Making a Knife Sheath from Birch Bark - Finnish Folk
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- The process of making sheath for my puukko using oak, birch bark and sinew.
This Autumn I took a little project of redoing the sheath of my Puukko. I managed to film the process of how I currently craft knife sheaths.
THE WOOD WORK
I fell a standing dead oak tree with a small diameter with a straight cut. By big roads the forests are often left alone and forgotten, meaning it is a great source of fire wood. At times, I process firewood and store it for later, discreetly in different places in the forests. I process wood slowly and store it on location to prevent me from caring heavier weights in once or overworking my wrist later. I guess it's a squirrel approach to wood processing.
The day of the filming I bring with me one piece of oak with a pretty knot to deal later.
From this piece of wood I carve a wooden inlay for the knife sheath. Please note carving is not a craft of mine; I only carve when I need something. It is usually fun but I lack on skills and efficient strikes with the hatchet.
I chose to carve dry oak instead of the also available dry birch because oak is harder to carve with, leaving me with a good opportunity to learn. In Scotland during the Summer Solstice’s fires, it was traditional to burn a combination of oak and birch. As my knife has a birch burl handle, adding oak wood felt to be a joyful union.
THE WEAVING WORK
At the moment my stock of birch bark is good, giving me the luxury of choosing which kind of birch bark to weave with. Birch bark varies in thickness, colour and texture; for bigger projects thicker bark is advised, and for smaller and detailed projects thinner bark is usually used. In my modest experience I prefer thicker bark for both small and big projects; although it’s more difficult to weave, less flexible, and less elegant, I enjoy the sturdiness this kind of bark offers. Happiness is often found on hard work:)
The process starts with cutting the bark strips. I tend to sew them together so I don’t have to replace them so often. Water, water and soap or oil can be used in the bark.
There are some important steps registered:
-The beginning pattern 5:10 (folding weaves asymmetrically to prevent having to replace them all at same time)
-the side twists 5:16 (need to happen in the left and right side)
-the meeting of the weaves 5:25 and 6:02 (front and back)
-the turn back of the weaves 6:28
-the final overlaying of the first bare weaves 6:38 .
The bark will change the next few days after it's weaved, it loosens up a bit, I don’t know why, I just know it does; which can be a big deal on knife sheaths, specially when the handles are pretty much straight and do not have a thicker center. Weaving tight is important.
There is a small folk tune sang in the video while I worked, sympathy for the broken voice, it was still dealing with a flu.
SINEW PROCESS
To attach the knife to the belt I use a thin cordage made of back sinew, processed with a smooth rock and a dull butter knife. I use a Fishermans knot on the cordage. There are other ways to attach the sheath to the belt, but this is working well with my moves and habits, and it's simple.
NOTES
About the Puukko
The puukko knife I use is made by a blacksmith; I am using it daily for a year and planning on using it for a while. Next one will be a bit different. Consider supporting your local blacksmith!
About the Leuku
The knife I wear in the beginning of the video is a Leuku from Ahti, a Finnish brand.
About birch trees
Birch trees do not dye after taking the bark away, if the harvesting does not damage the inner bark. The tree will grow a new skin, darker in colour and a bit leathery feeling to it. In some parts of Russia this second bark is harvest again and used in different crafts. The best is to harvest it in a sustainable way.
I got asked if i use filters; i use a 40 year old lens with a modern digital camera, which gives a natural vignette, but also create more diverse and sudden odd colouring.
Thank you for the gift of this video... everything about it is wonderful; please consider continuing your video making craft. Judging by the comments, your work is truly inspiring to all who watch you. I have to agree with Charles LeBlanc (below) about wishing there were more women in the world like you. Something about you and your work is fresh and real... satisfies the natural human craving for all that is beautiful. I'm subbing to your channel in hopes you'll begin creating more new videos. Peace to you from Alaska my friend.
@@RavenCro-g8t thank you, such kind comment !
Beautiful sheath, beautiful singing, beautiful setting, beautiful woman !
Man I wish there were more original women like this in the world ...
What do you mean women?
@@HONNEKI what are you saying ?
@@charlesleblanc6638this is a girl being a prostitute, and you actually bought it
Agreed
@@HONNEKIThe person in the video is a woman if you haven't noticed
Please keep making videos! I love your traditional skills and your slow steady way of teaching makes me feel so warm and comfortable! 😁
I love the way you edit your videos as well. So aesthetically pleasing.
Please make more videos!
thank you. I just moved to Scandinavia, a lot to learn and take care ... I will film again eventually:)
I agree you make beautiful and very educational videos and I would love to see more if you’re inspired!! Thank you 🙏🏼🩵
Superb work and a brilliant demonstration
Beautiful work and such a great job in continuing the traditions of the Finnish people. Subscribed immediately. I would like to know who made that beautiful birch handled Puukko, I love traditional vintage puukko. Finest using knives in the world.
thank you, search for your local blacksmith, and have a chat to know if he would make such tool, if you don’t have one near by, look on fb groups of blacksmiths in your country and you might find one willing to do it; its also a great opportunity to see their work, and you might even find another great tools to add to your purchase . FB groups related to crafts are an ocean of actually portfolios :) and you can find amazing craftsmanship
You're hand axe seems a little dull. Time to sharpen.
Great crafting work! 👌💪
Hi, thanks for the tip! it was a borrowed axe with the bevel angle a bit messed up and it didn’t want to bite, or maybe because I am weak and i can’t give power to it…soon after the video I just started using my felling axe which is so heavy but bites nice, speeds up the work a lot👍🏼 but surely way too heavy to be precise and wrist pain free
Outstanding piece of work
Absolutely wonderful craftsmanship! It's really nice to see that you are doing this kind of traditional craft. This reminds me of my childhood because I remember when my grandfather had similar items made of birch bark, at least shoes, baskets and a backpack.
8:15 I really like how that sheath goes well with the colors of the shirt and the leaves.
Greetings from Northern Savonia, Finland. \o
Thank you, I m happy to hear I could bring some memories of your childhood, keep them close to you, they will guide you through out your life. Grandparents are such important piece that define, and shape us forever. Many greetings Elamor.
Good Day My Friend,
Very nice Good 👍 job, Take Care Always God Bless You and Your Family
Can you make birch bark shoes next?
:)I could but I am taking a break now; I will film again next year, good luck!
Fantastic
Another good video! How old was that birch bark? I saved some last year from a tree a beaver dropped! Did you soak it in water? Or can you just use it?
Yes, hair not pulled back at all, just letting it flow... Like that was a thing. 😂
kaunis
This video makes me sad
Sorry to hear that...why?
Beautiful craftsmanship. Do you intend to put out more videos? I would love to see more of your work.
thank you, maybe in the future… I got some strange messages from my videos and I question sometimes the safety of keep making them… i think i prefer nowadays to be a little quiet around here!
@@MianaRaposo Yes sadly some people can be very disturbing when they see a young woman doing things. Being a male and a maker of UA-cam videos I have received my share of strange emails and comments. When they make them you just block them. Maybe one day you will make more.
@MianaRaposo people suck
Wow, that's very impressive work. Somewhat beyond my non existant abilities ! But very pleasing to witness.
Sehr schöne Arbeit.
Grüße von einem Messerschmied aus Deutschland.
that's not A skill, that's about a dozen mastered shills.
My respect from Ukraine!
If You think that it couldn't be better wait until 05:38 ♥‿♥
Просто очень сказачно красиво , я бы сказал целомудренно .
Absolutely brilliant !!
Parabéns pelo vídeo. Sucesso
Hello! wonderful video. Can I ask, how long did you make the six straps?
thank you, the bark is from trees between 15 and 25 diameter and after sewn together
Oh my god, there isn't much comparison between that and the rough birch bark sheaths I have been making. Mine at least take a lot less time and patience. Beautiful sheath, really well made video and I love that backpack. Even the singing was nice.
Thank you! what really matters in the end is if the knife and sheath have a good fit, there are other ways of making sheaths with birch bark that look equally nice:)
Beautiful work! Did you rub oil on the birch bark and was it done to make it pliable so it would bend easy? Thank you for sharing how to make a knife sheath!🙂🙂
thank you! birch bark bends very well in contrast with other tree barks. Most of the times I use warm water specially if I need to bend a weave of thick bark, the oil has less effect than the water, but its nice to use!
Impressive! Your parents must be very proud of you! Did you make the backpack too?
thank you. Yes I made the backpack as well, you can see the video on my channel from a bigger size
Love your old school ways your a patient young lady.meegwicth for the teaching
Wo2 I commented to fast your pretty amazing if your in ontario dome day. Stop by the algonquin of pikwakanagan . Love the sinew part your pretty talented. Sorry about that just love watching a professional doing their thing. ❤
thanks, but I am no professional:)@@AshleyMeness
Nice 😊 Can one order a backpack like yours From you ??
Hi, I am happy you like my work, I am currently just open to trading by exchange goods with other crafters. Do you own a craft of yours?
Beautiful
I want to see your face ?
It looks nice but maybe you should be doing something to the Birch first like maybe soak it in something so it doesn't dry out too much like your chisel couch looks? But you are doing a wonderful job young lady! I'm sure there's something that you can do to it so works better and last longer, good luck but don't give up you're making some awesome stuff there
thanks:) the birch bark whispers me when I should soak it or not, I have no saying unfortunately:)
@@MianaRaposo okay
So cool
😊thanks
fantastic job. you're very good!
thanks, you are kind!
Love these movies. So beautiful when you started singing =) Subscribed just in case you start making videos again.
Here from the tribe to subscribe! Well done.
Enjoyed this from the beginning to the end! You sing so beautifully with your calming voice ❤️
thank you my dear, dear friend for being such comfort soul for me ❤
Wow!! 😍👍. Did you make the knife too??
eh eh I really wish I had!I don’t think I would last more than 5 min with a hammer in my hands
This is amazing! You inspire me to use the fact i Live in sweden and do this.
I really want to do all kinds of projekt.
My knifemaking and leatherworking is now hopefully going to expand to include this.
First I mist find some course here in sweden!
🪓ヾ(*´∀｀*)ﾉ🌳すごーい
Hello, there is birch bark, I will make myself a scabbard👍👍👍
A really cool video, keep up the great work 👍
thanks!:)
Awesome skills and such a relaxing, enjoyable watch! Loved it 😁
Felicidades por tus estupendos videos. Por favor, animate a seguir haciéndolos. Fantástico!.
❤
Great demonstration of highly trained skill(s). Enjoyed watching you work and the singing was an added plus.
You exist in our day, wow. Would love to meet. Blessings
Awesome sis! I dig it! Good to see you back at it 👍🏼
Excelente" Obrigado por partilhar!
you are so beautiful and talented this helped me a lot
Well done, very nice video 👍 thank you
very skilled work, amazing
Enjoyed your video, your weaving skills are excellent, your singing was a nice touch. Your voice is very pleasant and soothing.
thank you Jacyne!
Really beautofull works .
I'm enchanted by your voice! impressed with your skill, and you weave them together so beautifully! you touched my soul and remind me of a life I may have lived., so far away from home..❤
Are you even Finnish, Jeremy?
Beautiful art and beautiful video!
That was emotional!. I make pukko and leuku and love this.
oh 🥹
Your videos are an absolute must for a traditional skill lover like me Miana ! A delight to watch ! I like the closeness of the shots so that we can follow along all the details of your craft. Can I ask where you get your birch bark from ? I get mine from Dictum e-commerce in Germany but it looks like your sheets are larger ? Or did you simply collected them in forests ? If so do you know any places online that sell sustainable and quality birch bark. I'm french by the way so I prefer to shop european. Thanks a lot for your answer.
thank you! for big projects i don’t have a sustainable way to gather enough material so someone i know from russia trust it to me … but for small projects I could at times find decent bark where I used to live. Best way to do is with trees that are marked by the forest gard to fell down; you can have a chat with them and ask to use those trees. Otherwise look around where you live and find a weave loving fiber/bark/plant that is local to you and do something alike! There is a folk Serbian saying that says ‘ eat only what grows under your sky ‘ i would say ‘ craft only with what grows under your sky’
@@MianaRaposo Thanks a lot for your answer Miana ! I do have some wild cherry bark available on my property so I'm gonna give it a try.
@@MianaRaposoSuch a lovely answer you have my utmost respect and I hope you flurish in life.🎉
So satisfying to watch 👍
Girl got skills! Natural talent and graft, full respect 👌
thank you!
Pretty good. Like the red thick bark sheet. What fibres where used for thread?
thank you, I use lace cotton thread very strong and thin for the sheath and back sinew for the cordage
Beautiful crafting
Hey, you've got the same spinning wheel as me! 😃
Great craftsmanship!
I guess they are sisters:D
@@MianaRaposo yes, indeed! 😊
Very nice to see the birch bark formed around a wooden inner.
its a lovely process
I wish you would continue making videos, I truly love them!
Hi! It's sweet, thank you... I have a list of crafts I want to reach the coming months but I don't think any of them would bring value to the community. Just some knitting, weaving, plant medicine and food preserve... But who knows, my mind changes with the wind... Your channel is lovely... a lot of womanhood spirit beauty
Oh, I would love to see whatever you are up to, it is not only what you make, it is also the way you film and present and nature and your surrounding, it's very beautiful! But no pressure, maybe you feel like filming again soon :) Thank you!
Awesome work and video
OMG I love it!
Amazing!👍
Fantastic!
Very nice make
@@MianaRaposo im still looking for a leuku, possibly a Helle ,any suggestions ?
@@wayned5872 I advice you to find some local blacksmiths and see their work and have a chat or 2 with them. I haven't test other brands with leuku only Ahti, great blade, suspicious sheath, handles only for big hands
@@MianaRaposo no bladesmiths in my local ( philadelphia Pa USA area) Ahti is my other choice but tuff to find here
Do you soak your bark in water to hydrate and work with it?
uhn depends, with such thin strips of fresh bark, I just oiled it a bit (but you can skip it), on thicker strips/ old bark projects that involve bending of the bark, water is necessary, ( not hot), I hope it helps:)
@@MianaRaposo and the season for peeling barks is rather spring? Then it is stored for use around winter. Or have you been able to collect birch bark at any season? Thank you!
@@sophievautour8573 depends on your location, but usually the best time to harvest is between May and July. I do advice to be patient and wait for the best season to take it; I have, in the beginning of my craft, been impatiently silly and took 30cmx30cm frozen bark at the cost of a sliced finger :3 grab other crafts until the right time comes
@@MianaRaposo haha okai! Yes. It takes time to integrate a new craft to a lifestyle. I will try twining for now, and collect bark in spring/summer
@@sophievautour8573 I like to practice wool spinning in the winter, its warm and the lanolin of the wool oils my winter hands:)
That was amazing. Pure Art.
very kind, thank you
En udsøgt balance mellem dygtighed, ynde og arv.
Fuldstændig fortryllende 🥰
hvor var du i går? ikke i klassen!
Jeg var i København for at arbejde og deltage i en konference.
Gik det godt?
@@frantz_r oh jeg troede du var syg! vi har en ny lærer, hun er sød:)
Epic tree falling!
not that epic, the cut should have been lower and straighter:)
Спасибо , Вам , большое ! За ваш труд и терпение .
Всегда пожалуйста!
Adorei. Isso é verdadeiro artesanato.
Sim, neste caso Finlandês
Красота !
Loved it! ❤️
mana ♥️
Спасибо, вам, большое! Очень познавательно.Обязательно сделаю такие же! Буду ждать от вас следующие видео.
приятно, я рад, что вам понравилось видео. Следующее видео будет зимним, у меня есть несколько идей, но что бы вы, например, хотели бы увидеть?
Сложно сказать! Всё, что вы делаете, уже утраченное ремесло. Любое видео от вас-очень интересно!
Пересматриваю пятый раз и понимаю,что на вашу работу, можно смотреть бесконечно!
@@ЛюбовьКозлова-я9т это очень приятно знать, спасибо за добрые слова
Muito bem feito😊
obrigada:)
Come to al Islam n success
Come to Islam n success
thank you, I feel your good intentions but I don't seek another God nor Success both deviate me from my Path