- thumbnail Image-24
Finished knives Steph's (left) and Craig's (right) - IMG 3082
Before: Craig's knife (left) and Steph's (right) Palli led us into the back room of the workshop, where there was a large work bench with vises along the perimeter. We each put on an apron and Palli directed our attention to a selection of "blanks" to choose from. These were knife blades embedded in blocks of wood with animal horn hilts and butts. These are materials that have been available since Viking times, and we would be using hand tools to shape the knife handles, and sewing sheaths out of cowhide. Our finished products would be timeless souvenirs, hence the marketing of this as a "Viking Knife Making Workshop." All of the blanks had the potential to be beautiful. We made sure to choose different wood so that we would be able to easily tell our knives apart. Craig chose mountain ash with a reindeer horn hilt and sheep horn butt. It had a very interesting multi-colored grain. I chose walnut with reindeer horn hilt and butt. I don't usually gravitate toward dark wood, and I think that is why I chose it; trying to branch out a bit. - IMG 3086
Suited up and ready to work - IMG 3089
Craig uses a rasp to shape his knife handle - IMG 3090
Steph uses a rasp to shape his knife handle - IMG 3094
Steph's knife in progress - IMG 3096
craig's knife in progress - IMG 3098
Coffee break! - IMG 3100
Craig uses a rasp to shape his knife handle - IMG 3101
Steph's knife taking shape - IMG 3107
Craig sands his knife handle - IMG 3111
Before we knew it, it was noon and time for lunch. Palli closed up the workshop and we went upstairs to his home. As he opened the front door the cat brushed past us in its eagerness to go outside. Palli's home is like a gallery; there were interesting things to look at everywhere. Much of the furniture had been custom made by Palli himself (hello desk with many tiny drawers, can I take you home with me?) He had many collectibles on display in custom-made built-ins, such that the whole feel of the place was still Nordic minimalist. We were envious of this, as we also have many collectibles in our home, but feel like they often come off looking like clutter. There were bright bold paintings on the walls, framed insect specimens, tribal masks, and miniature figurines. We had plenty to look at while he prepared a traditional lunch for us. - IMG 3114
Lunch Proving the versatility of skyr, Palli said that he likes to pour some cream on top. He showed us how he likes to prepare it, and we followed suit. It was very good; cream is always a pleasant addition to food! We also had two types of Icelandic bread, cheese, and smoked meat and trout. It was delicious. We enjoyed chatting with the personable Palli while we ate. As we got to know one another, we realized that we have a lot in common, including an interest in helping children in the developing world. - IMG 3125
Once the handles were completely smooth, it was time to make the sheaths. He showed us one of his knives and demonstrated the way that it "locks" into the sheath tightly, with a snapping sound. Palli put a string down the center of each of our knives, then wrapped the knife in masking tape. He then used the string as a pull tab to tear the masking tape in half. What was left was a custom pattern which fit each knife's contours perfectly. The thickness of the masking tape would allow just enough space to slide the knife in and out. - IMG 3127
Once the handles were completely smooth, it was time to make the sheaths. He showed us one of his knives and demonstrated the way that it "locks" into the sheath tightly, with a snapping sound. Palli put a string down the center of each of our knives, then wrapped the knife in masking tape. He then used the string as a pull tab to tear the masking tape in half. What was left was a custom pattern which fit each knife's contours perfectly. The thickness of the masking tape would allow just enough space to slide the knife in and out.