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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Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week - Getting The Most From Your Oil

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.

To ensure that you are getting the best penetration when oiling your wooden paddles, gunwales, thwarts or seat parts - include the following tips into your oiling process.


Starting with a clean rag, poor the oil onto your folded cloth - not the wood. After applying a fairly liberal amount of oil* evenly to the entire surface, "WET SAND" it (using the oil as a lubricator) before you leave the oil to penetrate the wood (allowing the oil to permeate for up to 30 minutes). Using a good "waterproof" sandpaper (320 grit or finer) when oiling the wood, not only helps to open the grain (during the sanding process) but it also helps to take care of any slight raised grain issues as well as minor scratches. Sanding, a step we highly recommend, is what helps to give the wood a silky, smooth to the touch, finish. Please note that some people suggest to use a fine steel wool but we find it leaves bits of the steel fibres behind where as the sandpaper does not.

Applying a coat of oil with a clean cloth. 

Another tip, from Poppa Badger, is to use your hand to rub the surface (quickly) to create some heat. Do so in small sections until you have covered the entire area. When the oil is exposed to this frictional heat, it becomes like a polymerization effect, as a slight thickening occurs - along with the help of oxidization - resulting in a harder finish while helping to speed up the drying/curing process. If you do use your hand to rub the paddle down, be sure to take off any rings or other jewelry that may scratch the surface and always sand or rub in the direction of the grain.

Wet sand using the oil (NOT WATER).

Don't forget to remove the excess oil (after several minutes of penetration and wet sanding) by wiping away the excess with a clean, dry cloth.  This will prevent the oil from gumming** up and allow for a beautiful smooth finish. By removing the extra oil from the surface, the drying time is also faster. Remember, it is better to repeat this process a few times, in thinner layers, then to try to apply the oil too heavily.

To see all of our Oil and Varnish Maintenance Tips, visit:

How to Maintain Oiled Gunwales/Gunnels and Wooden Paddles

Canoe Paddle Maintenance Tips - Oil or Varnish

Badger Canoe Paddle Maintenance

*Oil can refer to a few different substances: Tung; Linseed; Badger Wood Oil (Hemp); a 50:50 mixture of oil and spirits (which also helps the oil to permeate the wood and speed up drying time); or a store bought concoction.


**If a too heavy coat of oil has been left for too long - or you get a gummy feel to the finish -  get out your fine (waterproof) sand paper again and "wet" sand (with a bit more oil) then immediately wipe the surface of any residual oil and leave to dry. Note: if the oil has been applied too heavily, or penetrates too deeply, you may have to check back within in few hours as the excess oil may seep out during this time. If this does occur, just wipe away the extra with a clean rag and leave to dry (checking back again as needed).

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.

How to Maintain Oiled Gunnels and Wood Paddles

Many of you will be anticipating the warm temperatures so the paddling season can begin - while some of us have already been "moved" by a Spring paddle.

For those who are still getting ready for the season - this is the perfect time for ensuring your gear and equipment is in good condition or in need of some quick maintenance/serious repair before the paddling season really gets going.  Especially when the weather is good.  These maintenance steps, as seen below, can also be done as needed through out the paddling season as well - using a mask, protective eyewear and gloves where (or if) needed.

Maintaining an Oiled Paddle:
If you are preparing to oil your canoe paddle - be sure to check out our maintenance page and past posts on this blog.   Here and here.  And, while you are perusing the notes on maintaining an oiled and/or varnished paddle on a rainy Spring day - make sure you pick a sunny weekend to actually get to work.  Working outside provides the best ventilation and allows you to dig out your canoe for some maintenance too.  We also hear vitamin D is good for you!

Maintaining Oiled Gunnels on a Canoe:
If your gunnels typically get a lot of wear and tear from paddles, transport, portages or other heavy use, then it is best to go with an oiled finish.  Keep your eye on the weather reports and when you have a good couple days of sunshine and warmth - bring out your canoe - flip it so the gunnels are up and let it air dry in the sun for one of those days.  Even a garage may be musty and having a dry surface is important for the best results.  After that - you can take care of both your paddle and gunnels together.

To re-oil the gunnels/decks of your boat - just sand, using 220 grit paper, to remove any mold, mildew stains or to smooth out any roughened areas.  You can later sand with an even finer paper to make it really smooth for finishing - but it isn't really necessary.  After the sanding stage is finished - just wipe off the dust with a clean, dry cloth - you are ready to oil!

You can use your own mixture - or - as we tell our customers - Behr's Scandinavian Tung Oil* (found at Home Depot in Canada - see above photo) or a similar product will do.  A fine marine grade/outdoor quality product is recommended as these products usually offer UV protection.  After the sanding and dusting, wet a clean rag with the oil and apply liberally to the wooden gunnels, etc. on your canoe.  But try to keep it neat and not slop it on your boat shell or the gelcoat, if you can.  (We usually put the oil in a large open container only adding more oil as we need it.  Then we just dip our oil rag/cloth into the oil as we go for ease.)  Let the oil soak in and penetrate while you work your way around the rest of the canoe - oiling as you go.  You can even leave it for 10 minutes or so to allow more penetration while you take a break or oil your paddles - but don't leave it for too long or it will be thick and tacky when you return.

When you get back to where you started and feel the oil has time to penetrate the wood - take some fine sandpaper (320 grit will do) and "wet sand" the entire area that was oiled using the oil on the sand paper only. When you are back again to the starting point - take a clean, dry cloth and wipe off the excess oil.  The gunnels will still feel oily to the touch but if you allow that to dry for a few to several hours, you will return to find a dry oil finish.  Repeat this whole process a second or third time - depending on how many coats the wood needs - or how "thirsty" it is....  

If it the first time that the gunnels have been treated - we would recommend that you repeat the process at least 3 to 5 times to ensure enough finish has been built up to protect the wood.

From Varnished to Oiled:
If you are wanting to apply an oil finish to your gunnels that are varnished then you MUST REMOVE THE VARNISH FINISH FIRST or the oil will NOT penetrate the wood.   This can be done by hand sanding using coarse grit sand paper or - even quicker - with a machine or hand-held power sander.  Be sure to wear a dust mask to ensure you don't breath in any of the varnish dust.  When the wood is bare again - begin the oiling process as described above making sure that the first time you are oiling your gunnels that you use multiple coats of oil.  Once the gunnels are oiled - maintenance will be more simple needing less oiling during the maintenance process then the first time you apply the oil to just bare wood.

Cleaning Up:
It is extremely important to note that oil and the rags used in the oiling process are highly combustible.  Make sure to read all the instructions regarding application and disposal located on your product's label before you begin.  It is significant that you dispose of garbage and rags properly as these are are prone to spontaneous combustion (for example: if left in a heap on the floor).  Soak your rags in a bucket of water and/or lay flat to dry before disposal and be sure to use all necessary safety equipment.

*UPDATE: Behr's has recently been discontinued. Try Watco Teak oil instead or our Badger Wood Oil.

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Canoe Paddle Maintenance Tips - Oil or Varnish

Every day brings us closer to snow and frozen waterways which also brings our paddling season to an official close. Although there is still open water at the moment, the days have become too cold, for most of us, to get out on the water. Putting our gear away for the season and our end-of-season equipment maintenance is usually done around this time of year for all, except the hard-core paddler. So when packing away your tents and canoes for the season - don’t overlook your paddles! Keeping that in mind, we are offering the following End-of-season and other Badger Canoe Paddle Care Tips for our customers.

Care of your Badger Canoe Paddle(s)

Hand-Rubbed Oiled Paddles**

The amount of maintenance that an oiled paddle needs depends on the amount of use it gets in a season. For instance, a paddle that is to be used daily or up to 4 days/week, we recommend oiling your paddle every few weeks or as needed. For paddles used only on the weekends or less, Badger Paddles recommends you re-oil your paddle every one to 2 months or as needed. Even if your oiled paddle is only used once in a year, we recommend you oil your paddle at the begining and end of every season at minimum, or as needed. You may use a fine marine tung oil product like Behr or boiled linseed oil. For more tips on oiling your Badger Paddle, please visit our maintenance page.

Hand-Rubbed Varnished Blades & Varnished Blades**

To truly keep your paddle in it’s best condition, a varnished paddle should be checked for any “scars” from use at the end of every season. “Scars” include nicks or heavy scratches or other abrasions in the varnish finish. “Scars” can be caused by coming into contact with rocks or other hard surfaces while in use or at play. These “scars” should be sanded out first (if possible) and the entire varnished surface be given a light sanding with a fine sand paper. This helps the new coat of marine-grade varnish that now must be applied to have better surface adhesion.

You may only want to "feather-out" the scar by sanding lightly.  Not only will this be easier but it will allow a natural patina to acquire on your paddle.  These scars may even hold memories for you.  In the case of really deep scars, you may need to fill with a coloured wood filler, sanding level before finishing with a good quality marine grade varnish.  

Before varnishing, wipe clean with a soft cloth or a tack rag to remove any surface dust. If you are only varnishing the blade of your paddle - use painters tape to give a clean edge-line to your finish. Using a brush made of natural fibre or sponge, brush on the varnish according to the manufacturers directions. Hang to dry in a dust free environment.


For a full look at varnishing a paddle, watch our video "How To Varnish A Wood Canoe Paddle (At Home)".

Please note all our varnished blades come with an oiled shaft and grip, except for WaterColours. We do offer a fully varnished paddle as a special order. For tips on how to maintain your oiled shafts and grip, please refer to the Oiled Paddles section above.

Storage of your Badger Paddle(s)

Because Badger Paddles are solid wood canoe paddles, it is best to hang them from their grip(s) or lay them down. This is especially true for long term storage, for if a solid wood paddle is left leaning for too long a period - it may warp.

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Don’t want to do the maintenance? We can do it for you as we also offer paddle refinishing. Contact us at info@badgerpaddles.com for more details.

**Caution: Always work in a well ventilated area when using any of the products needed to maintain your Badger Paddles. Also note the products used to maintain your paddles are flammable and subject to spontaneous combustion. All rags, especially those used to oil paddles, must be spread out to dry completely before disposing of for safety purposes.