Flattening out Birch Bark and What's that thing called

[redcollective]

Question 1. I've had a few little sheets of nice birch bark stored away but the blimmin stuff has curled up. How can I flatten it out again? I was contemplating steam but fear that would ruin it. Anyone help? Needed for a scandi knife I'm making atm.

Question 2. What is the name for the almost opalescent quality in wood you get with some varieties. I've heard it called something specific before but can't for the life of me remember. Hard to describe - like a lustre that appears to be a bit deeper than the surface. Perhaps I dreamt it.

Cheers,

Stu

 

[Bardster]

it's called "chatoyance," from the French meaning "like a cat's eye."
And steam shouldn't do it any harm at all.

 

[redcollective]

That's it! Chatoyance! :You_Rock_

Thankyou! It's been bugging me all evening since I started giving Mrs Redcollective one of my Talks about thing knife making related (well you can't call them conversations 'cause she just nods and says "That sounds nice dear... hmm really... wow" just before her eyes glaze over.)

 

[andyn]

...just before her eyes glaze over.)

Hence wanting to know the word you were after yeah

 

[bambodoggy]

Pop the birch bark into a tray and add warm (not hot just luke warm) water, let the bark absorb it and it'll curl right up but also go very flexible.
If you were making containers then you do this just before you're about to make the pot but if you want it flat for knife spacers then once it's soaked pop it between two bits of wood and clamp it until it's dry.....(or use it wet if that's possible, I've only made containers and never used it in knife making).

Hope that helps,

Bam.

 

[redcollective]

thanks Bam.