So, I've been wanting to get back into basket weaving. But, the lightweight garden shears I got at the shop fell apart, reminding me to never expect a store-bought thing to work. I decided to go and visit the cram market, or 'old things market' where people sell off their old stuff. I'd find a pair of ancient, rusty, metal, indestructible shears.
This is what I got!
I immediately tried them on some grass and they struggled to cut it. But this was according to the plan - I would restore them next.
Most rust-ridden tools are restored by getting submerged in vinegar, but I didn't wanna waste half a bottle of vinegar, so. I used a little trick where I wet some toilet paper in vinegar, wrapped it around the shears and left them in a plastic container for 24hrs, slightly dipped in vinegar so they can't dry out.
It worked! I scrubbed it with some wire for all rust to drop off, and coated them in oil to make them click easier. I also realized they have a slight defect - one of the handles pushed out through the plastic. I don't think it matters, I'm overjoyed that the entire handle is metal so even if the plastic breaks, shears will still work.
Now to test it out! I'm off to the forest to gather some basketry materials.
I don't know what kind of plant this is, but it has a great basketry vibe so I gathered a bunch! The fiber feels so strong. Shears had zero problems snapping these off. But now for the ultimate test, can I snap this off?
I can! It's not perfect, the edge is a bit fluffy but, I am pleased, I wouldn't be able to do this with no shears. I made sure to get one where loads were growing so I don't impact the forest by taking this away. I have no clue what variety this is, but it's super bendy and I was able to wrap it in a circle. This is going to be the handle of my future basket. Tune in for the progress of the basket! I still need to gather the base, ribs, and the vine I'll weave in. Grass will make a tiny basket but this will make a big one.