'The Wren' kolrosing knife
'The Wren' kolrosing knife, No. 2 in my new Bird Series of woodcarving tools.
Named after the tiny brown wren, the most common breeding bird in the UK. Its short stature and cocked tail are unmistakable, and the handle has been designed to reflect the wren's unique silhouette. The handle has been carefully constructed and handcarved from London plane, zebrano and karelian birch to closly resemble the colours and markings of the wren's feathers.
The handle is designed to be held in the palm of the hand, and is very comfortable with your fingers arranged as if you were holding a pen. This is perfect for the grip and fine motor control needed for kolrosing.
The delicate, pointed blade of this knife is ideal for making fine, intricate lines in wood, allowing you to create beautiful designs and patterns with ease. I have ground the blade from a Hewn & Hone blank, which was forged by Nic Westermann from 1/4″ bearing steel.
Whether you're a professional woodworker or a hobbyist, this kolrosing knife is an essential tool for adding a touch of elegance and creativity to your projects.
What is kolrosing?
Kolrosing is the Scandinavian tradition of incising thin decorative lines and patterns in carved wood. These lines are then filled with dark powders (charcoal, coal dust, coffee grounds, cinnamon and graphite all work well) for contrast.