Field Trip: Blacklock Longboards.

What do you get when you mix a artist and graphic designer, who also owns and operates a tree farm, and has a love for longboards and skimboarding? You get Blacklock Longboards. Based in Norfolk County Ontario, Craftsman and Farmer Paul-Britman Rapai is into his third year of building longboards under the name Blacklock Longboards. Finding time to build during the Winter months while his 200 acre tree farm is resting. Paul starting building decks in 2005 as gifts for family and friends. Through 2006-2009 Paul laid the foundation for his reputation through word of mouth and selling to a few stores. Soon after Blacklock was started and production stepped up, as well as quality and design. 

Paul-Britman Rapai.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Paul and his property to hang out and to get a hands on tour of his shop and to see the process on how these decks are made. I arrived at their home earlier then expected and as I stepped out of my car I was greeted by Heather, Paul's partner in crime, Paul's Father, and the youngest Rapai; Heather and Paul's son Garyson. Paul was out in the field, marking trees to be sold in the coming weeks, and shortly came rolling up in his dusty pick up.

After a quick break and some introductions we were off to the shop to take a look at some of his completed decks and to see his set up. The shop is tucked in the back end of a large two level barn. The barn stores the typical tractors and other farm equipment as well as the stacks of wood for the longboards. The wood that Paul uses for the decks are felled and milled from his farm, as well as other locally sourced lumber. As we crack the door of the brightly lit shop, it had the unmistakably wonderful smell of cut lumber. I don't think one could ever tire of that smell, its so delightful. The shop is filled with grand work benches, and quite a array of power tools to help transform thin strips of wood into ride-able works of art. Laying across most of the workbenches were the finished glossy planks of pure handcrafted goodness. Paul showed me some of the new designs that he is debuting this year. The intricate "spotted" design is quite striking, using rich dark woods to speckle the light colour of the Ash base. As well, Paul has constructed new tapered stripped decks, some looking like backgammon boards and others looking like the Hot rod flames of the 50's. His third new design is the wicked "rustic" deck that uses wood that has gnarly knots and really nice unique "flaws" to it. While they are structurally sound these decks really possess that "backwoods" appeal to the rider looking for that.

 

We stepped out of the shop and back to their home to take a look at Blacklock's blank decks. Paul's Blanks are not just graphic-less decks that you might think with regular deck, they are finished decks that need there shape cut out. These are for people daring enough to design there own longboard. Picking "your" deck is no easy task when faced with the beautiful rich colours and grains of wood and the fact that the silkscreened logos are all unique colour-ways as well. It took me 15 min, but I thankfully narrowed it down to two, a cherry and walnut pin-stripe and a walnut and oak striped. I finality decided on the Walnut and oak blank. I am a huge walnut fan, and it was also a touch wider for my size 13 feet. From there it was back out to the shop to cut the boards shape out. We modded Blacklock's pintail design to a wider version, utilizing the full 9" of the decks width. Paul effortlessly whips the blank through the bandsaw cutting the board within millimetres of his original pencil line. The board feels good and the shape is balanced. The next step is sanding the edges smooth, bringing the edges right up to the pencil line. Paul starts up the belt sander and shows me that you need to keep rocking it to eliminate flat spots. As I work the deck back and forth the belt sander chews through the wood like a hot knife in butter. Just as I finish cleaning up the edges Heather and Grayson pop around the corner and call us for Dinner.

 After an amazing dinner (Thank you so much Heather!!) and some great conversation around their dining room table, Paul asked if I would like anything stamped into the deck. Again another touch of personalization offered by Paul. Each deck is stamped with a serial number and "Blacklock", but he will also stamp your name, nickname, or anything. I of course got "Damn Yak", and boy it looks sharp. I also asked Paul if he would be so kind as to throw his "John Hancock" on there for me. The last step for us in finishing up the deck is sanding out the wheel wells. Paul has made a one of a kind jig to hold the deck at and specific angle to lean into the spindle sander.  Its was pretty rad to see perfectly angled wheel wells sanded into the deck in about 30 seconds. As we peel the masking tape on the board back I grin ear to ear, the final deck is simply amazing. All I need to do at home is round and seal the edges and its good to go. With our work in the shop finished Paul takes me on a truck ride around the farm, showing me their pond and rows of trees. Quite the operation he has set up, Working the land in the summer and building with what he grows in the winter.

Raw decks that need sealing

Blacklock longboards are unique, and while there are other longboard makers in the world, how many of them have their hand in the entire process, from felling to final sanding. Blacklock boards are just as functional as they are eye-catching, Paul told me he's been up to 65km on his skate. Every deck is completely different, different grains and different stripes. Paul only makes so many a year, because as a proud craftsmen, quality over quantity stands true. I really dig the fact that you don't necessarily need grip tape on the board, allowing you to look down and see the beauty of your board with every push. With the skate seasons here in Ontario fast approaching, you might want to head over to Blacklock's website and scoop up your new summer ride. He just put up all of this seasons new designs and stock, and they do go quick. I just want to thank Paul and Heather for their hospitality and kindness during my visit. I was truly made to feel comfortable in their home and had such a great time during my visit. It really great to see such fresh, handmade, one of a kind products coming from Canada, let alone just a couple hours away from my home. If you have any questions about the boards or the process please contact Paul directly through Blacklock's website.

Laying masking tape to draw the shape on my new deck.

Modding the shape to accommodate the width.

Ready to cut out.

Paul ripping the board through the band-saw.

Sanding the edges square.

Sanding the wheel wells with custom jig.

All done, Tape comes off.

Maple Sugar - Circa 1925.

Check out this public domain film from 1925, showing the process of turning sweet water into maple syrup. I love the yoke that they gentlemen are using, at first I thought it was a broken snowshoe over his head, but upon closer inspection its made similar, but clearly a yoke. It's a neat film as it show the back country way of manufacturing as well as a larger factory setting. I am really digging the concept of hanging a piece of raw pork over boiling anything to keep it from boiling over. I think tonight I am going to rig up a coat hanger with a wad of bacon to my overhead range for some protection. And FYI folks as the film says "All Canadian Maple products are genuine. The law forbids adulteration." Remember that!

Damn Yak On Uncrate.

A good buddy sent me a email letting me know that my Damn Yak Axe Holster made it up on uncrate.com. Super stoked! Thanks Uncrate, greatly appreciated! And again thanks for the heads up Matt.

Introducing: Damn Yak Dry Goods Axe Holster.

Fresh from the work bench is the Damn Yak Dry Goods Axe Holster. Simple in form, and strong to deliver. These are hand crafted one at a time in super thick 10 - 12 oz. Veg Tanned Tooling leather, upwards to 3/16" thick. There was almost two months in field testing to come to the final product put forth here today. It may look quite simple in design, but there was many needs to be met for such a straight forward application. The strong leather is flat brass riveted on either side by hand through all layers of leather equaling 1/2" thick. The flat rivets prevent marring on your waistband as well as your axe. The holster can accommodate up to a 2" belt. 

The para-cord keeper strap is 550# US made in a deep red colour. The cord lock is a US made ITW Nexus Ellipse, one of the best on the market. When the keeper is engaged rest assured your axe is safe. An early prototype had a leather strap keeper, and some testers liked the security it provided, some thought it was not necessarily required. To come to a perfect balance, para-cord was used as it can be removed if you are so inclined with no outward damage to the holster or can be left and pushed aside for quick in and out activities. The other bonus of the para-cord is its field serviceable. If for some reason it rips or breaks, a new cord and lock is easily installed, without any special tools. The inner diameter of the holster is approx. 2" but can be "ob-longed" up to almost 2.5" x 1". Once the holsters were constructed they were treated with a thorough hand massage of US made and time tested Obenauf's LP for some serious weather protection. 

This Holster does not need to be used just for axes like the Gränsfors Bruks Small Forest Axe which fits perfect, but can be used for almost all hammers, small travel tripods, and other tools that need to be at you side with a diameter of about 2". This holster is a stand up, tough as heck, piece of kit for every outdoors-men. These are available now for $36 US each. Shipping is $11 worldwide. Clicking the Paypal "BUY IT NOW" Button is for single purchases. Hit me up at damnyak(at)gmail.com with any questions, or to order more than one of these bad boys! Thanks for the support.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL FOR MULTIPLE QTY ORDER.

 

Custom Drop Sheaths.

Tim and Chris of COEC asked me to make two different sheaths for their matching knifes.  I am a fan of drop sheaths, their simplicity and lack of snaps and buttons make them fool-proof and durable. These bad boys are made form 10 oz tooling leather. They were wet formed over the knife and then stitched to the backing. Wet forming is when you soak the leather then place it over the item, and stretch it while it dries. I lay it on a slice of log and tack it down tightly around the knife (or any object) while it dries. This insures a custom fit! They leather, after dried and stitched is treated with a blend of waxes. My treatment for sheaths is 65% beeswax, 35% paraffin, this is a good balance of stiffness for the sheath, and for a good measure I threw in a dollop if Damn Yak Pine Pitch Salve for a bit of oil and the grip of pitch. I like the idea of the "Pancake" Sheath, this was the first time making this type of sheath, its tight to the body and does not get caught on thing as easily as a regular sheath would. The initial fit is super snug, but with use they will loosen up appropriately. These sheaths should provide years of hard use and dependability. Can't wait to see them in a 6 months, to see how they have weathered.

Bear Mountain Boat Shop - Nick Offerman Build-up DVD.

If you are a fan of the series "Parks and Recreation", you most definitely like the "man of all men" Ron Swanson. Sporting his stellar mustache and love of breakfast food, and carpentry, he steals the show with his no-nonsense attitude on everything. The Actor who portrays "Ron" is Nick Offerman, a comedian, and quite a real carpenter. Working with friends under the company "Offerman Woodshop", the group build marvelous pieces of wood creations. A few years back while Nicks wife was working in NYC on Broadway, he made his way up to Peterborough to Bear Mountain Boat Shop to purchase plans and materials to construct a couple of canoes. The two groups decided to make a DVD to be a companion piece to the famous canoe makers book "Canoecraft".  Here are some clips to tickle your fancy, but head over to Bear Mountain's website to grab the whole step by step video. Nick has a certain way of talking that makes you feel really comfortable and confident that you could, with no history in woodworking build a canoe, and beautiful one at that.

Estwing Hammer Rebuild.

I was asked by my Sister-in-law about a month ago to take on a task.  As she reached into her tool box she pulled out a beat up, rotted, grip less 16 oz. Estwing leather gripped claw hammer.  "This was my Dad's", My brother's remark was "Just tell her to get a new one!". As I put my hand up to my brother I ask what she want me to do, her reply " rebuild the grip, he had it for I don't know how many years and I would like to use it again." And so one of my favorite builds to date began.  I have made many leather gripped knives before, and have build some amazing things out of leather in the past 6 years, but none of this caliber, none that have been so sentimental that's for sure. And to see the handle come out of the massive stack of leather was incredible. No power tools were used, it was completely done by hand with no glue in between the stacks of leather. Instead of going into huge detail about the ins and outs, I will just put some comments down under the picture as to whats going on. I did used Spar Varnish on the grip, as raw leather (as beautiful as it would be) my Sister-in-law will actually be using this hammer in all conditions and to maximize the leathers durability I varnished it.  There must be a reason to it, as Estwing varnishes theirs as you can see on the 20 oz claw hammer I was using as reference.

The original I was handed, missing a few pieces, about 50 years old.

After removing end, and sliding over 40 stacks of leather.

Freshly peened rivets, snug tight.

After 20 min of cutting with Olfa knife, using my hammer as guide.

Final rough cut.

After some intense 120 grit sanding.

Final raw hammer, after 400 grit sanding.

Final raw hammer.

About to varnish, this leather was thirsty.

After eight coats of varnish.

Finished, ready to be passed down for many more generations.

Damn Yak Trading Post.

 

Welcome to the Damn Yak Trading post. This is where all the Goods that We make here are available all the time. FYI: Bartering is great, and will be accepted as currency. It works for everyone. Paypal only. Shipping is per location, actual amount rounded to highest dollar. I am not responsible for Duties, customs, etc. All leather goods are "Made to order"  and will require a 4-6 day lead time.

All offers, sales, requests for more images, and inquires can be emailed to Damnyak(at)gmail.com.

Refurb Woods #100 Canoe pack (DY.02) - $120 + Shipping

Refurb Woods #100 Canoe pack (DY.03) - SOLD 

Refurb Woods No.200 Canoe pack (DY.04) - SOLD 

Damn Yak Axe Holster 10-12oz Tooling Leather. - SOLD 

Mens Wallet Handmade 4oz Tooling Leather. - SOLD 

Men's Handmade Long Wallet.  4oz Tooling Leather  Raw or Brown. - SOLD 

Toronto Wide Cruiser Brigade T-Shirt S, M, L, XL. - SOLD 

Persol 3007-V.

Formed in 1917 by Guiseppe Ratti, and the name from the Italian phrase "For the Sun"  was originally started to make glasses for pilots and sports car drivers. You probably seen them most worn on old photos of Steve McQueen, and sporting them ever so perfectly. They Were the first eye wear company to create a flexible stem (arm), this system is called the Meflecto System, its really pretty neat.  They are also known for their silver arrow in the corners and the use of cellulose acetate as the main construction material, and the fact that they are still handmade in Italy. 

For the past two years I was wearing Ray-Ban Club-masters. When I bought them, my frames were made in Italy as well. Then on of the bolts that held the frame together stripped, and was replaces with a pair made in China. After a lengthy discussion with my optician, about how can Ray-Ban still charge the same amount for something made in China. he tried to find a older pair for me, but no luck. With  the New Year, new benefits and that means new glasses.  I saw these on their website and asked my optician to bring them in to try. They looked great, were light and they has really nice clip on green polarized sunglasses for the frame.  I am still getting use to my new prescription, but they look fantastic, and are of as we all know "of the highest quality".  I am sure you have seen the Persol "making of" video of the folding 714's, but here it is again. I can only assume my glasses were made with awesome jazz playing on the production floor. Fantastic stuff.

Hides In Hand Tour.

Located in Rockwood, Ontario. Hides In Hand have been making superior leather goods for over 15 years.  The company was originally started as Marzo Glove back in the 50’s, specializing in industrial gloves and such. As the need for cheaper work gloves was needed, the majority of manufacturing moved off shore to China and Pakistan, decisions were made and people were brought on board to help save this long time company. They changed focus and decided to make products that would not be interesting, or relevant if they were made overseas. Which brings us to Hides In Hand.

For the past 16 years they have been making a huge array of products, ranging from purses, hats, slippers, traditional moccasins, mukluks, gauntlet mitts, driving gloves, as well as still manufacturing superior work gloves. All made using Moose, Deer, and Bison leather from local hunters that are tanned in a local tannery also in Rockwood. I recently had to stop by to get a slipper repaired, and had the chance to meet up with Hides In Hands creative designer Teresa Paul, and take a quick tour of their fine manufacturing facility. 

As we leave the showroom, we make our way down the “stockroom”, a dimly lit, cold hallway with the wonderful overwhelming smell of leather.  Lined with stacks of finely made everything leather, it was quite a site for the eyes and this was just the beginning. I was guided through the next door, we found ourselves in the main room. Greeted with smiles from the staff, and the curious nose of Moya, “Hides in hands” mascot pup!  The room is filled with a beautifully long cutting table, plenty of sewing machines, a bunch of press cutters and other specific use machines. I was guided to the back of the room, and shown the massive stacks of leather and cutting dies. Piles taller than me, all sorted meticulously by species and colour filled the area in which the cutters work.  A wall about 20 feet long is filled with the cutting dies from top to bottom like wallpaper. Organized by pattern and size.

Teresa explained that everything they get is as local as they can find. Nothing they use is from overseas; the furthest they have had to go for some of the deerskins is the US, but again its bought from the areas local hunters. You can tell in how everything was explained, in every attention to detail that is told to me, that this is one group who is proud of their goods from start to finish. 

As we make our way over to the sewing machines, to see soles being attached to the bottom of the moccasins. The Woman using the machine works it like it is truly an extension of her arms. She zips through the leather like butter and on to the next moccasin, in one fluid motion. From there we moved to the area where the soles are first cemented to the moccasin, before sewn to the bottoms. All hand laid while on vamps to make sure alignment was perfect, from there they are put in the “hot box” to cure, a homemade wooden box filled with lamps to heat the moc before sewing.  They also use the “hot box” for form the completed moccasins on vamps to give them some shape. As we finished up the walkabout, we check out the glove heaters that form the gloves and give them their final shape and make them look pretty.  The heaters look like polished metal gloves themselves that are as long as a whole forearm.

It was such a fantastic and informal little tour of their workspace. As I was getting ready to leave the main room, the staff was sitting down for their coffee break. Again you could tell that the bunch was close, and that they really had a great time doing what they do. With Moya running around letting me scruff her up, I said thank you to the group for taking the time to show me around a bit. The overall feeling of pride and friendliness from the staff was warming. Being such a small hometown place, it’s amazing at the quantities of quality handmade goods this group can put out. With about 16 employees total, they can really turn it out. After saying good-bye and thanks again, I did a quick walk through the fully stocked showroom where I picked up some nice shearling mitts for my Wife, and a pair of Moose suede gauntlet mitts for myself.  Hides in Hands are truly local craftsmen right in my backyard. Their goods can be had at their showroom, on their website, and at many other stores and trading posts across Ontario.  As well my good friends at Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co. carry a full line of the Goods online and both of their retail locations.

Also Check Matchstick Lake's Post on Hides In Hand.