61P2avhcvTfCiSSHJ5iA4njDXL7Zd3LrFWFH59CLi8nigcicY8_K5bVY21xP_IjU4ytiwQDsvMg_yG4fTDusZmpLmK6cr8ww0RfrUTltHrP2vQ/s5056/DSC_9355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiT0T_pfgOywE2_9dEOrKln8ASOOBM9Q1TDNOHTR4lLyizHe0aVdgRfxPeCk36VwHOtNuLF-OneUjy61P2avhcvTfCiSSHJ5iA4njDXL7Zd3LrFWFH59CLi8nigcicY8_K5bVY21xP_IjU4ytiwQDsvMg_yG4fTDusZmpLmK6cr8ww0RfrUTltHrP2vQ/s320/DSC_9355.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyAQ5n-inn2mRwCR1rCpzfPK7VjMLxDsh6yHqccevVfXZJybUYzETxOPtTY6I5KSY7EJKjLATBzHhNZ8lStBZ3c1iklH_p2zjBGTLg0pHEPkBzwvgdYxNI8wl8PDQolA9FN6mB4KAz1F3sOX8MjFsad-eapfFkrjLHhqqGOJYn5dq5rwYicoCVBSc7A/s5056/DSC_9356.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyAQ5n-inn2mRwCR1rCpzfPK7VjMLxDsh6yHqccevVfXZJybUYzETxOPtTY6I5KSY7EJKjLATBzHhNZ8lStBZ3c1iklH_p2zjBGTLg0pHEPkBzwvgdYxNI8wl8PDQolA9FN6mB4KAz1F3sOX8MjFsad-eapfFkrjLHhqqGOJYn5dq5rwYicoCVBSc7A/s320/DSC_9356.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I often sit in the woods carving myself a spoon or what have you. I give myself something to do. I keep learning a lot, every day, and it never ceases to amaze me how much there is still to learn, and that is a very good thing. I concentrate on that. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmavmnKNol2KNXIA9H3pV6OU9ZeUMlzmdFKWoPQ8i37HA8AfxREE3Lr_8Z_vk3BrY_mxzso385GowpPnCPaRU9uGjLfh_zzAEVCuNkpz3uJlIE6rQhEGMiER-b9lM7kS-YxqkfekuPRbY27I-o3RJ4xOErHqhMdVMTmDfUnRzDIrT17phIpNvMY54xA/s5056/DSC_9395.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmavmnKNol2KNXIA9H3pV6OU9ZeUMlzmdFKWoPQ8i37HA8AfxREE3Lr_8Z_vk3BrY_mxzso385GowpPnCPaRU9uGjLfh_zzAEVCuNkpz3uJlIE6rQhEGMiER-b9lM7kS-YxqkfekuPRbY27I-o3RJ4xOErHqhMdVMTmDfUnRzDIrT17phIpNvMY54xA/s320/DSC_9395.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>And, on my oftimes nocturnal bimbles, I keep meeting dear (or was that deer? 😁) friends. Since we treat each other with mutual respect, well, at times that guy still shies, and I sometimes scare him just so he does not forget humans in general are dangerous, but last time he actually came closer. And tried to boop me with his snoot. Which felt otherworldly good. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZDu2cWVUt6vLYXq-deqhmFfAY1V4pS4tMv1I2z8AlE85UhOmjD7x1X6W3Y85Mmeqvm5e2XBOtsyI6Xz-IMCYrfDN9DNDuxuaGSWvwFs8ClaWLE4o_yWbLHUjf1eJrSmqSmO6P0-n5GyYjF1CTrEoHASgTkmfW8Js671V4sBj_py_OnJMspNlUHsCeA/s5056/DSC_9368.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZDu2cWVUt6vLYXq-deqhmFfAY1V4pS4tMv1I2z8AlE85UhOmjD7x1X6W3Y85Mmeqvm5e2XBOtsyI6Xz-IMCYrfDN9DNDuxuaGSWvwFs8ClaWLE4o_yWbLHUjf1eJrSmqSmO6P0-n5GyYjF1CTrEoHASgTkmfW8Js671V4sBj_py_OnJMspNlUHsCeA/s320/DSC_9368.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSVvF-i7i1IlQ2YHvdtv3QHd-mO8jzDzY9MRBk8BRRkvVv7V38TRstV1Ei1K2nI0cy1Sjoob4nWW5pvfCUF9T357ZdpR4uiswtDYYkPu6q_7XhDVabT7s-pgfFMYeXE2ICelMpZlH6azCnbrBZbWn6iM6v2eGt7bYYA0W1YYfL7sBjzOCShiK5fgJDg/s5056/DSC_9367.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSVvF-i7i1IlQ2YHvdtv3QHd-mO8jzDzY9MRBk8BRRkvVv7V38TRstV1Ei1K2nI0cy1Sjoob4nWW5pvfCUF9T357ZdpR4uiswtDYYkPu6q_7XhDVabT7s-pgfFMYeXE2ICelMpZlH6azCnbrBZbWn6iM6v2eGt7bYYA0W1YYfL7sBjzOCShiK5fgJDg/s320/DSC_9367.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaFiDJHIjBoM5n_l8Qt_DltKHmtgHaleE0EdOggEdCRIhfFTVkgoxdNvYeusmDU6rVTj-rB0rU1F0xTAe-d2eqkvOWVosyfiUttR8DmGdYtszmtTae0BMV5xugxuwcDaP5LLbzJYlNmUH-J0KvW3GXLYa1SyOUQKKVV3fOGlzlkleAmVmYgVKnIPmYQ/s5056/DSC_9375.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaFiDJHIjBoM5n_l8Qt_DltKHmtgHaleE0EdOggEdCRIhfFTVkgoxdNvYeusmDU6rVTj-rB0rU1F0xTAe-d2eqkvOWVosyfiUttR8DmGdYtszmtTae0BMV5xugxuwcDaP5LLbzJYlNmUH-J0KvW3GXLYa1SyOUQKKVV3fOGlzlkleAmVmYgVKnIPmYQ/s320/DSC_9375.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"My" birds are raising their offspring. And I feel right at home with them. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE_a5X31hw1d8vnu0-5FjQ7EKYwrA8xJDf_8xS0ES4AcN-3N5Ec5DlQOlslYH2PZbrlaSxMK6paf3Io5UrarUMS04fJn_DPNF-RfKQtlMq39OGxzG0nTjZ5rgyZkOi6MDnN-FXS2nIS76TG8mF8Y1z8FWbdgQJbjjXBOd1i0MQxQvHcTYyH_4cG4BXQ/s5056/DSC_9398.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3792" data-original-width="5056" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE_a5X31hw1d8vnu0-5FjQ7EKYwrA8xJDf_8xS0ES4AcN-3N5Ec5DlQOlslYH2PZbrlaSxMK6paf3Io5UrarUMS04fJn_DPNF-RfKQtlMq39OGxzG0nTjZ5rgyZkOi6MDnN-FXS2nIS76TG8mF8Y1z8FWbdgQJbjjXBOd1i0MQxQvHcTYyH_4cG4BXQ/s320/DSC_9398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>What is happening in the world right now is of course deadly serious. Its power, however, lies in your despair. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is hope. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stop believing in this world of mankind. There is a world out there. And it takes place (amongst some other places) in the woods. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It takes place (amongst a lot of other places) in the woods. </div><br /><p></p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-52831426120901086112022-06-14T17:36:00.002-07:002022-06-14T17:37:53.017-07:00Mora Garberg review <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7lGPeQy5iHNT-4xss0HnofESBNmFc5X52C37udz0vBtECygVidkglBaqGBuQaJ4XllBMQCM7-CsYF9iGM0zz-r-MpFf_172PpUd8rfSvaxwOfp8pYCtaLUcOtLKZ_dApt5EYRoL5nJ1FcB5l0H5AgF1nOF2Xpcj1zDwdctUGahJKr4fiFdcVuQoHLg/s960/FB_IMG_1655251815386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7lGPeQy5iHNT-4xss0HnofESBNmFc5X52C37udz0vBtECygVidkglBaqGBuQaJ4XllBMQCM7-CsYF9iGM0zz-r-MpFf_172PpUd8rfSvaxwOfp8pYCtaLUcOtLKZ_dApt5EYRoL5nJ1FcB5l0H5AgF1nOF2Xpcj1zDwdctUGahJKr4fiFdcVuQoHLg/s320/FB_IMG_1655251815386.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> I got myself a Garberg Carbon, courtesy of www.westfalia.de, who offered me a deal I could not resist. And actually I was a bit shocked by its performance.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Do not get me wrong. I am a knifemaker myself, and while I do not do beautiful, and am my own worst critic, over the years I have learned to make some pretty decent blades for myself. I also do quite a bit of bushcrafty things, nothing fancy, and I am living that way, not doing it, if you get my meaning. I do a fair bit of woodworking and whittling, too. I own a great many knives, and the Garberg always reminded me of the Fjällkniven F 1, and I have next to no funds, so I always was a bit reluctant to buy a knife with a similar concept to that knife.</p><p><br /></p><p>I was wrong. How wrong I was. ☺️</p><p><br /></p><p>The first shock I was in for was when I was first given the package. Now I own quite a few Moras, and maybe that sounds nuts, but all of them have that special Mora feeling. You all know what I mean. While they still feel rock solid, they have that light "carry all day without noticing" feeling and the a very nimble balance. When I first took up the Garberg, I nearly dropped it, it was far heavier than I expected. This is not a criticism, by the way, I was just taken unawares. Balance point is a bit behind the index finger. Mora could better this by machining out the hind part of the tang a wee bit more to bring it a bit further towards the index finger to make it even more dexterous, but this is complaining on a very high level. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyHGMJgQCqnQPRWXniiWfzTCC4zYYxXc9t-1o_6tHRINtpXwO_YQ8mNXEB87y331W27WDYpE38x8S57WcbqJ3Ya5mqs-WKtfGRSeicwOChKIYtMmS_zDwujeiS0eb85TUSMlMNWl8gDEvcR_7RPxcp8zBoe4u2CmVTSFoH0W3fo1GEmaotXeANcTYZA/s960/FB_IMG_1655251815386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyHGMJgQCqnQPRWXniiWfzTCC4zYYxXc9t-1o_6tHRINtpXwO_YQ8mNXEB87y331W27WDYpE38x8S57WcbqJ3Ya5mqs-WKtfGRSeicwOChKIYtMmS_zDwujeiS0eb85TUSMlMNWl8gDEvcR_7RPxcp8zBoe4u2CmVTSFoH0W3fo1GEmaotXeANcTYZA/s320/FB_IMG_1655251815386.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZH_2XB7PVatD_qJPE7C8eDfu55Q0XiCoRTpu7J-p7wAxCyIKbT0Qfekox3oAfm8uGDnikCXw9zXTTnCX0I8mMMawNy-SBu-8oYYRYl_FHlCtmXcZ9-2T7bXmmPYa5KlOxWNPzqhzT7DgXVgYKE3220ZxPnvbi0v6DyHu0973lJq9XYGNgq4vEZZmug/s960/FB_IMG_1655251861425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZH_2XB7PVatD_qJPE7C8eDfu55Q0XiCoRTpu7J-p7wAxCyIKbT0Qfekox3oAfm8uGDnikCXw9zXTTnCX0I8mMMawNy-SBu-8oYYRYl_FHlCtmXcZ9-2T7bXmmPYa5KlOxWNPzqhzT7DgXVgYKE3220ZxPnvbi0v6DyHu0973lJq9XYGNgq4vEZZmug/s320/FB_IMG_1655251861425.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The package, by the way, comes with a sustainability certificate. That is Mora for you. Gotta love them.</p><p><br /></p><p>Straight out of the box, sharpness left something to be desired, but just three strokes on a strop fixed that. After that it was scary sharp. Not just shaving, hair popping away in every direction. Awesome.</p><p><br /></p><p>I harvested Chaga with it and rammed the tip into a piece of aged birchwood and levered it out sideways. It was not even warmed up by that kind of abuse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RIJLfkta6InBfyzKsinFRtsgjO89StH-kS30-4HPdIZns5w0UpKqW822ScQqcXBkyg28fhZGdru48tT_CwzArPT_QmhkUdclyKtXlZQ1E6mmbIvkE5aFEs9AwIQKh5eW6DOLt0FHtcefYwdN8a59SSaQ_p4w5gF2H2yXXuTw1nA3bd1i6oaFn_21aw/s1080/FB_IMG_1655251913167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RIJLfkta6InBfyzKsinFRtsgjO89StH-kS30-4HPdIZns5w0UpKqW822ScQqcXBkyg28fhZGdru48tT_CwzArPT_QmhkUdclyKtXlZQ1E6mmbIvkE5aFEs9AwIQKh5eW6DOLt0FHtcefYwdN8a59SSaQ_p4w5gF2H2yXXuTw1nA3bd1i6oaFn_21aw/s320/FB_IMG_1655251913167.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpdnLU45K7ylc_ZXap2YxXQLBGcYgsa3Ox8zBLK9TVoO43BrJbMYbL6EZJfKRE92gsqPuaiKrZzXQz8PnMbxy21AdSsU9T0ayhYuz8kDZ9FL_wgBzhztN9cGj0bqOQsFN8BnkL_V3RKpIsufnxk4uCBi9roJTvwMS1940KHlN4_C7EEUGjX7QbIwogQ/s1440/FB_IMG_1655251919481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpdnLU45K7ylc_ZXap2YxXQLBGcYgsa3Ox8zBLK9TVoO43BrJbMYbL6EZJfKRE92gsqPuaiKrZzXQz8PnMbxy21AdSsU9T0ayhYuz8kDZ9FL_wgBzhztN9cGj0bqOQsFN8BnkL_V3RKpIsufnxk4uCBi9roJTvwMS1940KHlN4_C7EEUGjX7QbIwogQ/s320/FB_IMG_1655251919481.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I chopped antler with it. Now keep in mind that this is a Scandi grind with just a tiny micro bevel. You don't do this to that kind of grind. You simply don't. It came out with no dents or cracks or anything at all. It lost some sharpness, and that was all. You could still do these beautiful wood lock shavings with it afterwards, and in aged boxwood, which is very hard.</p><p><br /></p><p>Actually I carved some twenty spoons with it, processed tinder conk, harvested Chaga and used it in the kitchen, used it as a chisel and a prybar. Of course it is not a kitchen laser, but it is still possible to make see - through onion rings and make short terms of taters, veggies and meat. Of course, due to the thickness of the blade, carrots and celary are split rather than cut, but if you adapt a bit, it also is an awesome knife for field cooking. The black coating is as good as new after all this abuse. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKaYONkcv_n8LlCmG4NgVBJQLDg5AmzDlB3GPc2xLyAEulDbC9E65F5yXI5bGb7X8sT9yJ_U84UreqCSCeGWfQ4WKEPOCLxnAhzjnCBXJIrP4YZkM0aVOjJp4O4OJRZIlI6QlwEUtwMhKWulK47_p9jk3hQk-uJKVzhUkiNT6ePOYmLtMaFj9eXz8ZQ/s1440/FB_IMG_1655251928701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKaYONkcv_n8LlCmG4NgVBJQLDg5AmzDlB3GPc2xLyAEulDbC9E65F5yXI5bGb7X8sT9yJ_U84UreqCSCeGWfQ4WKEPOCLxnAhzjnCBXJIrP4YZkM0aVOjJp4O4OJRZIlI6QlwEUtwMhKWulK47_p9jk3hQk-uJKVzhUkiNT6ePOYmLtMaFj9eXz8ZQ/s320/FB_IMG_1655251928701.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoicxZ6-Pav8rjUgdz2oS75vrTRiYWXOVrCAuzlNEX6SQ3Cjvdd_qzGWMoP5vEjpDEhBkP1lLJus0MPheduC8WOhqvnuBH-VEX9W_lL7J-6fQkITUUY0Nxgxu2PCBsX56y56RnvPliuMbjxDuDh8s4pSrYY1I3U1U_j0uDw0kqjQc_Chxx37aIzSizw/s1440/FB_IMG_1655251936353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoicxZ6-Pav8rjUgdz2oS75vrTRiYWXOVrCAuzlNEX6SQ3Cjvdd_qzGWMoP5vEjpDEhBkP1lLJus0MPheduC8WOhqvnuBH-VEX9W_lL7J-6fQkITUUY0Nxgxu2PCBsX56y56RnvPliuMbjxDuDh8s4pSrYY1I3U1U_j0uDw0kqjQc_Chxx37aIzSizw/s320/FB_IMG_1655251936353.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93tE2YcW9AGNvXSDXsmRALj8PWg777W64dstltwshqD1dAIvNY1ejc2NH6yLrfcKZp3FLdYDaImeusB5dWIhiQECCbNAeXqDh9xlnIe_KVjKvXh5oGScKr3NnFHXXKncJ5ahzvUjoouKpZhnhknsC-9blEjxctVtOsZQADX8_71Mn9o871XCU8HB8IQ/s960/FB_IMG_1655251868958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93tE2YcW9AGNvXSDXsmRALj8PWg777W64dstltwshqD1dAIvNY1ejc2NH6yLrfcKZp3FLdYDaImeusB5dWIhiQECCbNAeXqDh9xlnIe_KVjKvXh5oGScKr3NnFHXXKncJ5ahzvUjoouKpZhnhknsC-9blEjxctVtOsZQADX8_71Mn9o871XCU8HB8IQ/s320/FB_IMG_1655251868958.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />To date, I did not have to put anything abrasive near it. Edge retention is very, very good. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>The handle to me is a really comfortable outright treat. Due to the almost symmetrical shape it also excels at in-reverse power cuts when whittling, which hints of an extraordinary performance when skinning. The blade shape would also excel at that.</p><p><br /></p><p>The sheath comes with a rather coarse diamond hone and a fire steel. Both the spine and the protruding piece of tang are ground to 90°, allowing to use the firesteel with great efficiency. The firesteel snaps into a thermoplastic holder, with an awesome fit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQL-XxhJGoMyH2qgf0WkVslSnqAdKDqoenrAkopjZtwhJtMclCL7wUzaw3pNOD9y4-JyKJu77O40Xk7kJJ_-xymu06yjhvu7drhg3bemAoYoG8yJSAyJf5VeQ4o1WXf5MOadGMFVETY4BAV_FlnHREPHE6QMOV0OCNtxKa3tWgyZf5G1xXQBhbDDulw/s1440/FB_IMG_1655251892121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQL-XxhJGoMyH2qgf0WkVslSnqAdKDqoenrAkopjZtwhJtMclCL7wUzaw3pNOD9y4-JyKJu77O40Xk7kJJ_-xymu06yjhvu7drhg3bemAoYoG8yJSAyJf5VeQ4o1WXf5MOadGMFVETY4BAV_FlnHREPHE6QMOV0OCNtxKa3tWgyZf5G1xXQBhbDDulw/s320/FB_IMG_1655251892121.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklwO4mvi5nG28zMu65x7GU6LIpsd5RHstZx0I-_KDFgR-cJ4vXi7QiRwco_KmR9uBEcZ_9JYKYbsd7D3Qn23UoslUVUJh2swgo7xkl29UfWQq07FvGK_7HW2b3MGuYYLBAU3ONox_0YilseeHtyvfnV0rrCJhm3lN-lHfBqXTJi1HMiU8q6j1IlcEBw/s1440/FB_IMG_1655251878439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklwO4mvi5nG28zMu65x7GU6LIpsd5RHstZx0I-_KDFgR-cJ4vXi7QiRwco_KmR9uBEcZ_9JYKYbsd7D3Qn23UoslUVUJh2swgo7xkl29UfWQq07FvGK_7HW2b3MGuYYLBAU3ONox_0YilseeHtyvfnV0rrCJhm3lN-lHfBqXTJi1HMiU8q6j1IlcEBw/s320/FB_IMG_1655251878439.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>If I need to find anything not so good, it is the retention of the sheath. The knife can fall out when upside down. Given that this is a very, very good knife also in a tactical or military setting, I would suggest Mora could add some kind of mechanical retention device to secure it in these settings.</p><p><br /></p><p>Actually this is the one knife. You can throw a lot of abuse at it and it is not even warmed up. But it is not a sharpened prybar, either. You can still - with some compromise, of course-use it for cooking tasks.</p><p><br /></p><p>I am not impressed easily. But I am impressed.</p><p><br /></p><p>I know some of you might ponder whether to get one. Do (If you can afford it). You will not regret it. I am aware that there are other knives on the market, like the Condor Terrasaur or several Finnish products. They might be good in their own right, maybe better and with a better value for money. I have not yet had the chance to handle them. But this here is not a comparison test, just a review. I do not get paid for it. All I can do is offer you my thoughts on this here knife. And given I have spent a lot of dough on knives, had I had a chance to get my hands on this, maybe it would have saved me some money. Actually, of course, there is a huge gap between, say, a perfectly able Mora companion when pricing is concerned. I, for one, understood the moment I first handled this. While a companion is really tough, too, the Garberg is neigh on indestructable, at least you get the impression. Even to have that feeling in the woods is reassuring and, at least for me, worth one or the other Euro more.</p><p><br /></p><p>As I said, I can really stand behind this product. </p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-67916738706028401602022-01-04T09:11:00.002-08:002022-01-04T09:36:54.858-08:00Leather pouch for a Victorinox Forester SAK <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCKad5mfJlh60dGPBKrmoLSkqLUaRFb8LcqxukaMPaO4TZMlzHpfz-t_-hIylmXKUomYLjHHbaTJDEK1Cr4jsmRNXyoI0MB1sp00zPz0xVCfu6Fa0Fw1_lV34LEMxZzzxrjoP5LzAjIjkNNX8ttwe9onHze65eoUMMmccfJpuuCgWKwSkouZn_Mv_GFw=s5056" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCKad5mfJlh60dGPBKrmoLSkqLUaRFb8LcqxukaMPaO4TZMlzHpfz-t_-hIylmXKUomYLjHHbaTJDEK1Cr4jsmRNXyoI0MB1sp00zPz0xVCfu6Fa0Fw1_lV34LEMxZzzxrjoP5LzAjIjkNNX8ttwe9onHze65eoUMMmccfJpuuCgWKwSkouZn_Mv_GFw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br />Now you faithful readers know that I am a big fan of Victorinox knives and especially the forester wood, which might just about the perfect knife for light bimbles and hikes. So when the opportunity arose for Fritz to get one, I suggested he should fire away. He even got it for free. Now he cherishes a lot, and for fear of loosing it, always left it at home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was when I had a chat with Santa. He immediately put a red cap on my head and gave me even more green clothes and let me use his workshop to make the old man a leather pouch from some thick and sturdy leather. I messed up several times, since I did not use a scheme, but eventually it all worked out. Put some stain on and formed the leather around the knife. Works even when the flap is open. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The joy of the old man when Santa brought his gift was priceless. ☺️ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <p></p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-66868138734741497792022-01-04T08:52:00.002-08:002022-01-04T08:54:03.980-08:00Baton, don't break <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9d9766-3RVEhxdwVZKynOgKnSeTkZFbgu7S6dmxv99TOUnqtGjPn-6zN0EOD9uHjjtmSHVcouzNK4u2JpqJWCBHtwBV1k-ZeFTSg6I5UFzcWpdmnLJm8p3ufG0AmXfN82KuRpf4RrQzJgnDA0syhd3nWoT2lR0txhJGlq3jtrwKo46xZYcPohjWeX6A=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9d9766-3RVEhxdwVZKynOgKnSeTkZFbgu7S6dmxv99TOUnqtGjPn-6zN0EOD9uHjjtmSHVcouzNK4u2JpqJWCBHtwBV1k-ZeFTSg6I5UFzcWpdmnLJm8p3ufG0AmXfN82KuRpf4RrQzJgnDA0syhd3nWoT2lR0txhJGlq3jtrwKo46xZYcPohjWeX6A=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Course we do. We do it all. And there are a lot of knives on the market designed for exactly that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Which means that they are, at best a compromise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am talking about batoning. Of course, the tool of choice is an axe or hatchet if you want to split wood. Even better, a froe. If you have none, you always risk breaking your belt knife, which really sucks. Or you carry around a froe with a tip and a different handle, aka Survival knife. You can find some which are really great cutters, too, no argument necessary. But fact is, batoning puts a lot of stress on a blade. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is how I like to do it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gently tap the spine of the knife so that a crack opens. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi96pBkd-aioq_FbcTIyyshE692TDoAGbgb7sh9opxxdXIlDcXLtrrLFgZYiySuFqFK7IjwOQi9v1GC6sKVwG5zKcbHnGfNiPl6SVDbf-NPYCX50iO1-hBLKW1f6rWOFzVXE1RHEy3tOodP8c_vZp-PRFF_5sAHT5437pZ8fp0otZXJfShxfPoDcyheqQ=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3792" data-original-width="5056" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi96pBkd-aioq_FbcTIyyshE692TDoAGbgb7sh9opxxdXIlDcXLtrrLFgZYiySuFqFK7IjwOQi9v1GC6sKVwG5zKcbHnGfNiPl6SVDbf-NPYCX50iO1-hBLKW1f6rWOFzVXE1RHEy3tOodP8c_vZp-PRFF_5sAHT5437pZ8fp0otZXJfShxfPoDcyheqQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Whittle a glut or wedge. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSsgUwuPZG7iiaFZD44CWhnwDEF2P0FzrZJaMz6WF-9sxE5J7KuXScrDE0ERHkjWQFIWjnG_xWHIveVhJ64yhdWjFKqQi3tBdM1Qo1sWcijb-jZuGfSsYchl2jc9rZgenaANBSVj8JXgWoP_ENAdqwKC_49reRHU65_Ev4LCa9yhPNUDD7kDhwf6Mqaw=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSsgUwuPZG7iiaFZD44CWhnwDEF2P0FzrZJaMz6WF-9sxE5J7KuXScrDE0ERHkjWQFIWjnG_xWHIveVhJ64yhdWjFKqQi3tBdM1Qo1sWcijb-jZuGfSsYchl2jc9rZgenaANBSVj8JXgWoP_ENAdqwKC_49reRHU65_Ev4LCa9yhPNUDD7kDhwf6Mqaw=s320" width="240" /></a></div>At first, insert the glut below the edge of the blade. The knife will then be easy to remove. <p></p><p>With a controlled motion, using one hand to keep the wedge in the crack, turn it towards the top. </p><p>Split the branch with the wedge. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGpaV7YnMOWhP8NcmoRZsJtmskSzzIpzk014tVRQvZOlxdgrIJbotUSdE8WYSHcSq90q6MXxk93obfNbuRMhewFYytO_2rLubQsukte2XnRW7krGYlGUoX4QWmt0xs4YvBYXeDNNHKNf6usPUA5g4k1zmqxH6HnrLE5WHuB8lXQkokTJVSGF2QORYrSQ=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGpaV7YnMOWhP8NcmoRZsJtmskSzzIpzk014tVRQvZOlxdgrIJbotUSdE8WYSHcSq90q6MXxk93obfNbuRMhewFYytO_2rLubQsukte2XnRW7krGYlGUoX4QWmt0xs4YvBYXeDNNHKNf6usPUA5g4k1zmqxH6HnrLE5WHuB8lXQkokTJVSGF2QORYrSQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now you have two halves, e.g for whittling a spoon. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir3vX361NcowtVOEk3JURKklq_A27iPvHo6t1vNCM-JBacn6WlYdz9ePW8I5hZIey_4J9SBsMPrRPGckgINdZ-t8BMjfSWhqiyUTP8WdGX_o62_e3Lpvor5Iydha9kIHLfOY4Xa3qCTFK3FV0jTuMX-LDBDyujG2EmggsEvDBmkI2Pn8nj3MnAZqvM6A=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir3vX361NcowtVOEk3JURKklq_A27iPvHo6t1vNCM-JBacn6WlYdz9ePW8I5hZIey_4J9SBsMPrRPGckgINdZ-t8BMjfSWhqiyUTP8WdGX_o62_e3Lpvor5Iydha9kIHLfOY4Xa3qCTFK3FV0jTuMX-LDBDyujG2EmggsEvDBmkI2Pn8nj3MnAZqvM6A=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><p></p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-30157263433655077482022-01-04T02:29:00.004-08:002022-01-04T02:29:54.815-08:00Still alive, smithing, leatherworking, knives, hatchets and a bit of woodworking-and a very shitty title for a post ,because it is too long 🤣<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCB9dmgj4-r8grociwt1o7o7pCZzB05h9JzkQoXWCS9kh9_wzqhCxEEV9MmTi91-PHyo6vcaPmoKFomu8zNwlqbX9ncczltszsHz0mONQMoiic_tsD_Jag6qCbOfR9GP9xif1NCJ2OwA_VyRtVeXqmdQeJeZ9ePqOhq2hJuubZBKg6v16c1KhERosSpA=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCB9dmgj4-r8grociwt1o7o7pCZzB05h9JzkQoXWCS9kh9_wzqhCxEEV9MmTi91-PHyo6vcaPmoKFomu8zNwlqbX9ncczltszsHz0mONQMoiic_tsD_Jag6qCbOfR9GP9xif1NCJ2OwA_VyRtVeXqmdQeJeZ9ePqOhq2hJuubZBKg6v16c1KhERosSpA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, phew. A long, long time without a Blog post, for various reasons, some of them obvious, some less so. One thing is a technical reason. I am very often in want for Internet connectivity and writing on a smartphone sucks big time, too. Then I am on Facebook and I really underestimated all the work that this meant. I can relate to anyone not wanting to be on FB, even more now that I have personal experience, so I do not buy into the "blogging is dead" mindset. I am an old fart so I am entitled to some geriatric stubbornness. If you guys are still here, awesome. I love you all for this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another, more obvious reason is that I have always been someone with some weird ideas on planning a career. I never got the gist on why the ratrace should be a good thing. I did my part and when I worked, I always did my best, because I wanted to do some good work, not because I wanted to climb a ladder. That has backfired big time during the pandemic. Of course I am right, but that does not buy you food. Of course the ratrace is even now hitting the concrete wall at full speed. I do not need to tell you about the Shitshow going on. You are not reading my Blog because I tell you that the World is shit. It is. We all know it. And it does not offer any of us any resilience at all ranting about it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I daresay, that last year we all strived and struggled to find whatever resilience we could find. I certainly did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And that is what this post is about. We all are a bit like hamsters in a treadmill. Running fast and getting nowhere. And the postmodern capitalist mindset (and mind you, I am still not a communist) is becoming very dangerous very fast, because it has become some sort of pseudo religion. The stock market does not regulate a Virus. Or climate change. I spare you the details. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A lot of people have no other religion or spirituality other than capitalism. This is not meant to shame or criticize them. But it is a truth. Obviously it is my truth, not everyone's. And our leaders and good shepherds, such as those space nerds sacrificing Earth for their megalomaniac Mars Mission dreams, simply eat up the flock instead of guarding it. Nuff said. So it all fails and falters. The System doesn't work. There is no such thing as politics anymore, just Stock market economy and a lot of corruption as has been at the end of all high civilizations in history. It is nothing at all surprising. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But nuff said, we all have to carry on. We need to survive that Shitshow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now you all know that I am not quite fond of the Survival and prepping crowd. Because, of course, you can build a bunker, hoard weapons and ammunition and dry food, the more disgusting, the better. Of course, there is a time and place for this. But that timeline and place will come even sooner the more you cultivate this mindset. It is a paradoxon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But sitting in your bunker waiting for your enemies might help you to survive. Even not necessarily so, but there is a certain probability. But it is not living. It offers no resilience. Because, well, the bad news is that we are all in this together. It is not as simple as "us versus them". And, most importantly, you need a reason not only to survive, but a reason to live. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fear is never a good councellor. It, too, has a time and place, but you need more to stay resilient. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can safely say that I am afraid. I am very afraid. And maybe righteously so. Of course I am. But not all of the time. Of course I avoid people. I wear a mask, I wash my hands and I advocate sensible vaccination. But this post is not about discussing that, either. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I find I really close the doors against the world a lot these days. I mean, it is toxic in more than one sense of the word. In another Post long ago I have already talked about the "civic duty of escapism". I find this really valuable and it gives me a good perspective to actually live. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because I think I have found a way of life that is called escapist. But reality shows us just and even now that what was called reality does not work. There is no such thing as eternal growth. In physics and chemistry, in biology, mathematics and even cosmology, growth at a certain point tends to fall into entropy, and while I am a specialist in neither field of expertise I think that there is no exception from the norm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have a lot of books. I love to read them. I love to think. But thinking things through to the end does not offer me a lot of pleasure these days. You have to stop it from time to time. Instead, I have found it very beneficial to do something with my hands. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crafting stuff has always been a haven and a home for me. In school, I was a weird kid. I have written a lot about that, so I just spare you the details. But whenever I was being mobbed or beaten, the shop in the basement or the woods were my safe space and a place for retreat. I still have not bought a single piece of furniture in my life. I still use the wardrobes and cabinets and shelves I made together with my father when I was nine. They are not perfect and they do not need to be. But every time I look at them, every time I use them, I remember where I come from, what I am and enjoy them. I remember my father and mother and the bad times and the good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When you came down into the basement of our home, there was a very characteristic smell. First, there was a pantry, in the dryest room with a lot, a fecking lot of conserves and food and my mother also did the laundry in it and crafted her own stuff in there. The Workshop had this warm smell, a bit with a vanilla note of the warm shavings from the wood lathe and circular saw, but also the stern and hard smells of various metals, including the somewhat incense - like smell of titanium, and the various smells of lubing, grease and detergents, varnishs, lacquers and paints. But what I really loved most was the smell of wood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We presumeably had every tool man has ever invented. ☺️ And my father taught me how to use a lot of them, as far as he knew, at least. He was often a harsh teacher, but I am really grateful for all the knowledge he gave me. When I think about these times now, I am even more grateful. Because it is the smells and the knowledge of my hands that mean a haven and a home for me. Maybe you have something like that, too. If not, make it. It is not too late. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, doing stuff with my hands is what saved me and still does. And I daresay you deserve some impressions what I was about all of this time. Of course I did a lot more, from foraging to smithing to riding to more sensible stuff. I spare you the promises of upcoming posts, because I might not be able to follow through. But there is enough material. Or would be. I hope you can excuse me if it doesn't work out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv13EG0r0vvcKgZK-xXsOw7LXvR-bYFyRs5mrjDSTf6p2UIP08MX9Pi-lKftVBLleyNDkNiOy9liV_0k6jlovLlFRPrDWd7Zya1wrJz95i-lyHneEXvmCjbfSj7rJTLOL0n-95LmfLcyIM1YJgEXzpvwPrMEVam9AYxvey2aZsfslC7bsF9KcE8aI9QA=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv13EG0r0vvcKgZK-xXsOw7LXvR-bYFyRs5mrjDSTf6p2UIP08MX9Pi-lKftVBLleyNDkNiOy9liV_0k6jlovLlFRPrDWd7Zya1wrJz95i-lyHneEXvmCjbfSj7rJTLOL0n-95LmfLcyIM1YJgEXzpvwPrMEVam9AYxvey2aZsfslC7bsF9KcE8aI9QA=s320" width="240" /></a></div>The knife above is a story in itself. And a good memory. When I was working for Gunnar on the Jagd und Hund Expo in Dortmund, he gave me a load of really awesome Mora blanks. As I already said elsewhere, if I have ever met a hard - working man who was good - natured with awesome manners, style and humour, it was Gunnar. We have not met for far too long. If you read this, Gunnar, "tack för senåste", and from my heart. I have always meant to show him an interpretation of the classic Mora with a bog oak handle. It has taken a lot of time, but, well, here it is. ☺️ I also added a nickle silver ferrule courtesy of Mr. Weber Jun. from www.weberknives.com. I still need to make a sheath for it, but it will definitively be a user. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi14u9D_074AbBSoJ-8BVlLXBuhuKou1LefZ-UvaVl-IGq9OvajxpJes09MHqVia9XxYeaQOxC3bkkYreLBh3Rsd-9B7PBfAd6NAzBOpOQxqkhQrOLgFCYMMvr6uPi0tj1KuWC1VeWNpR7eira8F0mbI0zR5fqUumCKjFd6a2uWzoYAtFj7DuzRPi3zvA=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi14u9D_074AbBSoJ-8BVlLXBuhuKou1LefZ-UvaVl-IGq9OvajxpJes09MHqVia9XxYeaQOxC3bkkYreLBh3Rsd-9B7PBfAd6NAzBOpOQxqkhQrOLgFCYMMvr6uPi0tj1KuWC1VeWNpR7eira8F0mbI0zR5fqUumCKjFd6a2uWzoYAtFj7DuzRPi3zvA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now you guys may know my positions on Moras by now. They are a reality check for every knifemaker worth his shit. It is not easy to best their performance. It is neigh on impossible to best their value for money. I cannot beat their quality... By far, that is. ☺️ This is one of my favourite knives these days. I reforged it from a somewhat silly design of a blacksmith knife I once made from 1.2842 (O2) adding a little bit of extra pewpew to the tempering and grind. Which is almost flat to zero, just a tiny bit convex. Handle is made from birch burr, copper, bronze, and glued in with pitch glue. Which, by the way, works really nice. I am still trying to figure it out, but I daresay, it works a cinch for rat tail tangs like that one. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo0KuJBrpkDgeJ-lGuyS2CfYlIVVa_yTvHuVEewubW7sBIucQLHnHY0OrZy-ika8WOLLn-fkF3JVSXP_1DfDfuLUBpSihuaQl55YTJJDOW6TAR3RVOjXS7x4-jmzAtZGHe3dKIBb461ppcNQO7Ae-h782Czsb5tEP15PVyivyvAYjQfj8xXBAsOxRlQw=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo0KuJBrpkDgeJ-lGuyS2CfYlIVVa_yTvHuVEewubW7sBIucQLHnHY0OrZy-ika8WOLLn-fkF3JVSXP_1DfDfuLUBpSihuaQl55YTJJDOW6TAR3RVOjXS7x4-jmzAtZGHe3dKIBb461ppcNQO7Ae-h782Czsb5tEP15PVyivyvAYjQfj8xXBAsOxRlQw=s320" width="240" /></a></div>This is still a work in progress. A Virobloc from an Opinel, a boxwood handle and a damascus blade. Still needs a bit of fiddling about, and I am still learning how to do it right, but I am really loving it. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNoyJPAOlpZOSMjZ5U8x3GWYNEoeFAUrBJXjYz6G046mxsfpoQD6i5935sLNjFLvBGB88A8ucsoGWbp0giICYKOxvDUkWnO_8LZNJtx0PVQRzYCqnQEOqb3bHl_LavdOHniYxJOz4X5K_aLrQoHk4G9Rgl3ABm-rOA3SNyz1y9z0tbmaOmg0hdPT5_ow=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNoyJPAOlpZOSMjZ5U8x3GWYNEoeFAUrBJXjYz6G046mxsfpoQD6i5935sLNjFLvBGB88A8ucsoGWbp0giICYKOxvDUkWnO_8LZNJtx0PVQRzYCqnQEOqb3bHl_LavdOHniYxJOz4X5K_aLrQoHk4G9Rgl3ABm-rOA3SNyz1y9z0tbmaOmg0hdPT5_ow=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not everything you can do is something big. Sometimes whittling a humble gypsy flower is enough to get your mind off things. Cuppa tree, a simple project accomplished in ten minutes is often enough do regain enough composure to plough on. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieAt64gMD2VRH4hrMcZdCBaBw-iZULjoV6mr0AesrCCa1U2Bnj9fS0WdPq6bfstq8pdb-Y4B6gA9W2n8i_uDZALCO_b0SM7j28GUhUpmsdjrd-mFHrwKaQbNkHW3aKiERex4jdkuNhYabhlQ7XWt_I68DRJu2vEiLnIGRXlG4VJbWI6uC_2X6FXNhvYg=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieAt64gMD2VRH4hrMcZdCBaBw-iZULjoV6mr0AesrCCa1U2Bnj9fS0WdPq6bfstq8pdb-Y4B6gA9W2n8i_uDZALCO_b0SM7j28GUhUpmsdjrd-mFHrwKaQbNkHW3aKiERex4jdkuNhYabhlQ7XWt_I68DRJu2vEiLnIGRXlG4VJbWI6uC_2X6FXNhvYg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div>Just for fun I forged a ram's head walking stick topper out of spring steel. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj68z4HS32yTP3dXztnoFo_W6Un8Q33H7mGNT2ZFNR6MaklGZkMSIo7joSo_-bDEPhZRR3Spo16UVwxWCcb01Qzng0kAYV4zy9vleT7d63RjUSmXM3F4hC9NnytJh1zwvhtjRWtUfZwuiOxPDNY0p_G-JTh1HkSQnO9SMV33-MT8e-Z4mIffxTuyIKCvw=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj68z4HS32yTP3dXztnoFo_W6Un8Q33H7mGNT2ZFNR6MaklGZkMSIo7joSo_-bDEPhZRR3Spo16UVwxWCcb01Qzng0kAYV4zy9vleT7d63RjUSmXM3F4hC9NnytJh1zwvhtjRWtUfZwuiOxPDNY0p_G-JTh1HkSQnO9SMV33-MT8e-Z4mIffxTuyIKCvw=s320" width="240" /></a></div>I also did quite a lot of spooncarving. I still take care of Fritz, the partner of my laid mother. I left this one quite raw so he could finish it. He was enjoying it mucho. And we had a beer. Perfect. ☺️ <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW_JGUb5chyTFCRWiP6BwW0cOgUwWcgV_DZwWTp4f5B5zUYdrGmft6McDTQSO9rXzetuwYo_5w0zlhZXe0O2DSHTIS6Y-vmfVlBj2RIbEGOmX6CxgBOA37U0Id3O6Sty-FnAGr1OSlSrRNmhJBVvSpCa08x4-JbW_oGZ6HsuVEc3JLeS7iKrczsZyivQ=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW_JGUb5chyTFCRWiP6BwW0cOgUwWcgV_DZwWTp4f5B5zUYdrGmft6McDTQSO9rXzetuwYo_5w0zlhZXe0O2DSHTIS6Y-vmfVlBj2RIbEGOmX6CxgBOA37U0Id3O6Sty-FnAGr1OSlSrRNmhJBVvSpCa08x4-JbW_oGZ6HsuVEc3JLeS7iKrczsZyivQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Sitting in dark woods has become a custom for me. I had forged a tomahawk, which is something of a tall Fimbulmyrk tale in itself, for I found a hatchet someone started from crucible steel embedded in the soil. That guy must have given up on punching through the steel, for there were only superficial chisel marks. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz0H6rgjZ0YMIXNHmzPBPLh6773xSsLUNdHM9CFNWqtaJBdVqSa56nY8f_gMnJErYOnNw0NxLgNTK7gH51ivg0SmOgT_dMl94Wd7B8niKiEiwX4QecQDqMMM7s8uN4AkpmiZjWHHre_y7IpInqCvaqjfR2tptuMXv12p5NOpD8KkEkZjG4yaqdPMXRxQ=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz0H6rgjZ0YMIXNHmzPBPLh6773xSsLUNdHM9CFNWqtaJBdVqSa56nY8f_gMnJErYOnNw0NxLgNTK7gH51ivg0SmOgT_dMl94Wd7B8niKiEiwX4QecQDqMMM7s8uN4AkpmiZjWHHre_y7IpInqCvaqjfR2tptuMXv12p5NOpD8KkEkZjG4yaqdPMXRxQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div>I made a handle from some mystery hardwood I found. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJj0nL7f4tjldijDrybngqg2ByN5DJULwphANmgIRXKp3NMXptIIJkZ0AJ5QMnBqB7B0IsDIJ7rSNMEmDGjT0T8TMWVAIZ-nIIVgaVxfIYVU1PTFd8T2WCJPCSCDWfxIaYclu31LbeJgjkRqcBVMQrv087PYaj3fgxhuwY5N7Ee6_N6fLudWlKM9LuTA=s5056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5056" data-original-width="3792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJj0nL7f4tjldijDrybngqg2ByN5DJULwphANmgIRXKp3NMXptIIJkZ0AJ5QMnBqB7B0IsDIJ7rSNMEmDGjT0T8TMWVAIZ-nIIVgaVxfIYVU1PTFd8T2WCJPCSCDWfxIaYclu31LbeJgjkRqcBVMQrv087PYaj3fgxhuwY5N7Ee6_N6fLudWlKM9LuTA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div>This is a ladle I carved very recently. It is made from birch wood. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>So folks, I do not know if you need that, but it is not just about Survival. It is about living. To me, life is good when it can be this way. Most of those things are for free, if you know how to. But even if you don't feel so inclined, a cuppa in the woods goes a long way in keeping you sane. </p><p>Please take good care, stay safe and sensible and don't care about every mumbo-jumbo you hear. </p><p>Hope to write again soon, yours truly, </p><p>Fimbulmyrk. ☺️ <br /> </p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181615116118134089.post-27025661492029380032021-04-06T15:06:00.002-07:002021-04-06T15:07:18.347-07:00That vegan thing .<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3cNRo3MeRyX53a0ai947Dpum_fliEXN4GOs_t5OGLs1FKfeCHmRwKXX7gUU1YwtxiBC8rpAN3mtXA0FCX2io6jUlzqMaBwMPXRoLJQDytCmIJt7GdVZkJrXhDHw61Pe1upKPgy9IMZx2/s2048/DSC_4045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3cNRo3MeRyX53a0ai947Dpum_fliEXN4GOs_t5OGLs1FKfeCHmRwKXX7gUU1YwtxiBC8rpAN3mtXA0FCX2io6jUlzqMaBwMPXRoLJQDytCmIJt7GdVZkJrXhDHw61Pe1upKPgy9IMZx2/s320/DSC_4045.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>These are no steaks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are not even meat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, you guys got the right Blog. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, it is me, Fimbulmyrk. ☺️ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The magic troll, in her usual awesomeness, had made some Seitan. Now do not get me wrong. I have some really big questions concerning veganistic mindsets, as in contrast to vegan food. Some years ago the WHO demanded to substitute every food with surrogates, slowly removing vitamins from daily victualies, and that, while understandeable in the context of ever decreasing Vitamin content in plant-based food, together with claims by the then Monsanto Corporation, now a part of the German Bayer Corporation to dominate the food market with genetically manipulated crop seeds and thusly reaching World dominion (no joke) made me a bit suspicious of buying surrogates, so to say. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now do not get me wrong again. I do not buy into any world conspiracy theories and please do not quote old uncle Fimbulmyrk. It is highly probable, but I really have no evidence either. I am deeply suspicious of any hooray about veganism is all. But I am deeply suspicious of any conspiracy theory as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The soy and surrogates food industry takes up nearly as much space as the breeding of lifestock. If you want to do good (and have a tasty meal), buy locally, support small farming businesses, period. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, for the aforementioned reasons I always was a bit reluctant to try surrogates. Also, I did not quite get the point. If I do not want to eat meat, I simply do not eat meat. ☺️ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now the magic troll, who is an absolute food conoisseur, and, truth be told, so little of a vegan that she gets the golden Patty of honour for veganists on Facebook unfriending her 😁❤️😈, made vegan food and liked it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Truth be told, we both are fascinated with all things alchemy, and that Seitan stuff triggered our fondness hard. Also it is dead simple to make, can be made with few and organic ingredients and is rich with protein. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is not suited for people with an adversion to Gluten. Because that is what it is. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You make a stiff dough of wheat meal and water and knead it hard for some 20 minutes. Then cover with cold water, let it rest (I left mine over night) and then, by adding more meal, add some stiffness back to it and then knead out all the starch. Well, you might not get out all of it, but it does not matter. Cook it for some twenty minutes, then press out most of the water with a cheese cloth or something like that. After that, tear it into strings and knead the strings onto each other several times. It will then very much resemble chicken meat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since I am not a vegan, I put smoked sprout heads and tails into strong vinegar together with salt for a fast Garum which, when used sparsely, adds a nice Umami flavour. I also experimented with fried tomato concentrate with fried wild garlic, roasted nettle seeds. Knead it well in. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-4Jptk7D-pi5cUypyMCbCi3XEEmi6VyJ1wNgDpAo-w97xPPjI6uyUa48h4ctXtaT6uAbbNd-W3o7sAbm-w8QL_dSBuKVD6tsq9JqUYIZ-YAPWhyphenhyphenFiDqdvjx_For1d6gU5DE5XHMVvDbC/s2048/DSC_4069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-4Jptk7D-pi5cUypyMCbCi3XEEmi6VyJ1wNgDpAo-w97xPPjI6uyUa48h4ctXtaT6uAbbNd-W3o7sAbm-w8QL_dSBuKVD6tsq9JqUYIZ-YAPWhyphenhyphenFiDqdvjx_For1d6gU5DE5XHMVvDbC/s320/DSC_4069.JPG" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeR4n9AMdbRkDm88tAvIWqZ-F1HvDlsKGqmeL0pUU9LhHCy0jmsDZ9PvynN23AuEYINyl-6eNK-cNmycKAje87D4gdcLfJPFL358OwE4INn-YtMeKaDYHPjloeiTMIq3KQJxqXGiZdUVL2/s2048/DSC_4068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeR4n9AMdbRkDm88tAvIWqZ-F1HvDlsKGqmeL0pUU9LhHCy0jmsDZ9PvynN23AuEYINyl-6eNK-cNmycKAje87D4gdcLfJPFL358OwE4INn-YtMeKaDYHPjloeiTMIq3KQJxqXGiZdUVL2/s320/DSC_4068.JPG" /></a></div><br /> I ate it with fried nettle leaves, fresh wild garlic and tomatoes, fried walnuts with fried nettle, lesser celandine, wild garlic and ground elder. You can also use chicken spice to make it more chicken - like. Actually it can taste very much like chicken with only a tiny hint of meal flavour. The more Umami you add, the less distinguisheable it becomes from real meat.<p></p><p>For me, it is poverty food, because those steaks cost me from 0.3-0.8€for a whole meal. I also want to try and make "hunger pills" from Seitan.</p><p><br /></p><p>Actually, I will not stop eating meat, of course. But good vegan food is indeed possible. ☺️ ❤️ </p>Fimbulmyrkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00316598554062505274noreply@blogger.com