: Brian,

: I think I have seen mention of working bone from the supermarket on the
: baidarka list. You may wish to check the baidarka archives.

Ah, so there are others with the same warped thoughts, eh?

: As far as
: bending goes, the Inuit do not bend the bone edge and tip fittings on
: their paddles, they are shaped with a file and are nailed into place with
: bone or antler nails. The tip is fitted with a mortise/tenon join secured
: by two pegs.

That makes sense.

: Get a copy of John Heath's full-size paddle plans

Funny you should mentions them, as I got an email from John Last night that included details on the plans. I think I'll order a set.

: or refer to
: H.C. Petersen's "Skinboats of Greenland" for details.

I'll see if I can dig up a copy locally. If not, I may order one through your site.

: I tried one of these paddles while in Greenland and they are very heavy.

Well, if I was tied into a boat and forced to paddle in extreme conditions, I'd want a solid chunk of wood and bone to keep me moving, too.

Thanks for all your help.

Brian