|
|
|
 |
|
|
Blade Styles
|
|
|
|
"Blade Styles" refers to the different patterns of woods used to build the blades. The wood patterns affect the weight and strength of the paddle- and most importantly, the swing weight.
Over the years some blade styles have emerged as favorites. They have an aesthetic and structural function in each case. RivrStyx are custom built and I will build them as you please although many people leave the pattern of the blade woods for me to customize to their needs.
But to give you an idea of the different styles which have been popular and perhaps aid your decision making~ I offer 6 different styles here with a brief description of their construction and function. If you have your own "style" that's no problem. Just call me and we can talk about it. I'm here to serve.
Style choices should be primarily based on strength and weight characteristics that you would like, and secondarily based on aesthetics. For stronger blades with the best ding resistence go for the styles featuring the denser Aspen fairings- the Thug, Bandit, and Daytripper. For lighter blades look to the Basswood and Black Willow fairings in the Cavalier, Mr. Clean, and Schmoozer.
In the following descriptions you should know that the "fairing strips" are the pieces of wood next to the shaft~ in the center of the blade. Next outward comes the "bladewood" which supports the "bang strips". The bang strips support the dynel edgings on the outside of the blade. If you didn't have tough bang strips, that outer piece of wood could collapse under a big impact with a rock. The bang strips are often a show-off kind of wood like Curly Maple, Chestnut, or Black Walnut even though most of their good looks ends up hidden behind the veneers at the tip of the blade. “Pinstripes” are often around 1/4” thick and White Aspen or Black Walnut. There is no extra charge for them- just request them! Often- if a couple orders two pinstriped canoe paddles- I can slightly vary the arrangement of the blade pieces to make them look similar- but different. No extra charge!
So- without further adieu here are the styles people have really enjoyed for the last few decades:
|
|
|
|
Denser, tougher, heavier blades:
Excellent for: Creeking/ Rafting/ Heavy Duty Use
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The ‘Thug’~~~~~~~~~~
This is the real tough guy- the kind you want on your side when the going gets rough. The 1" thick Aspen fairing strips stiffen up the blade and are more resistant to puncture wounds. It is slightly heavier but it is the strongest blade I offer. If you are a raft guide or if the paddle is going to live in seriously rocky environments like creeks ~ definitely consider this one. The bladewoods here are Black Willow and the bang strips can be any really hard wood- like Walnut, Osage Orange, Curly Maple, Chestnut, Curly Sassafras etc.
|
|
|
|
The 'Bandit” ~~~~~~~~~~~
Yeah- this is a tough guy too- but handsome! The Aspen fairing strips are complimented by Black Walnut pinstripes and Curly Maple bang strips. This is for stout applications~ including raft guiding.
|
|
|
The 'Day Tripper’~~~~~~~~~~~
Now ~ This is a really good looking strong blade style! The Aspen fairings and pinstripes really set off the Black Willow bladewood and Curly Maple or Sassafras bang strips.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lighter blades- fine for medium duty use
Excellent for: Rodeo/Cruising/Racing/Speedcruising/Surfing
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Cavalier ~~~~~~~
This is a lighter weight blade- but still strong. It applies well to surfing, play, sea kayaking, and some canoe uses. It features a mostly Black Willow blade with thin Basswood pinstripes. The bang strips can be any kind of hardwood.
|
|
|
|
‘Mr. Clean’~~~~~~‘
Simple and light ~ this one is medium duty and a good choice for most applications. The Basswood fairings are lighter than the Aspen fairings of heavier blades like the 'Thug'. And the Aspen bang strips are a lighter option than some of the denser hardwoods like Walnut . Hmmm.... nice veneer pinstripes too!
|
|
|
The 'Schmoozer'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a lightweight who blends in well. The Basswood fairings are light as are the Black Willow bladewoods. This one features showy bang strips and is also available with veneer pinstripes placed next to the shaft. This is a nice choice for surfing, squirtboating, canoeing, or rodeo~ anywhere where weight is a consideration.
|
|
|
|
|
