First Sets
These were the first sets I produced as part of a Fools with Tools podcast maker challenge via blacksmith Steve House. These have a hot beeswax patina. I experimented with different twist styles. I’ve done fancier twists than this, but I’m finding that I like the simpler twists more.
Simple twist hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey Pointed twist hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey. Pointed twist hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey.
Patina Experiments
From there, I started experimenting with art patinas via Sculpt Nouveau. While an interesting experiment, this was a misstep on my part. Even with a durable lacquer, these patinas aren’t dishwasher safe. Though I provided instructions to no put them in the dishwasher, customers have accidentally put them in the dishwasher. So, I don’t do art patinas on chopsticks anymore.
Black swirl hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey Brown twist hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey Brown twist hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey Black swirl hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey
Carpenter Chopsticks Set
These were forged for ceramics and metal artist Laura White Carpenter. Reverse twist, but with a matte finish instead of shiny.
Black twist hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey Black twist hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey Black twist hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey
Harvey Chopsticks Sets
These are the first sets that I produced sans patinas and using 304 stainless steel. They went to my sister, Sharon, and her partner. Sharon is the executive director at the Cleveland Animal Protective League.
Harvey Sets. Hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey. Harvey Sets. Hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey.
Fisher Simple Twist Set
This set went to my friend Alan Fisher in England. Very simple twists, but I like how the twist gradually transitions to straight. I’d love to say that was intentional, but in this case it wasn’t. Also, the “golden hour” lighting at my shop is amazing. My chopsticks aren’t actually this blue.
Fisher Set. Hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey. Fisher Set. Hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey.
DuBour Chopstick Sets
These two sets went to Chris and Amy DuBour in Connecticut. These were fun twist experiments.
DuBour Sets. Hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey. DuBour Sets. Hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey.
Jacobs Chopsticks Set
And these went to another ceramics artist, Heidi Jacobs of Whitehall Pottery. In this instance, she specifically wanted to pair her chopsticks with a noodle bowl of her own design. She was nice enough to take some brilliant images of my chopsticks “in action”.
Jacobs Set. Hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey. Jacobs Set. Hand-forged chopsticks by John D. Harvey. Jacobs set chopsticks “in action” with sushi. Jacobs set chopsticks “in action” with sushi. Jacobs set chopsticks with noodle bowl by Whitehall Pottery. Jacobs set chopsticks with noodle bowl by Whitehall Pottery.