The following post was kindly sent in by fellow Woodlorean Campbell Metcalfe:
Hi Woodlore,
After coming on a Fundamental Bushcraft course in September I’ve been enjoying walks around the forests near where I live in Scotland. After seeing a traditional Kuksa in a couple of Ray’s programmes, I thought I’d give it a go; having only carved one or two spoons before I knew it would be quite a challenge.
On one of my walks I found a recently fallen ash tree with a large enough burr on the side of it to try to make my cup. I started by hewing the rough shape out with the Small Forest Axe and carving the bowl out. After a slightly over enthusiastic hit with the axe I unfortunately snapped the handle. A quick repair job later and the cup looked fine, so kept on going.
Campbell’s in-progress Kuksa
After boiling in salt water, drying, repegging the handle and finishing the carving, then sanding and oiling it, the Kuksa is finally done. A piece of nettle string that I made during the Fundamental Bushcraft course through the handle finishes the whole thing. Now time to enjoy a good cup of coffee!
The finished article
The finished article
I’d love to know what you think.
Thanks,
Campbell Metcalfe
The Ray Mears & Woodlore Bushcraft Blog 
top job well done keep the base oiled to ensure it does not crack
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well done mate, looks special,verynice job ,it was good meeting you on the fundamental course.
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That’s beautiful. Lovely figuring in the wood, and you’ve done a brilliant job of fixing the handle.
Amazing for your first ever kuksa – inspires me to get off my butt and make one!
Cheers,
Dave
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Really beautiful piece of work. Love the color and texture of the wood, it looks very unusual. Why did you boil it in Salt water?
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Looks like a beautiful piece of work to me. Well done!
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Its incredibly satisfying to bring out the beauty beneath the bark, even more so if its something your gonna use Every day. Great job Campbell!
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