You might have heard people talk about “pjaal, pjål, skjøve, skavl, holskavl, skavkniv, skavjarn, såtjern, or bokskjeis.” The name of this very old tool in Norway is an ongoing discussion. Lucky for us, “pjaal” has been a name that stuck in the U.S. The pjaal has recently gained popularity with timber builders for restoration work and is the Nordic ancestor of the modern hand plane. The pjaal is excellent at smoothing rougher surfaces left by axe and adz and leaves a smooth, slightly wavy surface depending on the shape of the iron.
We will begin at the forge making two smaller pjaals intended for sløyd/ furniture work and two different styles of blades. The blades will be heat-treated and ground, ready to make the wooden handles. We’ll make handles of birch using hand and power tools, so make sure your axe and carving knife are sharp. When the blades are mounted, we will sharpen and hone the blades and look at how this tool is adjusted to cut correctly. (The principles are the same for bigger pjaal.)
As time allows, decorating or personalizing your pjaal is encouraged. A final surface treatment will be done. You should go home with two tools ready for you to pjaal away!
Scholarships including local standby option are available. Find information here.
K.J. Groven grew up in Skien, Norway, and spent most of his childhood on the family farm working with his grandparents. In 1999, he left Norway to attend South Dakota School of Mines and received a degree as a mechanical engineer. After some time as an engineer, he built log homes and did custom woodworking. He was introduced to a blacksmithing club during this time and was soon making buildings, cabinets, and other furniture in the Norwegian style, as well as forging tools and hardware. He believes he has found his true calling.
Fred Livesay made his first spoon at age seven and has focused his life and career on traditional handwork ever since. He trained formally as a wheelwright and carriage-builder and then went on to study Scandinavian folk art with Marion Nelson, as well as decorative arts and art history, eventually receiving an M.A. in museum studies. Thirty-five years of teaching and studying in the United States, Sweden, and England give him a clear understanding of the joy handmade objects bring to everyday living; the healing art of craft; and the meditative connection between head, hands, and heart. Fred is a founding instructor of North House Folk School and of the Spoon Gathering in Milan, Minnesota. Fred is a sought-after teacher of craft nationally and internationally.
