Weekly Spindle Review ~ Kundert

If you could only own one spindle, this should be it


Maker: Kundert
Weight: 29 g /  1 oz
Length: 10" Shaft  3 1/2" Whorl
Style: Top Whorl
Woods: Butternut with Walnut Shaft


My sample for this spindle is Ashland Bay Merino in the colourway "Borelis".  37 yards, 2 plyed.

I first learned about these spindles when I went to my friend Susan's house to try out her collection.  My birthday was coming up and I wanted a new spindle.  I found I was really drawn to the Kunderts because they are surprisingly lightweight and a decent enough size to pack on a lot of yarn.  They seem like a great all-round spindle which would be a good choice if you wanted to spin a variety of yarns from lace to bulky.  

These spindles are all very similar in style and they weight between 1.0 oz and 1.5 oz but the whorls vary from plain to pretty darn cool.  Steven Kundert uses really unique woods that add to the beauty of his spindles and the detailing is nice without being over the top.  Sometimes spindles have a feminine feel (for example the Wooly Designs Heart spindle) but I think this one would appeal to both men and women. 

I have two of these spindles and could easily get more.  His carved spindles are super nice.  My other Kundert was part of a learn to spin package from Spunky Eclectic.

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The shaft is thick at the base of the whorl and tapers down near the end.  The tip of the shaft is carved in such a way that it would be easy to transfer your cop to a straw or knitting needle if need be.  This feature also makes them fully functional as a bottom whorl too!

The underside of the whorl is carved out which makes these spindles rim weighted.  While spinning you may think the spindle has stopped but not so - its so weightless it seems to hold a nice spin time.

The hook is thin (made from stainless steel wire) and perfectly centered.  Its diamond shape holds your yarn in just the right spot above the whorl.  The top of the shaft is correlates well with the bottom detailing.


There is one notch on the side of the whorl (3:00 position), it's deep enough to hold your yarn in place but doesn't look like it was cut in a sloppy manner.  

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Spindle rating:
Length of spin: 26.7 seconds (average of three tests)
Fibre storage ability: Excellent
Looks: Noble
Overall Rating: 9/10


Kundert spindles are perfectly balanced because each spindle is turned as a complete unit.  The craftsmanship that goes into making them is clear.  These spindles are strong and will work well for whatever yarn you you would like to spin.  They start at $25 but don't wait too long, Steven Kundert has already announced his retirement.