Whittling & Carving: Getting Started
Part 1: Tools for Whittling and Wood Carving
So you've seen movies where some old geezer sits in a rocking chair whittling away on a handful of wood and then at the end of the scene he hands his result to his grand-daughter, and says, "You take this now, Marla. You keep Providence with you next to your heart, and never forgot what he meant to you, to all of us."
And there in Marla's hand you see a perfect wood-carving in the shape of a horse, Providence, rearing up on his hind legs, sharp eyes and nose pointed up as his mane flies back in the wind. And how do you know it's a he? Well that part isn't carved.
That was a big moment for you. A spark of revelation inspired you to say out loud, "I can do that. I want to be a whittler, just like him."
Well, hold your horses, Bronco - the proverbial horses, not the wooden ones. You're going to need some basic tools and you're going to need to learn a few basic things before you can call yourself an accomplished whittler. For starters you will need:
A Whittling Knife - A small, sharp knife with a pointed blade for making cuts and shaping wood.
A Carving Knife - A larger knife with a curved blade for larger cuts and shaping larger pieces of wood.
A Coping Saw - A small, handheld saw with a U-shaped blade for cutting curves and patterns into wood.
And an assortment of sandpaper or sanding blocks for smoothing and finishing your pieces.
And that's just for starters. You're going to need someone to teach you how to use those tools, and how to find wood to whittle on. Of course it would be easier and less costly to read a book on the subject.
Be sure to check out the many related products we offer in the categories Wood Craft Books and Wood Craft Supplies
Be sure to check out the many related products we offer in the categories Wood Craft Books and Wood Craft Supplies
Part 2. How To Use The Whittler's Tools
You would be wise to learn how to use those tools from people who have used them before. Some of those people have written books for you that go into much finer detail than we can do here. But here are the basics:
Hold your knife correctly - Hold your knife with your thumb and forefinger near the blade for better control and precision.
Start with simple cuts - Start with simple, straight cuts to get a feel for your knife and the wood you're working with. Whittlers have been known to whittle a piece of wood right down to nothing but shavings while practicing straight, simple cuts.
Use a push or pull stroke - Depending on the direction of the grain, use a push or pull stroke to make your cuts. A push stroke is when you push the blade away from your body, and a pull stroke is when you pull the blade towards your body (Be extra careful with this one, okay? ).
Practice safety - Always wear protective gear, such as gloves or a thumb guard, and never carve towards anyone who is standing or sitting close to you.
Experiment with different cuts - Once you feel comfortable with the basics, experiment with different types of cuts to create more complex shapes and patterns. Have fun with it. See what kinds of patterns you can create.
With knowledge of these basic tools and techniques, you should be ready to start a-whittling. Just remember, it's only a start. Don't expect to carve a masterpiece your first try. Whittling and carving is all about patience, patience, and more patience. Now go find yourself a rocking chair.
Be sure to check out the many related products we offer in the categories Wood Craft Books and Wood Craft Supplies