Weekly Spindle Review - Phil Powell Russian

Maker: Phil Powell
Weight: 17 g /  5/8 oz
Length: 9 7/8" Shaft  
Style: Russian Support Spindle
Woods: Asian Tiger Stripe Satin Wood


Interesting looking spindle, with quirky personality.

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For this week's review, I used a small batt sample of BFL, Punta Silk, Firestar and mohair from Sheepy Kitty.  I spun this yarn straight from the batt outside in the wind so it is full of air and truly woolen.  I used this sample as my kick off to TdF.  I also used my stAR pottery lap bowl (which I absolutely love!)

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The first thing that you might notice about this spindle is its weird shape.  It is definitely unique and reminds me of an insect leg; which may be the reason why I haven't warmed up to it all that much.  To be honest, this is the first time I have spun on this spindle.  I acquired it through a destash and added it to my collection.  


The wood used is a huge bonus though.  I'm usually a fan of darker woods but this one glows.  You can see its beauty shining like gold in the sunlight.  I've never heard of Asian Tiger Satin wood but it sure looks as nice as it sounds.  


The lower portion of the shaft has very unique shaping, I haven't seen other russians quite like this.   I would have expected that there would be more weight distributed but this spindle is so light, I didn't seem to get that feeling.  I found this spindle slow going until I had a bit more weight packed on it.


The craftsmanship is visable in this spindle, and you can see that there was great care put into polishing the wood and making sure it was balanced.    

I was able to spin a lace weight 2 ply yarn which is the category of yarns that russian spindles are best known for.  

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This spindle also has a decent length which I really appreciate because I like to spin for yardage and being able to hold a fair amount of spun singles is a good thing.  This spindle isn't overly fancy but despite that, this would make a great spindle for either men or women.  

The base of the spindle holds a metal tip.  These are kinda nice, because there is less friction between the spindle and the bowl than there is with wood.  These tips can be used in all different types of bowls and they provide a smooth support from which to spin.  BUT... I do prefer the look of the seamless or all wooden spindles.  This metal tip reminds me of the point of a pen and it just slightly takes away from the beauty that an all wood spindle has.  The metal does make the tip more durable though, unlike the point of the spindle shaft at at the opposite end.  

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The tip in which you spin off is very delicate on this spindle.  It is so pointy it has chipped off a bit and just like a knitting needle that has split, there seems to be no way to help this but to sand it down a bit.  Now I know this spindle was well taken care of before I owned it.  It has a piece of rubber tubing to protect the end when not in use, but this tip damage has occurred as a result of spinning and with a little TLC, it could be good as new again.  It looks not bad in this picture but upon closer inspection, it looks like a teensy tiny bit has broken off.

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I also find it nice when the spindle maker signs his spindles and this one isn't too bad.  "Powell 2013".  At least it's not written with a sharpie marker but unfortunately I don't think this signature will last as long as one that has been engraved in the wood.  


Spindle rating:
Length of spin: 5.72 seconds (average of three tests)
Fibre storage ability: quite good
Looks: If you can get over the insect leg part and look at the beautiful wood it's gorgeous
Overall Rating: 6.5/10

  If you are looking to try out a russian spindle that is a little slow to start, but has a unique profile then you might look towards this type.  I see these for sale sometimes in the Spindle Candy group on Ravelry and some people love them while others aren't as enamored but I think they are worth a try! 

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