Three attempts on one theme

[Huron15]

I just varnished the one in the middle. Generally pleased with all of them, and thought id share.

The one on the right was the first. Basswood with solid ash banding around the blade. It’s been through one round of refinement and refinishing and is still a bit clunky. Servicable though.

The one on the left is the second. Ash shaft, basswood blade with solid ash banding, basswood grip. I like this one. Slender and light. I regret that I can’t make the shaft an inch or two shorter, though.

The last is in the middle. Cherry shaft and grip, western red cedar blade with laminated cherry banding. I like the blade shape on this one. I did a better job at the transition between blade and shaft too, I think. It’s a tad clunky in the shaft and grip, though, and will likely get some refinement after I’ve used it a while.

It’s nice to have an enjoyable and inconsequential activity to really focus on now and then. If it produces something useful, all the better.
Critiques and advice welcome.
Cheers.

 

[Todd F]

Huron, to my eyes the one on the left is most appealing, but would have to paddle them to decide. Either way, well done. They look good.

 

[pklonowski]

I like the middle one. The shape of the grip, and the contrast between the lighter and darker woods, make it more visually appealing to me. That's worth what you paid for it...

 

[Huron15]

Thank you for taking a look and sharing your thoughts. I think the one on the left will remain the favorite. It also has a nice finish of decks olje plus a couple thin layers of semigloss varnish wiped on. Others are just varnish.

Not sure why I stood them on their heads for the photo.