I first encountered the rich woodcraft tradition of Sweden back in 1989. I had finished traveling / teaching woodturning seminars in Ireland and England and had gone north on a whim to Sweden to search out my mother’s Swedish roots. Up by the arctic circle I encountered Jogge and Ville Sundquist and I was overwhelmed by the subtle complex beauty of their tradition – it honored the ‘tools of daily life’ such as an eating spoon. Ville and Gunnel welcomed me to stay and I became a very happy sponge!
Months later, after returning home to Minnesota, I realized that the wonderful types of tools they use are not available here in North America. So, as a tool maker I decided to fill the need for these types of tools – and Pinewood Forge was born.
Del Stubbs
Scott Paavola delivering the beautiful handles he makes for us from our wood –
from roughing them out all the way to polishing the oil finish he’s shown rubbing in.
He also saws our spoon blanks, molds the sheaths, and makes the strops.
He started producing for us back when I hurt my hand in 2011 and we got way behind, his work is impeccable.
If you’re looking for real wild rice I recommend them for that.
Paavola’s Website The Farm Next Door
Check out our ‘International’ page, it lists the nearly 50 countries where our tools are used now!