Adahy's Hand Carved Kuksas/Noggins

Hey guys,

Thought I'd share a mini review I did on another forum. A few of you have seen Alex's work in my trip reports and showed interest. So here it is.

I remember seeing one of Alex' kuksa from a trip report he did a while back. It sparked my interest right away! From that point on I told myself that I needed one. Fast forward a few months and here we have it!

His work has always appealed to me, because he is completely involved in making these pieces of art. His passion for both carving and the outdoors is inspiring. This wasn't just a pre made shape or blank that he dug out, it's something that he personally felled, gathered, carved, cared for, dried, and so on. it's not an easy process and just as difficult to dry properly. So Alex, my hats off to you brother.

My main reason for purchasing these pieces of art, was beyond having a kick *** wooden cup. I really respect people that truly apply themselves to things they do. The fact that he is the only one involved from begining to end, speaks for the amount of time put into these beauties. I also really appreciate that he cares about carving as a whole. Proof can be seen from the tools in his posts that he properly maintains them as well. Signs of a true craftsman/artist.

btw please forgive my lack of writing skills guys and gals. My plan is to come back 1 year from now and report back on how things have held up, and I'm sure there will be a few more Kuksas in my collection to add to the review as well.

If you guys are on the fence about getting one, I highly recommend you do. Shoot Alex an email and you'll see yourself how nice and passionate the dude is. This isn't an aluminum or ti cup, but the experience of drinking from a handcarved piece of wood feels nostalgic and hard to describe. To me at least.

You can check him out here:
http://theaxeisboldaslove.com/

For now here are a few photos: These have started to patina a little, as they do have a few trips on them.
Noggin
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...2/IMG_2533.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...2/IMG_2763.jpg

Kuksa
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...3/IMG_3638.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...3/IMG_3800.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...13/Kuksa_3.jpg

You can check him out here:
http://theaxeisboldaslove.com/

Nice work! Looks like they could have been made by Sami!

he is also a pretty good musician

That is some very beautiful work!

Those are awesome. Nice pics, too. I'd find it hard to justify carrying the extra weight of wood over aluminum/titanium, but those definitely have a look to them that brings you closer to nature than modern materials.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by breyman

Those are awesome. Nice pics, too. I'd find it hard to justify carrying the extra weight of wood over aluminum/titanium, but those definitely have a look to them that brings you closer to nature than modern materials.

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lol yeah it's not that practical. Neither are Frost River Canvas packs. I think there's just a special draw to these types of gear that people like myself truly enjoy.

I don't consider my type of camping as strict backpacking. Things are split between modern and old fashioned gear with bushcrafting. I go with what makes me happiest in the woods. In my case, I see these drinking vessels as more than just a cup. To me this is the end result of a part of someones life, a piece of their time, and a piece of art. These days it doesn't seem like people appreciate a true craft/hand made things as they used to.

A high percentage of my gear is actually pretty heavy in comparison to some of the stuff others carry. My 1.8qt Mors pot for example weighs a little more then the 12cm Imusa. :D

All I can say is that this special piece of gear along with my Hammock, makes every outing memorable. Or maybe I just think too much? lol

Beautiful hand made cups!

i love mine! i have made them for myself in the past but nothing close to Adahy's. He does such a good job it's become my favourite cup at home and in the bush.yes, they may weigh alittle more but the warmth of wood and the traditional aspect of it make it more than worth it -and besides it makes your coffee taste better :)
http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1e2a68dc.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mudman

lol yeah it's not that practical. Neither are Frost River Canvas packs. I think there's just a special draw to these types of gear that people like myself truly enjoy......

A high percentage of my gear is actually pretty heavy in comparison to some of the stuff others carry. My 1.8qt Mors pot for example weighs a little more then the 12cm Imusa. :D

All I can say is that this special piece of gear along with my Hammock, makes every outing memorable. Or maybe I just think too much? lol

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Hey Mudman, love your reviews on BushCraftUSA forum, and I agreed with you wholeheartedly. I guess there's times and places for old-school bushcraft stuffs and the modern space age equipments.

Thanks to you I just order the birch kuksa from Alex :D

Next on my wishlist is the J.A. Fällman Bucksaw http://www.sanborncanoe.com/shop/j-a...cksaw-hickory/

Oh wow these are really nice!!

Wow! Those are some awesome cups/bowls. Great workmanship.

Nice stuff! I agree it is hard to describe... I use a Kupilka cup and just love the feel of it in my hands. Yes I use Ti and plastic some trips but I find myself missing it when the Kupilka stays home.

Seeing these, I think they're amazing. I can't justify $100 (though I'm certain they're worth it), so I'm thinking it's time to invest in a set of carving knives!

+1 Gresh. The first time I saw these was a couple months ago, and it instantly went on my Dremel's to-do list. One of these years...

I dunno about camping, but one of these would be great hanging from my belt at a ren faire. *drool*

Alex is a great guy, and he really puts life into his carvings. As he would say, good to see some love for treen. Thanks for posting this.

~Otter

Hey THANKS for the review. Its great to find artisans that are making a go at it. I'm not sure what I admire more the Woodcarvings or the simpler way of life.