How would you carve a Kuksa?

[MichaelBikel]

I found some green birch being discarded so I helped myself to it. One of the things I randomly decided to make was a kuksa, a traditional drinking vessel originally crafted by the Sami people. I made no effort to study pictures, refer to drawings with sizing or watch any how to videos to aide myself in the process. I think its turning out okay, but I was wondering if there was anyone in the forum who is experienced with kuksa carving specifically.

At this point I used power tools exclusively, but in the future I would like to use traditional hand tools, and as little as possible.

 

[koditten]

Interesting. Looking forward to pics. Please follow-up.

 

[bczygan]

http://www.instructables.com/id/Kuksa-carving-for-lazy-carvers/

 

[MichaelBikel]

IMG_2096 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr

IMG_2097 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr

Not far along at this point, but i've got the general shaping figured out. The "bowl" is about 2 1/2" deep with a 2 3/8" diameter. It holds between 2/3-3/4 cups of water or 5.2-6 oz. I may move onto another without putting more energy into this one as I am not satisfied with a few errors that I have made that can't be corrected. I am also very eager to attempt fashioning another with nothing more than an ax, spoon knife and a knife. Also, after looking at a few pictures on the internet i realize that most kuksas have a larger diameter which appears to allow for a more shallow depth.

here is a tutorial that I like http://www.jonsbushcraft.com/kuksa tutorial.htm

 

[koditten]

I like.

I can see myself having coffee out of one in the morning.

My family has been deep in whittling for as long as I can remember. I find this interesting

 

[MichaelBikel]

Started another one since the one in the picture is more of a mug now.

THIS is exactly what I was looking for