What
you MUST have to start wood carving:
2 basic items:
- a knife
- wood
Knife:
What kind, what size, what shape?
Most of us wood carvers started with a jack knife
or our mothers kitchen knife (much to her dismay).
But, once you are ready to step up to the next
level we recommend that you start with a smaller
bladed knife with a straight edge. Something like
the "Detail
Carver (1 inch)" or the "Scalpel"
with a straight blade. Also, check out our "Sets"
page for combinations for beginners.
Wood: What kind, what size?
Go outside, pick up a branch and start carving
on it. This is how most of us get started. There
is no pressure to make something beautiful, and
the wood is free and plentiful.
But when you decide you'd like to try something
a little more involved, it may be time to look
for some carving wood. Most wood carvers start
out using Basswood. It is easy to carve and if
it is a good quality piece it will not have any
knots in it.
The size of your wood really depends on the project.
Buy as close to the size as possible, so as not
to waste too much.
Where can you get basswood?
Here is a link to a variety of different places
that carry basswood.
http://www.thefind.com/query.php?query=basswood+wood+carving+block
Also, ask around your neighborhood or at the local
carving club for local resources.
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What
can wait, but you will eventually need:
Sharpening
Strop
You
will at some point need to sharpen your carving
knife. For this a simple sharpening strop with
sharpening compound will work. It is something
you can make yourself or purchase.
If you don't want to make your own strop, we offer
a sharpening strop for sale- CLICK
HERE
We do offer a premixed compound
for sharpening, but if you prefer to make
your own you can find sharpening compound at your
local hardware store. We recommend the white compound
in the DICO brand. If you are not sure how to
sharpen, here is a link to show you how. SHARPENING
INSTRUCTIONS
Patterns
- although you can surely make up your own ideas,
some of you at some point may like to have patterns
to show you what to do and how the project should
look in the end. We do offer some free patterns
on our site to get you started - CLICK
HERE. There are also websites that offer
patterns to buy and most books have at least one
pattern included in them. http://www.carvingpatterns.com/
this is just one site, look around there are many
more.
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What
is really not necessary, but may come in handy:
This
could be a very extensive list, but we will only
list two. Just stick to the basics, add carving
knives and equipment as you develop a need and
your skills grow.
Books - this may fall more under the category
of "don't go crazy" one or two good
ones will do. Here is a great beginners wood carving
book that is inexpensive and we thought covered
a lot of the basics. Beginner
Wood Carving Book
Expensive Sharpening machines - you should
really only need a strop
Some
of the best advice is free. Check your local
library, they are sure to have the book you wanted
to buy. Also, look for, or start a carving club
in your area. There are many of them out there and
they are just itching to show you what you need
to know.
Have a question? Please don't hesitate to
ask us.
info@deepwoodsventures.com
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