Wood Tamer Kolrosing Tool

When I first discovered spoon carving, one of the people who really inspired me (and still does) was Adam Hawker @adamhawker1. Firstly, for his amazing spoons, but also for the incredible kolrosing work he does on them.

Through following Adam, I also discovered the wonderfully crazy and ridiculously talented Liesl @rivchicawarrior.

Liesl has been incredibly generous with her time and knowledge, sharing pretty much everything she knows about kolrosing with me. One of the interesting things I've learnt is that there are different approaches to how people use their tools. Liesl is a pusher and Adam is a puller. I'll leave you to go down that particular rabbit hole!

All of this has helped inspire the development of our very own Wood Tamer Kolrosing Tool, made for us by our friends at Strongway Tools.

The tool features our premium black wood handle, with eight gently faceted sides and a swell through the middle. At just 10mm at either end and 18mm at its widest point, the handle has been designed to sit comfortably in the hand while offering control for fine, detailed work.

The 50mm hand-forged steel blade features a 6mm cutting edge with a gentle 27° convex grind.

We've also included a 3D-printed blade cap made from recycled PET to help protect that fine edge when the tool isn't being used.

What is Kolrosing?

If you've never heard of kolrosing, you're in for a treat!

Kolrosing is a traditional Scandinavian technique used to decorate wooden objects, particularly spoons, bowls and other everyday utensils.

The simplest way to describe it is tattooing wood.

Unlike traditional carving, where you remove wood to create a design, kolrosing involves making very fine, shallow cuts in the surface of the timber with a sharp pointed knife. These cuts are then filled with a natural pigment, such as finely ground coffee or cinnamon, which brings the design to life.

The really beautiful thing about kolrosing is that the finished decoration can be incredibly detailed while remaining almost completely smooth to the touch.

You can create anything from simple geometric patterns and borders through to incredibly intricate illustrations. Have a look at Adam's and Liesl's work and you'll understand exactly what I mean.

How does it work?

The process is surprisingly simple, although like most things worth doing, there's a little bit of practice involved!

1. Prepare your surface. Start with a smooth, clean wooden surface. Spoon handles are a great place to begin.

2. Create your design. Lightly sketch your pattern onto the timber with a pencil, or work freehand if you're feeling confident.

3. Cut your lines. Using the fine point of your kolrosing tool, carefully follow your design, making shallow incisions in the wood.

4. Add your pigment. Apply a little suitable finishing oil and rub finely ground coffee, cinnamon or another suitable pigment into the cuts.

5. Burnish the surface. Once the excess pigment has been wiped away, use a smooth, hard object such as a polished stone or burnisher to compress the wood fibres and help close the cuts around the pigment.

6. Finish your piece. Allow your chosen finish to cure properly and admire your handiwork!

Kolrosing involves working with a sharp point. Always keep your supporting hand clear of the cutting path. When decorating eating utensils, use pigments and finishes appropriate for food-contact surfaces.

Australian Shipping Rates

A $15.95 AUD flat rate shipping fee applies on all orders.

If you require your parcel more urgently then you may select Australia Post Express Post shipping for $21.95 AUD which should arrive 1-2 business days after dispatch (location dependant).

Or if it is super urgent you can jump to the front of the queue and we will ship it by Australia Post Express Post for $30.00

If you have any concerns please don't hesitate to get in touch with us by emailing info@woodtamer.com.au

 

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