14

Spatula

A spatula is a utensil of modest design yet irreplaceable function, and is especially handy for those alfresco meals cooked on a campfire. Here’s a useful technique for whittling a rough and ready spatula from a short length of wood. Green wood will suit this exercise well, but be sure to choose a suitable, non-toxic species to carve with, as your spatula will be used in the preparation of food. Always make sure that you are certain of a wood’s properties and origin before it is used for cooking.

1. Look for a small, straight log and split it in two, placing your penknife blade just off the centre.

2. Draw the outline of your spatula on the flat surface of one of the split halves, using a pen or pencil.

3. Standing the split half upright, make a second split cut 1cm (⅜in) or so behind the first, cutting out a thin wedge.

4. Carve out the handle with a series of careful cuts.

5. Carve out the spatula head shape, and even the flat surfaces by drawing your blade across them.

6. At this point, decide which surface will be the top and which will be the bottom. Carve a slope at the end of the spatula, from bottom to top.

7. Taper the entire bottom surface slightly so that the head of the spatula narrows towards the end.

8. Use the back of your blade to rub down and smooth the spatula surfaces all around. If your penknife is of the kind with a locking system, you should engage it to prevent the blade from closing back into the knife handle.