A first attempt at a Gourd Canteen

[bigstick6017555]

I am sure people realized this, and many other problems we think up that they may have endured, way before the 21st century.

 

[Brokennock]

speaking from experience with a meerschaum lined gourd pipe.

Interesting....
I wish you had mentioned this in your original reply.... Totally different animal, a pipe versus a water bottle,,,,, and a different but interesting subject. I'd certainly like to know more, but it is a subject for another topic thread.

It also would have tempered your very "irrefutable" sounding answer.

 

[WonkyEye]

After I cast round balls, I put them in a plastic bottle and let it bounce around int the bed of the truck for a 30 miles or so. I wonder if the same approach could be used for gourd cleaning.

It's funny you posted this now, I've never been to a rendezvous or any living history event, but I'm curious and thinking about trying it on for size. I was just googling last week how to make a gourd canteen because I figured I'd need water if I do.

 

[Artificer]

I've grown bottleneck, dipper and canteen gourds just for the joy of it, but only made bowls. Always meant to try making a canteen. Might mention that a gourd's exterior is easily decorated by burning in lines or a pattern with a magnifying glass in the sun.
Timber Wolf, you certainly have a way with words. "In my never-ending quest for the next project, to prevent me from working on existing projects ..." sounds so familiar.

I heartily second Bill's comments Timber Wolf. You tell an interesting story along with the suggestions/instructions. That is almost becoming a lost art. Thanks for the chuckles as well as the info.

Gus

 

[andy52]

I made a few several years ago and I grew the gourds myself. I made up some wood frames to grow them in so they would be flat-sided and carry a little easier, Honestly, I didn't think they were worth the effort, a kidney copper one is nicer and more durable.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I've made two. One was waxed inside and out. Gourd became like an eggshell.
The second was waxed only on the inside. Lasted several years.

LD

 

[Seamus]

I've made two. One was waxed inside and out. Gourd became like an eggshell.
The second was waxed only on the inside. Lasted several years.

LD

I lined the last one that I made with brewers pitch. It's not quite as easy as using beeswax but, it seems to make the gourd tougher and the pitch won't puddle in your canteen if you leave in in a hot car after an event. I found that out the hard way.

Also, referring to an earlier comment regarding mold, I've never had a mold issue using a lined gourd (using either wax or pitch) I have had unlined gourds get funky smelling if they aren't very dry before storing.