![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0hoSgLPuzY_sxBE5ic6uAvd7kwNI6Mar-F5VkYxEPOXfOwLYe4TUjXjASHHWaEM_Z3clounXB4yqPFrDChvXTwkJAqRW50IO3641ptoOZeWTyPpF8pzOS5tPCYBEdE9saZXgt8qgSDM/s400/MHS+Voyageur+Paddle.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oHmMkl2ytYC8RQ2WBM41uqOi4rgiNYYJJlmmAhJ6IKpj10OFikmwI3ffciEkIA4VrCMizC0vxKiNaQhHlcNp6BcInQLsildLhuMn75xVQd7bmz9PzPbMWWvC3-nzwQHKmPdgs-KEFag/s400/MHS+Voyageur+Paddle2.jpg)
Thought I would try to replicate this design with some 6/4 cherry I had on hand. After sawing out the blank up north, it was brought down to the city to be worked down in the backyard. Here is a shot of the paddle setup on the horse...
Working down the blade
Here's a shot of the blade pretty much done, though I plan to round out the pointed tip to match the original a bit more. Grip area still needs more work...
My version isn't meant to be an exact replica since I reduce the length to fit my preferred length of 58". The grip area isn't proportional to the original either since it would've turned out to be too narrow. Here`s how it stands now with some final work needed to the grip and shaft:
Nov 9, 2012 UPDATE : Paddle is now complete...read PART 2 HERE
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4rXsS2OHCvI/S7KmcXnfUQI/AAAAAAAAFVI/xHUYyjB1cWE/s800/paddle_divider.jpg)