RZ Dust Mask Review

A good dust mask is hard to find. but I finally found one. After trying numerous disposable filter masks and heavier respirators, I came across the M1 mask from RZ. It is neoprene and secures to the head with a wrap around Velcro strap. It has a replaceable active carbon filter which carries a 99.9% efficiency against particles down to 0.1 micron.

There are other masks that are just as efficient. But wearing eyeglasses creates a whole new problem, keeping the glasses from fogging up. The RZ has an adjustable nose piece to create a seal at the top and one-way discharge valves on the front to allow condensation to escape which prevents fogging. It really works!

But alas I had another problem, a beard. It is impossible to create a tight seal with any mask when the user has facial hair. But the wrap around design allows a good seal, better than others I have tried.

The M1 is designed for use in cooler weather, so it can get warm using it in the spring and summer. They offer the M2, a breathable mesh for warmer weather. I will be ordering the mesh M2 mask soon. If you're looking for a good dust mask, give this one a try.

Upcoming Events 2019

Knotty Wood Spirits will be at the following events this year. Carvings will be available for purchase. Additional events may be added. Contact me for more info.

6/1/19          Shoal Creek Living History Museum      Kansas City, MO
6/8/19          Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary              Liberty, MO
7/6/19          Shoal Creek Living History Museum      Kansas City, MO

7/13/19        Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary              Liberty, MO

8/3/19          Shoal Creek Living History Museum      Kansas City, MO

8/10/19        Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary              Liberty, MO
9/7/19          Big Shoal Country Fair                            Gladstone, MO
9/14/19        Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary              Liberty, MO

10/5//19       Harvest Festival Shoal Creek                  Kansas City, MO
10/12/19      Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary              Liberty, MO

11/9/19        Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary              Liberty, MO

11/23/19      Oak Park Craft Fair                                   Kansas City, MO

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

A new season begins this Saturday. Come on out and step back in time!

Cottonwood Root

Received some cottonwood root from a carving buddy. This has been drying inside and had dried enough I could remove the bark. A floor scrapper comes in handy for this task and makes quick work of it. I then wire brushed the wood and rinsed with water while scrubbing with a nylon brush. Southwest Native Americans, primarily the Hopi Nation carved Kachina dolls from cottonwood root. A Kachina is a spirit being in religion beliefs of the Pueblo people. 
Time will tell what will comes from these pieces of wood.

New Project

Working on a special fall project. Stay tuned for details!