To Badger Or Not To Badger: That Is The Question

Do you know the meaning and origin of the term "to badger"?

image source: justanimalpic.com

According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, the word is broken down like so:

badger |ˈbajər|
noun1 a heavily built omnivorous nocturnal mammal of the weasel family, typically having a gray and blackcoat. • Several genera and species in the family Mustelidae, in particular the Eurasian Meles meles, which has a white head with two black stripes, and the North American Taxidea taxus, with a white stripe on the head.
2 ( Badger) informal a native of Wisconsin.verb [ trans. ]ask (someone) repeatedly and annoyingly for something; pester : journalists badgered him about the deals |Tom had finally badgered her into going | [ trans. ] his daughter was always badgering him to let her join.ORIGIN early 16th cent.: perhaps from badge , with reference to its distinctive head markings. The verb sense (late 18th cent.) originates from the formerly popular sport of badger baiting.

Thus the term "badgering"is known as pestering and bothering.  But - these traits are not from the animal itself, but rather from the early sport of Badger Baiting whereas hunters would send dogs to harass badgers for entertainment and for blood sport.  Similar to dog fighting, badger baiting was forced combat between the badger and a succession of hounds.  Badger baiting, now thankfully illegal, would typically end with the death of the badger and most likely major injury to the dogs.


So it seems the origin of the verb sense of the word "badger", descending from the formerly popular sport of badger baiting (late 18th century*), and "badgering" actually describes human behaviour towards the badger and not the actual animal's behaviour towards us humans.  Interestingly the term "badgering", thru this retired sport, became a popular term still used widely today - and it's meaning isn't very positive!

But we love when fans "badger" us with questions and comments on our Facebook page, Twitter or by email.  In fact, we love it so much that we are going to giveaway a Badger® Natural Edge Solid Cherry Cutting Board (with a 250 ml tin of our Badger® Wood Oil) to one lucky (some-what) random winner from our Facebook or Twitter followers. And, with the help of Poppa Badger, we will be picking the winner from all of the people who have engaged with us via our Facebook page and Twitter over the months of August & September! Which means the winner will have their natural edge cutting board and oil just in time for the Fall Harvest! UPDATE: THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!! WINNER IS LAUREN BELL FROM ONTARIO, CANADA.

Win this Natural Edge Cutting Board plus a 250 ml tin of our Badger® Wood Oil
MSRP $50.00* CAD - Carrot not included!
 (Note: prize may not be exactly as shown)
*shipping and/or taxes not included

UPDATE: THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!! WINNER IS LAUREN BELL FROM ONTARIO, CANADA. So what do you do to win? Just "like", "comment" or "tag" us (or even yourself in any one of our images) via our Facebook Page and/or mention @BadgerPaddles in a Tweet over the months of August & September and we will pick one lucky person (on October 1, 2011) to win a Badger® Natural Edge Solid Cherry Cutting Board (with a 250 ml tin of our Badger® Wood Oil) Retail Value: $50.00. Mention and "badger" us as much as you want - there is no limit! And remember, we will be picking the winner out of those who are the most engaging and creative - and we are looking for quality over quantity.  So become a fan of Badger Paddles... for those who dig the water on Facebook today (or follow Fiona on Twitter) and start 'badgering' us for your chance to win!  Contest closes September 30, 2011 at Midnight (E.S.T.). Can you dig it?


Click here to learn more about our NEW Badger® Rustics series of natural edge paddle racks and cutting boards.


*"ORIGIN The verb sense (late 18th cent.) originates from the formerly popular sport of badger baiting." ~ New Oxford American Dictionary

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Quick Contest Rules:
No purchase necessary. Prize(s) will be mailed via Canada Post with postage/shipping costs being covered - up to $20.00 CAD - if the cost of shipping (for example) outside of North America is greater then $20.00 CAD then the extra cost of shipping over and above the $20.00 CAD (to be covered by Badger®) will be paid for by the winner. If the winner does not wish to pay the extra costs incurred by shipping and declines the prize, then another winner will be chosen. Odds of winning are based on number of entries received and our judges' opinion. Prize(s) include one Natural Edge Cherry Cutting Board by Badger® plus one 250 ml tin of Badger® Wood Oil - MSRP of $50.00 CAD value (taxes and shipping extra). Winner will be chosen based on quality of comments, likes and tweet replies. All decisions are final. Contest closes September 30, 2011 midnight (EST) with the winner to be announced shortly there after. Winners may have to answer a skill testing question before receiving their prize. Contest void where prohibited. For full contest rules or details, please email us.

Badger® Rustic & Natural Edge Creations

One thing we like to do around here at Badger® is to keep it natural. Always looking for ways to be respectful of our resources and planet, we also like to find a purpose for everything (with the goal to have the least amount of scrap and waste possible). So while we do appreciate and offer modern smooth edged wood canoe paddle racks and such, we also take great pleasure in expressing our craft in a rustic and more charming style as well.

Example of an (unfinished) modern
smooth edged cherry 2-paddle rack.
(MSRP $30.00* CAD)
See below for photo examples of our
Badger® Rustics Paddle Racks.
*shipping and/or taxes not included

When making paddles there are a lot of cut-offs and discarded wood, pieces with really pretty knots, and we felt that "scrap" could be put to better use then just used for burning in the wood stove during the winter for warmth. Many of these end pieces and even sometimes whole entire boards cannot be used for our paddle production, yet are distinctively beautiful and workable just the same. And this by-product of paddle production shouldn't be wasted or discarded by any means, so we usually turn our cast offs from the possibility of becoming firewood into one-of-a-kind treasures.

Having made some natural edge cutting boards and other charming items for friends and family over the years, we have just now decided (due to the urging of others who had received these rustic pieces as gifts) to make these works available to all. Thus, the Badger® Rustics series of distinctive products are born!

Sometimes looking at rough wood, it is hard to see what a finished piece could turn out to be. Other times, you can see the idea and finished form clearly and are inspired right from the very beginning. That is what our natural edge products are all about for us at Badger® - paying tribute to the tree's natural inspiration and design while enhancing it's function.

When selecting the wood for a rustic and natural edge creation, we look for the unique features that will really bring out the original aesthetics of a finished piece. Because each Badger® solid wood natural edge cutting board or rustic paddle rack is so unusual, each piece of wood so distinct, none can be duplicated. Which means you are giving (or getting) a real one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, Canadian-made treasure to add to your home or cottage.

Out of the Rough, From Scrap To Special:
Made of cherry, these wood off-cuts were made into paddle racks and natural edge cutting boards (because naturally, we all dig food!) while later hand finished with our all natural and food safe Badger® Wood Oil/Paddle & Gunnel Oil. Because no two creations are alike, all pieces are priced individually dependent on size and other characteristics.

The beginnings of a rustic 3-paddle rack.

A single rack gets a final hand-sanding before oiling.

Some Badger® items waiting for Badger® Wood Oil.

A fresh coat of Badger® Wood Oil is absorbed quickly on this unfinished wood.

This finished 3-paddle rack is rustic and ready for hanging!
MSRP only $75.00* CAD (paddles not included)
*shipping and/or taxes not included

This single Badger® paddle rack is truly one of a kind.
 MSRP only $40.00* CAD
*shipping and/or taxes not included

These "natural edge" cutting boards are made from thick
solid cherry wood and will last for many years.
The MSRP on these Badger® Cutting Boards is only $50.00*each CAD
and includes a 250 mL tin of Badger® Wood Oil
*shipping and/or taxes not included

Each board is two-sided, with one side left unmarked while
the other side is branded with our trademark Badger® "paw".

Big or small, we work with all sorts of sizes!

So if you are looking for a great piece for your home or cottage, or are looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for that special person or event, our BADGER® Rustics & Natural Edge Cutting Boards are uniquely perfect for you! Where our rustic paddle racks are ideal for canoeists, our BADGER® Natural Edge Cutting Boards are perfect for just about anyone and for any occasion - including weddings, anniversaries (especially 5th year wedding anniversaries where the traditional gift is wood!), also Christmas', birthdays, retirements, housewarmings, hostess gifts, and more. Plus an added benefit to our Natural Edge Cutting Boards is each one comes with a 250 ml tin of our Badger® Wood Oil so you can maintain it's appearance and durability over it's lifetime.

Each Natural Edge Cutting Board we make comes with
a 250 ml tin of our Badger® Wood Oil
The MSRP on this Badger® Cutting Board/Oil is only $50.00* CAD
(carrot not included!) (Oil Tin may not be exactly as shown)
*shipping and/or taxes not included

As well, because our Badger® Wood Oil is FOOD SAFE, you can also use it on your wooden handled utensils, solid wood salad bowls, chopping blocks, furniture, as well as your paddles and more... a really great added value in today's costly world. And to celebrate the launch of Badger® Rustics, we will be giving away one natural edge cutting board (with a 250 ml tin of our Badger® Wood Oil) at the beginning of October! UPDATE: this contest is now closed!!! Click here for details or email us.

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Caring for That Which Cares for Your Gear - Brushes & Spirits

We all know how important it is to care for our gear.  Wood paddles need to be maintained by way of either oil or varnish.  Wooden gunnels/gunwales, too.  With the rising cost of materials and the environmental impact of our throw-away society, it's always a good idea to look at ways to maintain our gear & use materials that cause the least environmental (& economical) impact.  Badger has put together some tips on how to care for your brushes when varnishing and how to use these materials in a more conscientious way.  If not already using a water based varnish, which is the more environmentally friendly option (or you prefer the traditional mineral spirit based varnishes), then the following tips and information is for you!


Traditional Varnishing Tips Poppa Badger Taught Us:
Let's face it, traditional marine varnish can be nasty toxic stuff plus you need other chemicals to clean up afterwards (like Mineral Spirits, Varsol or Laquer Thinners).  But it is still possible to approach the job of varnishing in an economical and environmentally responsible and friendly manner.


It's all in the Bristle
Let's start with the brush.  Natural bristle creates a smoother finish then synthetic brushes and are easy to clean. Try to use a brush that's made of wood (handle) and natural bristle.  Badger uses brushes that are similar to Lee Valley's.   There are more expensive brushes available, but these are very economical. You can always buy a better quality brush, but if so, we highly recommend you are diligent in your cleaning process.

Natural bristle brushes are strongly recommended.

While some may like the ease of a sponge or foam brush, it's really only a one-use type of item when using for varnishing.  In fact, sometimes, especially with the cheaper ones, the sponge/foam will split and fall apart before the job is even done.  Usually, for the price of the foam brush, you are actually using more value in thinners for the cleaning (if you planning to reuse it).  Besides, that's a lot of plastic and man-made sponge being thrown into the landfill for only one job!  If you want to use a foam brush, try to find one with a wooden handle so it will eventually be able to breakdown in the landfill.

Try not to purchase plastics if possible.

Remember, with a natural, and most importantly, re-usable brush, you are able to varnish many paddles and gunwales/gunnels over the course of many different seasons.  The only real key to maintaining your brush is Poppa Badger's 4 step clean up!


Badger's 4 Step Brush Clean Up

1. Remove excess varnish from brush
2. Wash brush in old or dirty spirits/Varsol
3. Wash brush in new/clean spirits/Varsol
4. Wash brush with soap and water

Save your old jars for your
"Old Spirits" and Varnish

Old Spirits verses New Spirits:
This is about using quantities sparingly and then re-using them.  The best way to clean a brush after varnishing is to first remove any excess varnish by gently wiping the bristles on rim of your varnish jar*.  Next, use some old spirits or Varsol that has been been saved from a previous job.  Make sure you don't use too much.  You don't want the spirits to rise up over the ferrule (metal part) of the brush.  Just cover the bristles.


What is "Old or Dirty Varsol"?
This is the Varsol that was saved (in a sealed jar) from the last time you cleaned your brush after varnishing.  This Varsol is dirty looking (in that it is not clear) and may have sediment that has settled at the bottom of the jar* over time.  Pour this "old Varsol" into another new and clean open jar*, leaving the sediment at the bottom of the old one.  Use the poured off spirits/Varsol to clean your brush by dipping and swishing your brush in the old (poured off) spirits/Varsol.  This will be the first wash.  Try to remove excess with a shake or two.

Use clean spirits before
washing with soap & water

The next wash will be with new and clean spirits, right from the manufacturer's container. Again, take care not to use too much... you only need a small amount to clean the bristles of your brush now.  Again, you don't need to cover the ferrule. Pour a very small amount into another clean jar*, just enough to cover most of the bristles/brush hair.  Use the new and clean spirits/Varsol to clean your brush by dipping and swishing your brush in the jar of the new spirits/Varsol.  Remember to add this now dirty wash to your "old Varsol" jar before sealing it and putting it away for the next time you need to clean a dirty brush.  Poppa Badger's Note: You can keep jars of varying degrees of dirtiness to do your washes or clean up, eventually disposing of the dirtiest spirits in time.


After you shake the excess spirits or Varsol off the brush, you are left with the last wash.  Your last step will be to use water and a mild soap (preferably an actual brush soap) and wash the brush bristles gently, with your fingers. We have found that dishwashing soap works quite well if no brush soap is available. Rinse with more water until all soap is removed, very gently squeeze out the excess water, and then set the brush flat to dry. And, you are done!  As an added tip, Poppa Badger says if you are storing your brush for a long period of time, take a pea to penny-sized amount of raw linseed oil and work it in thru the bristles. You will be amazed at how soft and pliable your brush is the next time you need it.

More Badger's Tips & Tricks

• Don't dip your brush right into your store bought tin of varnish. That will only add dust and other particles to your varnish and contaminate it. Instead, keep your main varnish supply clean and only pour out what you think you will need (pour sparingly - you can always add more if you need it) into another clean and open jar to use for your project.
• Do use the tip of the brush (NOT your finger) to try to catch and remove a stray hair (or other particles) in the varnish as you brush it on.  It will prove much easier then using only your fingers!
• Don't put the lid on your varnish if you have too much air between the varnish and the lid of the container.  This will cause the varnish to "skin over".  Air space is your enemy. Instead, pour the varnish into smaller jars* and continue the process, always pouring your varnish into a smaller container as you use it up - and your varnish will stay much fresher - but you must always lessen the amount of air space in your jar. Works with paint too. If you don't have a proper sized jar, then pour a tiny amount of spirits on top of your varnish to create a "seal". Use only a small layer to cover and when you are ready to use the varnish, just mix in the spirits with your varnish and proceed as usual. (Note: the spirits/Varsol will act as a thinner when using this process so be careful to use only a minimal amount).
• Do give the varnish something to adhere to and lightly scuff or sand with a very fine (320 grit) sand paper between coats. Use a stearated (self-lubricated) sandpaper or use water with a wet proof paper. And do make sure to remove dust before applying the next coat of varnish (with a tack cloth/rag).
• Don't use your "old Varsol or Spirits" to clean a brush that has been used to "paint" with and then try to use it to clean your brush for varnishing.  Try to keep a separate jar of "old spirits" for "paint" brush clean ups.
• Do remember - dust will always settle on varnish as it dries.  So always make sure your work area is as clean as possible and try to stay away from the project area as the varnish dries so as to NOT stir up any extra dust.
• Don't worry about brushing with or against the grain, except for your last strokes of that coat when you should go WITH the grain.
• Do make sure to dispose of all rags, tins and jars, according to your local municipality's by-laws and regulations, keeping in mind that these materials are highly flammable and could even be susceptible to spontaneous combustion.
• Don't dirty a brush for a quick touch up for a small area.  A balled up piece of nylon pantyhose works well as a applicator. Give it a try for small scratches, etc., then dispose of accordingly.
• Do pay attention to the temperature you are working in.  If it is too warm, the varnish will dry too quickly and could bubble.  If it is too cold, damp, or rainy, the drying process could be also be affected and considerably slowed.  Check your manufacture's directions so as to be aware of the optimal temperature range when working with the product of your choice.

*Any old cleaned out pickle, salsa, or tomato sauce jar will do!


For tips on how to maintain your oiled or varnished paddles and/or gunnels/gunwales, visit our website and/or see our maintenance tips on Badger's Blog.... and always make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions of any product you use.

Badger Paddle & Gunnel Oil - NEW for 2011

As popular as varnish is, there is still a very large following of paddlers who prefer to oil their paddles.  Many like the idea of the oil penetrating deep into the wood, other's like the way it feels in their hand when in use and even report less blistering and that slippery feeling (that varnish has when wet) is greatly reduced.  While the oil maintenance issue is described by some as being easier - others find varnish to be less demanding of their time.  Badger believes in the superior qualities of an oil finish but still offer both oil and varnish finishes to our customers.

About Badger Oil:
Badger Paddles uses their own Oil Recipe, passed down from Great Grampa Sydney Badger.  Badger's standard oil is a mixture that contains some varnish properties, linseed, and other chemicals.  Not the most environmentally friendly concoction but it is a time-proven formula for protecting your paddles and other wooden surfaces.  For maintenance, we usually recommend a tung oil (e.g. Behr's Scandinavian Tung Oil or another "marine quality" product).  Again, not very environmentally friendly.  And for some, the fumes prove too harsh or they have concerns about the heath and environmental impacts of using harsh chemicals.  Well, not any more!

At Badger Paddles, we take our commitment to the environment very seriously.  We really "dig" the Earth!  That's why Badger is proud to announce that they will now be offering a choice of OIL FINISHES for your paddle(s).  While we still recommend Grampa Badger's Oil (our standard oil finish); we now offer a 100% ALL NATURAL Paddle & Gunnel Oil that is safe for the environment and your health!

Badger Paddle & Gunnel Oil - NEW for 2011 - is 100% All Natural Hemp Oil that has no harsh fumes and is even food safe.  That means you can use the oil on your paddles, canoe gunnels, wooden thwarts, etc., without worry the of harming the environment or the health & safety of your family or the lakes you paddle in.

Our new Badger Paddle & Gunnel Oil is not only food safe* but is easy clean up too - just use soap and water!  And, unlike our standard oil - our 100% All Natural Badger Paddle & Gunnel Oil will be available for purchase!

Badger Paddle & Gunnel Oil - 100% Natural (250 mL tin) is coming soon!  And if you choose the All Natural Oil Finish instead of Standard - it's still the same price!  Stay tuned to Badger for more information and launch dates.....


*You can even use it to maintain your wooden cutting & chopping boards/blocks.

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