About this Product
This is my take on the American spurtle, based roughly on a custom request (my client called it her "batter beater" and said she used her old one for everything until it wore out). The sturdy blade measures just over 1" wide, and is carved thinner than the rounded handle, giving the piece a lovely contour and a natural feel. Finished with pure tung oil and citrus, followed by a coat of beeswax and mineral oil.
Size options:
8" long: meant for small hands and tight spaces!
10" long: great for a range of cooking and baking
13" long: for larger saucepans and pots
Message me if you would like a specific length!
Flotsam is a one-person operation. I cut each small batch of kitchenware individually from carefully selected scrap wood, which I collect locally. Because I make everything by hand in small batches, each item will be unique and slightly different, and there will be some natural variation of hue and grain patterns in the wood.
CARE OF OILED WOOD
Wooden utensils are sturdy, but they should be treated with respect. They should never be put in the dishwasher, and excessive hot water or soaking will make the finish wear off faster. Ideally, they should be hand washed with lukewarm water and toweled dry. Over time, if the wood appears dry, you may want to apply a food-safe wood conditioner. You can find more information at flotsammade.com/care
MORE OPTIONS
Additional quantities and out of stock items can usually be made in 2-6 weeks - don't hesitate to message me and ask. I invite questions and custom requests as well! For examples of custom work and larger pieces visit www.flotsammade.com
Flotsam
Meet the Maker
Flotsam was born from a desire to create something from furniture found on the streets of Boston, destined for the landfill. The wood I use in all my projects is "sourced" from the sidewalk, construction/demolition leftovers, woodworking shop scraps, and friendly neighbors. Handling scrap wood brings a host of new problems to solve, which adds a fun, creative energy to the artistic process of woodworking. In the shop, I use a mix of traditional and modern woodworking methods, taking pride in hand-cut dovetails while still appreciating the utility of modern tools. Most of what I know about woodworkig comes from my father in Virginia, who continues to teach me the value of hand tools, precision and and a well-sharpened blade. I work out of a shared shop in Boston, MA.
How it’s Made
SOURCING & PRODUCTION PROCESS
I take pride in producing beautiful, well crafted items from salvaged wood. Much of my wood comes from other woodworking shops - scraps from large projects that would otherwise be discarded. I also use construction and demolition scraps, broken furniture and anything else made of good, solid hardwood that needs a second chance at life. After I source the wood, I must deconstruct it and/or bring each piece down to a manageable size, then I cut and shape each piece individually. The production process is a dance between the planer, table saw, bandsaw and an array of different sanding tools.
THE FINISHING PROCESS
My final step on all utensils is a multi-day process of sanding, raising the grain, and applying food-safe oils and waxes for a smooth and long-lasting finish. I start with tung oil and citrus, which creates a durable, all-natural and food-safe coating, then I let it dry for at least a week. Before delivery, I finely sand the hardened finish and add a coat of beeswax and mineral oil for an extra layer of protection and a lovely smooth sheen.
Notes on Tung oil: Although Tung oil is pressed from the seed of the Tung tree, it is not known to be associated with common nut allergies. Unlike most other natural oils, it becomes a hard film and will not go rancid over time. However, it takes weeks to completely harden, depending on the temperature and humidity. Because of this, you may notice a lingering musty smell when you first take it out of the package. Don't worry, after a gentle wash and a few uses the smell should totally go away. If you prefer to skip the Tung Oil and opt for a simple beeswax and mineral oil finish, please message me and ask (this is a less durable option, but more commonly used because it is less expensive and generally simpler).
Shop Policies
I accept returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase. Please let me know if you have any issues with my products!
