Handle inspiration - absolutely nothing to do with SUP

[stoneaxe]

How long would it take to shape a paddle with this? This is my oldest woodworking tool.



I found this stone axe while mowing between the trees on my treefarm. You can see the mark where I hit it with the lawnmower. I actually threw it in the woods but noticed it felt and looked unusual just as I tossed it.

An archeological dig was done years later about 1/4 mile behind my house along the path of a new road being constructed. They found a major settlement right behind my house. I spoke with the women in charge of the dig and she said the axe is between 5,000 and 8,000 years old.

She showed me a number of blades and axes that had been ceremonially buried with a body that were amazing. Finely polished and still very sharp edged. I was surprised by the quality. It looked like it had been machined. In the hands of the person capable of shaping that axe I imagine almost anything could be built. Makes my struggles to build a nice paddle with all the modern tools almost seem silly.

[greatdane]

Don't suppose this has anything to do with your on-line name

[surfpainter]

Stoneaxe...an area between Corolla and Carova ( northern NC Outer Banks) ..at low tide, are the remains of an ancient maritime forest. Loads of Cedar tree stumps lining a beautiful surf zone. Just makes you wonder what the Indians did on those epic days. Then Captain John Smith crowded the lineup!

[stoneaxe]

I wonder if they cut down the trees to make boards and paddles....