Woodcarving: Carving a mini 'Kuksa' from a cherry log - ASMR

[@taltallack868]

Awesome work dude! But as a woodworker myself, the way you handle your tools scares the life out of me, you do know your fingers are waaaaaay softer than wood right?!

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Yeah, same here when i watch this. I've made over 1000 spoons and 1000x more axechops, so it's all in my muscles.. But it something could go wrong, and I could do a lot of damage to myself. That's why you have to be present, mentally, all the time!

[@fe02lix]

After cutting my self with a carving knife deep in my hand after tjat always where one glove on my left hand it looks a bit stupid with one big leather glove on only one hand

[@clintonm2357]

@@formgjortbyJonasAlsI teach blacksmithing as a way to be present. I did think “he’s a wild man” when watching this, but I am too, so maybe it’s a good thing…?

[@rogerdavies6008]

Butterfingers at the end of video when he almost dropped the Kuksa. 😂

[@andrewgward7]

For a guy with o.c.d, watching that wood being carved is really satisfying!

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

I'm glad to hear Andrew!

[@tiles4me]

Tools and equipment make things go sooo nicely

[@jerryroebuck5870]

Absolute delight to watch a master at work. Inspires me.

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Thank you very much Jerry, it means a lot. Should make more videos soon, it’s been a long time.

[@timmynormand8082]

This dude is badass with a hatchet. With very strong hands

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

It took years to get there Timmy.. all worth it, even though I lost all my fingertips?! 😅

[@timmynormand8082]

@@formgjortbyJonasAls how you lose them dude ? Wtf

[@Macovic]

Some of the best videos so far. Hand tools and traditional technique. Low tech! Great to see How you plan the work grain structure and all

[@suzierafter8045]

Incredible to watch. It’s hypnotic! 😍

[@markluke8447]

Very nice work, I enjoy watching you do your art. Thank you for sharing..

[@misacraft3714]

Beautiful work. Good job.

[@eftipef2]

beautiful work. you make it look so easy. i'd clamp the piece of wood to the desk cause i'd probably cut my fingers off using that tool you used in the beginning.

[@とびまる-w6y]

This is beautiful

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Great work, beautiful and very helpful. Thanks and take care.

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Thanks again Quinn!

[@grimlightwildoutdoors]

Superb 😀👍👍👌❤️

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Many many thanks

[@maverick4462]

A pleasure to watch, thank you.

[@woodcraftpyrography7953]

that's for sure!

[@ghardaiatradition5372]

SO NICE

[@laurenbrndt4833]

Wow your really good keep up the good work

[@atomicpsych0]

Dang that was a big log for a mini kuksa. I was about to start one but on a smaller log. Not sure if I'll have to choose another piece now or not

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

The smaller log, the smaller and tighter growth rings to the pith, and that’s a bad thing. Never ever ever including the pith or the first 4-5 growth rings. There’ll just be way to much tension that will crack it open :)

[@davonnlakey2725]

You do nice work brother 😊👍 , thanks for sharing.

[@welshwoodsman]

Excellent video Jonas 👍

[@bomberdog5543]

Thank you, not one word had to be said. Beautiful job!!

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Sure man, thanks! I really enjoy making these no talk videos. Future videos would be like that ;)

[@woodcraftpyrography7953]

gold words!

[@jonasjo202]

great job, i like it

[@giacomomantriota1887]

BRAVISSIMO!!!

[@woodcraftpyrography7953]

I agree!

[@marekfendek291]

Satysfying

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Thanks a lot Marek! 💪🏻

[@fulviosamaretz4051]

Bravissimo 👏👏👏👍👍

[@تراثجبلي-م7ي]

Very good vidéo

[@woodcraftpyrography7953]

nice!

[@Mistraker]

That axe is lovely. I might need to get one of those.

[@mrbeast6686]

Me too

[@FelixImmler]

What is the reason that you place the rim of the Kuksa on the outside (where the bark is) on the cherry log and not on the side of the splitting surface?

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Hey Felix! The wood closest to the pith is where there’s most tension. There’s a higher risk that the kuksa/spoon/bowl will crack/check. Visual: Well, like the pattern it gives 😉

[@FelixImmler]

@@formgjortbyJonasAls Thank you for this super quick and very interesting answer! From an optical perspective, I agree with you, because you cross the year rings and that gives the more beautiful pattern. The question about the position from the Kuksa in the log regarding the cracking problem on the drying process interest me like hell... You say the highest tension during the drying process is around the pith. But when I look at a cuted log on the front face, the trunk always crack on the outside and not from the pith. Thats why i think the higest tension is on the outside. Why am I thinking wrong? Sorry my bad english...

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Alles gut! Your English is good, nothing wrong there! I’m danish?! Yeah, wood tension is always interesting. The tension comes from the pith as it is a circle and more weak there. Always remove a 2-5cm wood from the pith. Then there’s a lot less tension. And the bigger logs you use the better.

[@thebentzenable]

💪💪❤️ excellent Work!

[@antoniodonizettiseveriano5454]

Amém 🙌🙏 Deus abençoe muito seus trabalhos eu também faço algumas coisas mas dá muito trabalho muito perfeita sua obra gostei de ver

[@mahsam8021]

خیلی زیبا ممنون

[@BerserkerGang2019]

Nice work. Im going to make a Birch Kuksa on my viking youtube channel soon and am sourcing good tools. Your video gives me a good look at whats needed. Happy newyear.

[@waynethebarber1095]

Great, watch KZbin videos to make your KZbin video.... good luck!!!!

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Sure buddy, happy I could help 😉

[@hendriknijs5809]

Nice work, what kind of wood did you use, greetings from the Netherlands

[@jolesendk83]

I second that. awesome vid, nice skills and tools

[@donnabittinger3476]

You are a skilled carver and I appreciate you taking time to video yourself and share it with us . The video description says cherry but I’m pretty sure that’s a black birch ya got there my friend . Nevertheless good work 👍

[@Werglenn]

Well done! So if i understand correctly, the wood is fresh cut. What do you do to dry it without getting cracks in the wood? Just leave it for several weeks (months) at room temperature? I‘m new to carving and until now i have only bought wood that had already completely dried😅🤷‍♂️

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Hello Werglenn! Sorry for the late reply. Yeah, it's totally green/fresh. When the piece is this small, it won't crack if you have carved it thin enough dry it slowly (leave 10% for when it's finished drying). Don't use seasoned for kuksas or spoons.. It will hurt your hands.. trust me.

[@outdoorwilderness5299]

Do you advise that axe for carving? Have ever compared it with Hans karlsoon axe? Which is Better you think ?

[@dominicm6144]

Just wondering if you have tips on how to avoid cracking with use? Mine look great, but perhaps are too thin and keep splitting after introducing hot water from a kettle... 😭

[@debbiej.2168]

That's a shame.

[@artesanodelalma4280]

Muy buen trabajo. Como haces la terminación y curación de la pieza? Gracias por compartir el video!

[@ЕвгенийКотофейский]

Заготовка была сырой или высушенная? И как потом обрабатывал куксу чтобы не треснула при высыхании?

[@joeshark2020]

Mig og min mor elsker dine videoer og har fået meget inspiration til at snitte skeer og andet vi fortsætter med at se dine videoer😀🥳

[@johnruckman2320]

I don't have that style of axe yet. Would a shingleing hatchet work in the meantime?

[@carlovianman]

that guy is gifted. certainly has VERY sharp tools. love to know the name of that saw he uses in the beginning

[@IvaJakkel]

Its the bigboy silkysaw

[@limearmoks3456]

​​​@@IvaJakkel Mam ją, bardzo wygodna i przydatna.

[@judyhunt7545]

Where can I find the dogleg gouge like you are using + the heavy gauge gouge. I have look everywhere.

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Hey Judy :) Hans Karlsson Klensmide (Blacksmith in swedish). They are the best.

[@lolololalala1202]

impressive! is this dj wood green? fresh wood? it does not crack? Well done!

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Thanks a lot Lololo! Yeah, it's green/fresh. Well, it's a tricky part but it's all about slow drying ;)

[@outdoorsman6093]

What size gouge do you use?

[@matthewharvey8755]

Loved watching you carve, but I'll stick with my bandsaw lol.

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

If I had one I would use it a lot ;)

[@JorgeMartinez-eh6wv]

it is not necessary to boil in water and salt to prevent it from breaking, if it is with dry wood? just oil?

[@OhHenrysMusic]

This might be a dumb question, but when making kuksas, are you suppose to use wet logs or dried?

[@avishaymohar9501]

Wet.

[@petersmedley459]

With the small amount of pith left on the base, how did your Kursk stand up to cracking/checking/splitting as it dried out? Would love to know as really thick, wet logs aren’t always easy to come by... Lovely carving work!

[@fe02lix]

What kind of wood did you use

[@rlav2000]

What kind of hatchet is being used?

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

It's a Hans Karlsson slöjd axe from Motala, Sweden. The best toolmakers I know of.

[@mrbeast6686]

What kind of axe is that I need one!!! 😂 😂 😂

[@trackerjacker0013]

Gransford Bruks. Possibly the best carving axes on the planet, but you pay dearly for the hand forging. I’m currently coveting a Swedish carver of theirs right now. Brilliant axe.

[@Jinjameson17189]

@@trackerjacker0013 Julia kalthoff axe, not a GB. But both are awesome

[@oltreiconfini1509]

hello can I know the weight of the steel? and the brand of the saw?

[@mrbeast6686]

What kind of sharpener do you use for your ace

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Hello Mr Beast.. 👍🏻 Thats wet’n’dry paper, pure and simple. Grit 320, 600, 1200, 2500 and 5000 + polishing.

[@krashunburn]

Who makes your shaving horse or did you make it, yourself?

[@javanbybee4822]

What pattern of Axe do you use?

[@dmitriyhanscom]

Excellent. What kind of knife? Who is the manufacturer?

[@tinadriskell4469]

Skip the Kuksa. I want that saw!

[@kamilstary7065]

Hello Jonas. A questions I'd like to ask. Is it common for greenwood kuksa to crack while they dry? I used dried wood and then I boiled kuksa in salted water to prevent them from cracking but I'd like to give a greenwood a try. Best wishes

[@tamihoffnung301]

💚💚💚

[@MrDancingBishop]

You my friend have skillz!! Make it look easy and it fecking isn't!

[@waynethebarber1095]

He is cutting cheery, how sharp is his knife.....???

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Sharper than yours, Wayne.

[@waynethebarber1095]

@@formgjortbyJonasAls Hahaha!!! Your funnnny!!!

[@samettilavel3133]

This wood dry or wet?

[@lindaaustin-morin7781]

Why did you place your design on the bark side of the log instead of the inner side???

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Hello Linda :) To get round rings inside the bowl, instead of opposite directed halfs.. Mostly for decorations, but some says that you'll get a more stronger item if you do so. :)

[@lindaaustin-morin7781]

Woodcraft by Jonas Als ah, ok. I thought it was to avoid the pith. Or did you axe the pith out and what shows on camera is hart wood? I’m new to carving spoons and such. Love your dog leg gouge. Thanks for taking time to answer my questions!!!

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Oh yes, be sure to use at least 15cm wide logs as there’s room the remove a lot of the pith. I always try to axe away 3-4 cm from the pith to be sure the very weak area around the pith is removed.

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Oh yes! Hans Karlsson makes amazing tools! 😍

[@ValioMadre7]

2:51 my neighbor tried this ax technique, and chopped his thumb right off. The doctors were able to attach it, but don't know if this will be successful just yet. It took about 2 hours to take the thumb away from neighbors pet cat that was trying to eat it.

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Amateur!? Shit will go down if you aren’t careful 🔥🔥

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

That was a joke.. it’s a dangerous tool ;)

[@bobhabsolute4995]

That’s why most people apply the 2/3 rule: you go only 2/3 the height before turning the log upside down. Some prefer to tilt the log instead of the axe because that allows you to keep a constant swing, therefore easier to control. I do it with small logs and I like the fact that my fingers are under the small log but I am fully aware that my thumb and, even more, my wrist are exposed.

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

Oh my god

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

That comment is Absolute Absurd?!

[@jaedonhurles3623]

You can’t tell me using the curved adze doesn’t give you anxiety

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Happens once in a while. Amazing tool.. but the axe is still the tools I fear to most.

[@krashunburn]

Agreed. Swinging it so close to fingers made me shiver, too. I've been doing woodworking for well over 50 years and STILL do not trust myself that much.

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Yeah, that tools is a bit scary. Bit I trust it more than my axe, at least!

[@jonholmes1464]

Ah! The first time I’ve seen that double sided mora put to good use. Was wondering what it was for!

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

The double edged hook knife is not really good for anything.. unless this. It’s only there I find it useful. You can really cut yourself bad with this if you aren’t cautious.

[@waltherwoodwork]

Hej Jonas! Sikke en fed kop - jeg er blevet inspireret til at prøve at lave min egen på grund af dig! Jeg kom til at tænke på hvilken overfladebehandling, du giver koppen, så den ikke afgiver smag?

[@Aethalops]

Do you take particular precautions for the drying of the finished project to keep it from cracking?

[@cnw-jd9tt]

If you soak dry wood in water does it make it easier to carve?

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Hello buddy :) I’m afraid not. Even though it can soak it a bit it will never be the same. Smaller pieces or spoons blanks works like 50-60%. But that’s it 🙂

[@cnw-jd9tt]

Woodcraft by Jonas Als thank you! I am new to carving and been doing hand tools for a year, I’ve only been using white and yellow pine 2 by 4 from Home Depot, what other woods do you recommend? I’ve heard birch is good to carve with

[@chuckduerre2910]

Great video! Did you build the shave horse that you are using? If so, do you have the plans? I'm trying to build one with adjustable height of the work surface.

[@stephenwhittier6439]

Chuck Duerre , the information you seek is in the video description above.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Why stop with a cup? Why not go with a wooden plate and bowl too?

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Hey Tom! I make plenty of bowls and plates, but that’s in the lathe. Check out my Instagram page with the same name. We’re you thinking of plates and bowls made the same way as in the video?

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

That would depend on the availability of a lathe, wouldn't it.

[@Sheepdog1314]

you need to ask yourself "do I really need two good hands?"

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Nah, it's to overrated 😂

[@crgaillee]

You could have made two kuskas with that log. or even a bowl or mug.

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Yup, but I didn’t. I have a lot of logs to take from and video vs. reality is two different things 👍🏻

[@crgaillee]

@@formgjortbyJonasAls I have made several myself and for me unfortunately, hard woods are very precious.

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

If it were scarce to me, every shaving and fibre would count.. trust me 😉

[@AngelOnTheBoards]

Not gonna low that’s a lot of wood wasted for such a small thing

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

This log is made into one small kuksa, and a lot of spoons. I do a lot to use as much as possible and don’t waste a whole tree for one small piece. And, just to mention.. most logs I use are from gardens or places where it had to be cut down. So actually, I make sure it doesn’t end up burned.

[@RiemannFan]

You are clearly a skillful greenwood carver, but I am appaled that you upload a video illustrating such a hazardous axe technique.

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

Thank you very much. I know what I do with 10 years of experience and with over 1000 spoons carved, I’ve done the goods and bads. Trust me.. I would never upload videos of stupid techniques.. this is safe enough if you use your brain and always have safety precautions in mind.

[@RiemannFan]

I take your point, and please don't think that I am just trolling you. My reply was motivated by the thought that many novice carvers will view your video and so may try to mimic your technique. I suppose it is a case of: "with great skill comes great responsibility". Thanks for such a measured reply.

[@steverose9603]

He wont be carving many more without a thumb !

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

@@steverose9603 All the love Stephe..

[@samdye2150]

This guys is 2 good projects away from losing his fingers haha. I cringed watching him with that hatchet...

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

I’ve made at least 1000 spoons, and a few good kuksas.. but you’re right. I could potentially make one bad axechop and loose it. It’s all about knowing your tools and muscle memory. So be super careful and take every safety precautions really serious.

[@alizade10]

You are not working safely my friend. Hands are simply not replaceable.

[@bakdrft2009]

Definately wood butcher

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

The worst of them..

[@674henk]

it looks like a horor movie the way you use your tools!😬

[@ИванНеустроев-г3ь]

Мне интересно, а что за собаки тут дизлайки ставят?!?!

[@ЮрийСевер-т4ж]

Руку так отрубишь себе.

[@jacksolhaug7070]

Too bad it aint a birch burl.

[@FORESTCRAFT51]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2SokIyuoJd0etk тоже кукса из березы сделал сам

[@uudenseelanninseveri]

A wooden cup, not a kuksa.

[@asse1112]

uudenseelanninseveri what is the difference? I’d like to make one but I wanna make an original kuksa.

[@uudenseelanninseveri]

You need to find a birtch gnarl. A sort of a knot or a diformation groving off the tree. Chek out ”story of kuksa” on youtube. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5uocn2Ker6qY5I beautiful work btw what you have done. Keep those videos coming!

[@steverose9603]

You could have sparred five minutes of my life by not showing the axe sharpening or the awkward vice setup at the beginning.

[@formgjortbyJonasAls]

So sad to hear, Stephe

[@donnabittinger3476]

Steve Rose it’s all part of the process of wood carving so why not show it ? No need to set behind your computer and be rude to people. Just saying !

[@Thoron_of_Neto]

I feel like there's a joke here I'm missing, seeing as you've replied to a couple comments on this video I think... However I just have to ask, are you aware there's a fast forward feature? You could save yourself five minutes, and those of us that like watching the whole process could still see it too...

[@steverose9603]

@@Thoron_of_Neto Thanks for pointing that out, I'm not after an argument It was meant as a jovial constructive comment that has clearly angered one oh so serious individual more than the blogger himself. I myself would have reshot the scene involving the vice as I would not wish the viewer to see myself struggling to get a grip. Regarding the axe sharpening being part of the process which was also pointed out by the same viewer, there are already plenty of videos out there already that deal with that specific aspect to. With respect to my other remark the Jury is still out on that one, if you use unsafe technique it's like playing with fire and one day you'll get burnt or in the bloggers case loose a digit in the process, accidents happen it's a mathematical certainty and demonstrating that technique to others in a video is only going to lead to some other not quite so practised individual innocently copying it and suffering the consequences as a result.

[@Thoron_of_Neto]

@@steverose9603 eh, I wouldn't say I'm oh so serious, as my remark was *definitely* heavily weighted with sarcasm! Like I said, I figured there was a joke goin on here because the channel had already replied with a silly response, so figured I'd get in on the ground floor. Didn't mean it to sound rude, but it's nigh on impossible to either tell when someone is joking, or let others know you are without a long winded explanation like this one (more jokes, I know they're terrible, but I tell em anyway haha)