What wood 4 a kuksa

[baggins]

Hi folks,
i want to have a go at making a kuksa, but i can't find any decent birch burl. i have got a few lovely alder burls though, do you think that they'd be any good? i know Oak is no good because of the tannin but what other wood would make a good one?
Cheers
Baggins

 

[Naruska]

Is alder the same as eg. alnus glutinosa/alnus incana...? (I`m getting old and rusty...) If it is...it might work...the wood is a lovely orange, and quite soft to work with.

Birch (even though it`s not a burl..) works quite well. However, it might be more prone to splitting (especially if it`s not initiated properly... )...see some other kuksa threads I´ve commented on...

Marko

 

[baggins]

Thanks Naruska,
what does the traditional wood for kuksa seem to be, i guessed it was birch but am i mistaken?
The alder i am using is indeed 'alnus glutinosa'.
Will post up a thread when it is done is i am photographing it as i go along.
cheers
Baggins

 

[Naruska]

Hi Baggins!

Birch is good...alder should also work. Burls are used because they are nature`s ready-made model... Ready shape, less effort...

The lapps made the handle in a ladle shape...not like the modern coffee cup with a hole for fingers...just be sure to baptise your kuksa in an appropriate fashion (I wrote something about this in another thread...).

Personally, I think that if you put the effort into making something as unique as a kuksa as a bushcraft companion...be satisfied with whatever you produce. The energy, effort and thought behind the project count for much more than "what experts say" As time goes by, you can add more members to your collection...

Marko