New Paddles

[Craig Johnson]

I haven’t made any paddles for a while but while I was sorting through my stock of maple to make some canoe seats I was left with a nice piece that was just the right size for making a paddle. It made for a pretty paddle but weighing in at 2 lbs. 6 oz. it felt like an anchor to me after being used to my 1 pound white cedar paddle. I decided to make another one out of sassafras and it came in a one and three-quarter pounds which is a little more reasonable. The sassafras has a nice grain pattern in the concave handle area.

 

[Murat V]

Great work as always, Craig! The grain on the sassafras sure looks pretty. I think any paddle will feel like a brick compared to your masterfully carved, 1 pound white cedar blade. Been trying to source out a wide enough piece of white cedar up here but haven't had too much luck.