Spindle Review ~ Ghstworks Russian Travel Spindle

Maker: Ghstworks 
Weight: 21 g & 16 g /  3/4 oz
Length: 8.25" Shaft
Style: Russian
Material: Zircote

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Since the past couple of years I have been on a MAJOR support spindle kick and I really want to try all the spindle makers out there.  Ghstworks designs have caught my eye on some of the spindle threads so I perused their shop and found this little number.  My sample is Romney and I spun and plyed it to keep its awesome colour runs.  It came to 11 yards in the end.

My very favourite aspect of this spindle is it's size.  I LOVE it!  Its labeled as a travel spindle and that's exactly what I plan to do with it.  Perfect for throwing in your bag and taking it everywhere you go.   Its stocky, well built and made to last. It also feels nice in the hand.  My hands are kinda... what's the word... pudgy (ha) so this spindle feels not too big, not too small but just right.   If you have larger hands, this travel spindle may not be right for you.  

To spin a larger amount of fibre with this spindle you would have to make a couple cops to do so as the shaft doesn't have the length for a few oz (but it's the travel size) .   I have a bit of fibre chosen to make a bigger skein with this spindle to test out how much fibre I can pack on before it becomes cumbersome.   (I will update this post when I do that)

Both ends are shaped but not to an absolute point.  I don't have to worry too much about any damage with this Russian.  The bulb end is quite large, and slightly tapered which keeps this spindle's centre of gravity down low.  When I give it a twist, its spins very fast and keeps speed until a few moments before it stops.  Russian spindles are known for spinning very fast so you can produce very fine yarns.   This spindle's weight is geared towards laceweight yarns.

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The point you spin off has also been tapered to a fine point, but not one where it is too sharp.  The angle is pretty much the exact degree at which I am holding my hand and the fibre.  I think this would be a big help for those looking to try support spindling.  I found it didn't really "click" until I had the right angle down and with the tip of the shaft, you can just line up your single along it.  The Zircote wood is nice and hard so there is no splitting or anything either.  I've always loved dark woods so that doesn't hurt either. 

The shaft isn't overly decorated but there are 3 small rings near the tip which add a nice bit of detail (see last picture).  Rings like this always remind me of my Tabachek spindles :)  

There is some hand yarn management ridges near the bulb.  I really appreciate these because they really help a lot when it comes to getting your spinning started.  They are carved very neatly and even.  The shaft has been smoothed but not a whole lot.  I prefer that because if the spindle shaft is too slippery, your yarn will just keep sliding around as you are spinning.  It needs some hold, but not enough to snag your fibre.  

A lot of the Ghstworks spindles have this shaped.  It reminds me of one of my favourite spindles and my first review.  Another reason I was happy to find this maker.  

One thing that is a habit with support spindles is I like to just spin them around in my hand without any fibre and see how they behave.  This one spins for a nice amount of time and boy is it smooth - not a wobble.  Wish it had a bit more spin time though.   

Spindle rating:
Length of spin: 9.4 seconds (average of three tests)
Fibre storage ability: Fair
Looks: Sleek
Overall Rating: 8.75/10

This spindle maker has taken time and care into making his spindles work very well.  They don't need a mix of woods or fancy tips or unique shaping.  They are very nice Russian spindles and I would like to have more from Ghstworks.

You can see the 3 rings near the spinning point in this picture.