The last phase of shaping the paddle is to remove everything that isn’t paddle shaped. Pare the loom, center handle, down to a round shape. Shape the oar portions, starting with nearly a diamond near the center, tapering evenly to thin softly arched tips. Knock off all the sharp edges so the entire length of the paddle will be easy on the hands.
Primary tools for this work are a simple ancient Stanley spoke shave and a collection of sharp steel card scrapers. (How to sharpen a scraper.)
Update July 31:
After branding, I applied the first of 4 coats of pure tung oil. As with many natural oils, caution about spontaneous combustion applies.
Oscar’s only ostrich oiled an orange owl today.
Same paddle tip after 4 coats of tung oil.
Extra long for use on a wide kayak 
Out for a sunset ride on a Minnesota lake
Leave a Reply