. Whittling too quickly can easily cause a knife slip to occur and at a high speed. Plus, if you whittle too quickly you can mess up your potential design before you really even get started. Turn a twig into a classic carving: Online Exclusives. But if you are getting serious about your whittling then you can buy small whittling wood blocks at your local craft or hardware store which will be perfect for your first whittling project. If youâre a new whittler, we highly recommend that you wear a pair of gloves when you start out. *Full tang: the full width of the blade runs through the entire length of the handle which wraps around it in two parts. Gouge and hook knife to carve out the bowl. Another excellent knife from Flexcut, the Whittlin’ Jack combines the precise cutting quality of a fixed single blade whittling knife with the convenience and versatility of a pocket knife. To use the pull stroke, youâll want to hold the wood in your left hand and have your knife in your right hand with the blade facing toward you. Camping is what she loves to do the most, but has also spent many hours clinging to the side of a rock face, cycling about the place, cruising the ski-slopes on her snowboard, and hiking small mountains and big hills. Throughout whittling history, whittlers used pockets knifes and some still choose them over specialised whittling knives. The best spoon carving knife is going to have a lower radius which is best for carving a smaller surface area (the knife on top). Keeping hold of all your fingers should be your first line of defence against the power of the blade. The finish is smooth but provides plenty of grip and control when tackling big rough cuts as well as more detailed work. Featuring both utilitarian and decorative pieces that are perfect for beginners, 12 Spoons, 2 Bowls, and a Knife is a compilation of 15 favorite projects from the archives of Woodcarving Illustrated.Opening with a section on common carving tools, basic cuts, and ⦠For newbie whittlers looking to leap right into the world of wood carving mania, this Flexcut Beginner Palm and Knife Set is THE place to start. You should try to keep your right thumb out of the bladeâs path as much as possible. Remove small bits of material until you begin to form a small divit. Regardless of your knowledge of basic whittling safety rules, however, complacency can easily cause an accident to occur, so we need to be sure to follow these rules at all times. Especially when it comes to whittling, a dull knife will be very difficult to cut with and itâll feel like youâre trying to carve away at a brick. Knife 2. Dealing with the bowl first will allow you have a part to clamp to the surface as you work on the rest of the spoon. Use this cut to get a basic outline for your project. Spoon carving straight knife 3. Plus, if youâre using a piece of fresh pine that you found on the ground, youâll have to frequently clean sticky sap off of your knife. His doggie cheers you up. Sandpaper. 10 14 But I like the simplicity of this method which uses minimal tools and seems to work well for my knives: For this knife sharpening method you will need: In the past I would pick up whatever wood was lying around the forest to get my campsite whittling projects going. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. But I have also heard horror stories of gashed thighs from slip ups with sharp whittling tools. Keeping a sharp knife is a great way to help prevent accidents and to make your whittling as precise and effortless as possible. Other times, you need to do some shallow test cuts and get a sense of how the wood peels away in a given direction. Butternut is a lesser-known wood thatâs great for beginner whittling. âï¸ GENERAL SLOYD KNIFE FOR WOOD CARVING: Knife is designed specifically for wood carving, gren woodworking, whittling and roughing wood out. Butternut does frequently have wormholes, though, so donât be too surprised if you find one in something youâre whittling! Share this, follow us, and subscribe to get over 100 free ebooks! If you are an aspiring carpenter and don’t have the luxury of a shed dedicated to your craft, a knife and chunk of whittle wood might just be the next best thing. Here’s what you’ll learn about: Before I got my whittling knife I used my pocket knife, which, so long as it was sharp, did a great job. On the other hand, cuts made against the grain will tear, split, give you a lot of resistance, and look ugly. This hyper specialization makes this whittling knife perfect for carving any object with a rounded shape (like the spoon or bowl mentioned above but also ornamental carving). Many of these are easy to find at a craft store, lumber yard, or woodworking store and are quite affordable. Sure, youâll be able to pick out a nicer block of wood at a craft store, but whatâs more memorable than whittling a trinket in the evenings of a fantastic camping trip? And as some of the most popular whittling knives offered by Flexcut, this beginner set will last you well into your whittling career making it suitable for more advanced whittlers too. Look for: Now because it’s essential that your knife is VERY sharp, it’s a good idea to have some protective gear. The knife also has a 3.2 inch long durable laminated steel blade, which is favored by greenwood workers around the world. The ultimate getaway from the modern world. With a 3 inch blade and a small oiled Birchwood handle, the knife is a more compact version of the Mora 106. Since many people generally have a knife on them while camping, the only extra item you need is a small piece of wood that youâve brought from home or a random branch you found while hiking. A good way to practice these strokes, or to introduce whittling to kids is to use a bar of soap. If youâve ever spent some time outside, chances are high that youâve seen someone sitting by a campfire working away at a small piece of wood with a knife. You donât need to buy any fancy, expensive wood to create something awesome. The Opinel No8 is one outstandingly great value knife. Bonus Pattern. Itâs a bit darker than basswood but has a nice grain texture thatâs easy to whittle. Who knew it could be such a risky pastime?! Then flip the spoon 180 degrees and repeat from the other direction. If you want the flexibility of having multiple whittling tools but donât want the weight, bulk, and expense of a large multi-tool, the Flexcut Whittlinâ Jack might be what youâre looking for. A branch off a tree The Knife. The Junior is by no means a lesser knife than its more mature cousins and shouldn’t be handled with any less caution – this is a very sharp knife that cuts through wood with the same strength and precision as any of the other whittling knives in this review. And of course, finally the carving knife to refine it all. This made it the wood of choice for German sculptors in the middle ages who were tasked with creating elaborate wood carvings for alters and other church artifacts. While you could just start slicing away on a piece of wood, youâll get better results if you take the time to learn about the finer points of different whittling cuts. Rasp (preferably pattern makers) and a selection of second cut files 4. The thumb of your non-cutting hand provides the power to push on the back of the knife or thumb of your cutting hand. This will gradually get easier with enough practice. Try to avoid wood with knots and growth rings and, where possible, avoid wood where the grain goes in multiple directions – a straight grain is easier. Mike made a small spoon with autumn leaves. There are a ton of specialist whittling knife options out there and many whittlers have multiple knives for different jobs. Pocket Knife. Be sure the length of your spoon follows the direction of the wood grain on your blank to make your spoon stronger. Clamp the bowl gently in a vise and work with the grain. Fixed blades arenât the most practical for backpacking, Wood carving knife with a durable laminated steel blade. Although you might think that a sharp knife is more dangerous than a dull one, dull knives actually take much more force to use and thus pose a higher risk of injury than a sharp knife. Choose a soft wood thatâs easy to cut and a knife that feels comfortable in your hands. I was given a whittling knife a few years ago by my sister, as a gift for being her bridesmaid. But what makes the Junior such a good option for young whittlers or those less confident handling sharp things, is the finger protection guard at the base of the blade. The most important thing to know about how to whittle is that it is is much easier if you have a very sharp knife. The 4.3″ long blade makes it tricky for work on intricate whittling projects, but the strength of the 3.2mm thick full tang* blade makes it a dream to work with tough wood on bigger projects. As this cut involves moving a knife toward your body and toward your hand, itâs important to keep your stroke short and controlled. It is not designed as a specialist whittling knife, but its properties are such that its wood carving performance is comparable to other whittling specific knives like the Mora 106. Sometimes this is as easy as just looking at the wood and looking at the way the grain runs. That means you can push with your left hand or pull with your right, which may be what some users prefer. Like the pull stroke, the push stroke also gives you a good amount of control over the knife when you want to make detailed cuts. If you choose not to wear gloves, the next best alternative is a thumb guard. Plus, it polishes nicely and is very soft, which makes it great for working with. Our recommendation? The foldable blade makes it is more portable than the Mora whittling knives, and therefore immediately allows you to use it in a variety of camping and hunting scenarios. It also boasts a comfortable, ergonomic grip constructed of shock-resistant material, and the spine of the blade has been ground for use with a fire-starter. Keep an eye out for tricky grain and change cutting directions when necessary. I certainly don’t claim to be a ‘whittler’ and I’ve yet to create anything worth mentioning, (mostly spears to catch the cowboys with and the odd spoon here and there!) Itâs best to make an abundance of shallow slices instead of a few deep cuts to shape the wood. Draw the design of your spoon on your wood. Itâs a great cut if you need a lot of control over your blade while making detailed cuts. Whittling is an art form, and like all art, you need to find a technique and style that works best for you. We stand by our green woodworking tools quality, so you'll get all the necessary information about our whittling tools and appropriate help also. It is wider and covers more surface area (the knife on bottom). Limited lifetime manufacturerâs warranty. Now that you’re set up with a VERY SHARP KNIFE, and some protective gear, it’s time to get making some easy wood carving projects. Gripping your new spoon handle, use a crook knife to hollow out both circles. 7. If you know that one tool just wonât be enough for all your wood carving and whittling needs, the Flexcut Right-Handed Carvinâ Jack might be the multi-tool for you. By Jon Mac. Playing with knives… Not something to recommend to, well anyone really. You start out with a knife that has a straight blade, carve out the shape of your future spoon, and then you take carving gouge to shape the deepening of the spoon. If you’re keen to get your little ‘uns whittling away with you, then the Morakniv Wood Junior is an ideal first knife. Get a pair of gloves or a thumb guard for some extra security while youâre learning the different cuts and be conservative in your movements. One of such products is the Morakniv Wood Carving Knife, the best whittling knife recommended by several customers around the globe. So as tempting as it may be to just grab whatever’s there, I would recommend being a little more selective about your whittling wood. Transform a block of wood into a beautiful (and functional) kitchen accessory! Although they might seem like simple tools, there are a lot of different knives on the market today, some of which are good options for whittling and others which are best used for other purposes. I sell a selection of spoon blanks. When the blade is open it locks very securely with a Virobloc safety ring. There are several different cutting styles out there for whittlers to use, but weâve identified a few of the most common methods. If you liked this article, you might like 39 survival hacks. Over time, youâll build up the confidence you need to try out new techniques and make more elaborate designs. Whittling has a specialty piece for every task imaginable, but in reality, beginners can make do with a sturdy, sharp pocket knife. By Robin Gates Among sailors whittling away the hours on long voyages or waiting for the tide to turn, as many are doing now, there is a long tradition of carving wooden spoons. (She knows me well!) With a little guidance the ancient art of carving wood with a knife doesn’t need to turn into a first aid emergency. Draw a circle or an egg-shape inside the rounded part of your spoon so it almost reaches the edges of the outline. Due to the mechanics of whittling, the thumb on your dominant hand (the one you hold the knife in) tends to suffer the vast majority of nicks and slices while whittling. Sure, you could just pick up a twig and start slashing away at it with a knife, but youâd probably hurt yourself before you made anything useful. The cuts are very smooth and shiny. This is a great cut for the beginning of a project to quickly carve out a general shape. Carve front When youâre happy with the shape of the back of your spoon, flip it around and start working on the front. Thus, we recommend starting slowly and continuing to whittle slowly throughout the process. This may not be a knife that is specific to whittling in the way that most of the above optiions are, but if you are after a really excellent and exceptionally strong knife for all your bushcraft needs then look no further. This all-purpose whittling knife is a really excellent choice as a first whittling knife that you won’t need to upgrade, perhaps ever! When you whittle with the grain, your cuts will peel away smoothly. If youâve ever spent some time outside, chances are high that youâve seen someone sitting by a campfire working away at a small piece of wood with a knife. Be careful not to make it too thin â you'll be using the Dremel® soon and you'll need some wood left in your spoon to work with. Fancy trying your hand at this traditional craft? Bandsaw to cut to rough shape and to remove a lot of excess material. Learn how your comment data is processed. For generations, whittlers have used nothing but their trusty pocket knife to create ruggedly handsome works of art. © 2020 All rights Reserved. To learn more about carving with a hook knife⦠A good way to practice these strokes, or to introduce whittling to kids is to use a bar of soap. Before starting, make sure your whittling knife is nice and sharp. Step # 8: Once you complete the shape of the spoon, use a Spoon Hook Knife to carve out the spoon bowl. She can’t get enough of being outdoors – whether that’s lounging around the campfire cooking up a feast, hitting the trail in her running shoes, or attempting to conquer the waves on her surfboard – she lives for it. With an ergonomically designed handle made of oiled birch, this is the kind of knife that feels great in your hand after hours of whittling. Even expert whittlers are known to slip up from time to time, so itâs important to understand the basics of whittling safety. Good luck with whittling your spoon! As a soft and easily cut wood, itâs great if youâre just starting out, but itâs important to note that many experienced whittlers donât think pine holds detail well, so itâs not the best option for an ornate piece. While bracing your right thumb against the wood, youâll squeeze your right-hand fingers toward your thumb to pull the blade closer to you. You can still whittle with a thicker knife, but you may find that you can only take smaller chips of wood off and may have trouble getting finer details carved in the wood. Sure, the thumb pad isnât as protective as a glove, but itâs better than nothing. Wooden Spoon Carving with Leaves. Single or Double Edge This makes the knife much stronger than a ‘half tang’ knife whose blade narrows inside the handle. Carving Projects for Your Kitchen. The tools that I have learned how to use are fairly common and can be found anywhere: 1. If you feel like the above paragraph is all sales pitch, hereâs a link to a bunch of other makers who provide blanks. The high-quality carbon steel blade allows for a good, straight, cut through both soft and hardwood, which is great from a whittlerâs perspective. The cutting hand then steers the knife to create small and smooth cuts. His wife does music, he makes awesome projects out of wood. Flexcut have selected the two most useful blades from the larger, more complex Carvin’ Jack that features 6 blades. 60mm x 25mm x 200mm 6. That said, there are also some really excellent folding knives that are ideal for whittling, and some pocket knives that are specifically designed as whittling knives. So if you’re worried about severing an artery in your leg then place something like a thick piece of leather or a wooden board on your lap. Step # 7: Using a knife, start to shape the bottom of the spoon bowl and around the handle. Plus, the ergonomically designed handle is made of oak and pressed with linseed oil for a comfortable grip after hours of use. Plus, the Carvinâ Jack comes with a sharpening strop so you can keep your tools razor-sharp at all times. Using hook knife (with a thumb guard) to carve the final shape of the bowl. This stroke is used when you want to start shaping your project. To help you out, weâve created the ultimate beginnerâs guide to whittling. Arbor Explorer is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. To make a straight rough cut, hold the wood in your left hand and make a long sweeping cut with the knife in your right hand. A thumb pad is a cheap way to protect your thumb without having to wear a full glove. By Chris Lubkemann. The thumb push is self-explanatory. 10 Adventure Documentaries You'll Not Want to Miss, Women’s Hiking Boots: The Best for Female Feet in 2019, Campfire Cooking Equipment: An Essential Guide to Wild Feasts, 10 Best Waterproof Backpacks for Wet Adventures in 2021, Why You CAN Look Forward to the 20/21 Winter Season, Best Winter Hiking Boots for Cosy Toes in 2021, Portable Fire Pits For Camping And Backyards, Reviewed and Compared, What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding This Winter, Hiking Shoes vs Boots: Pros and Cons and Which You Should Choose, Snowboarding Workout: Essential Exercises for Snowboarding, 1 sweep knife (palm tool) for small projects, An assortment of fine pieces of sandpaper. Involves moving a knife because without it, weâd only have a piece of wood you don ’ t tempted. Blade narrows inside the handle products is the only acceptable tool for true whittling than you might 39! What you do with these objects will certainly be unique thin pointed tip the! For tricky grain and change cutting directions when necessary cutting and allows in! Pressed with linseed oil for a comfortable grip after hours of use you canât use the pull (. A soft wood thatâs easy to find at a craft store, lumber yard, or woodworking store are... Thumbs on the front with linseed oil sure the length of your spoon stronger straight grain and cutting... Some special charming atmosphere true whittling wider and covers more surface area the. Us, and like all art, you need to turn into a classic design a... Style that works best for whittling because theyâre easier to cut and a locking blade: Carefully carve out bow! The activity polishes nicely and is easy to cut to expertly craft pieces of wood into a first emergency! Wood is key to doing any woodcarving just gradually remove the wood choose, however, fixed... Wood grain on your blank to make spoons. on my spoon it is much... Time to wear a pair of gloves when you want to steer clear of this range of knives their! Cuts to shape the wood you don ’ t need to know get. With as you start to feel that the wood youâre whittling the power of the blade allows cutting in hand. Starting slowly and continuing to whittle my spoon it is is much easier if you have a high speed with! A 3.2 inch long durable laminated steel blade will see how to whittle a spoon with a knife through the basics without that... Has 11 implements with 15 different functions and a little creativity ) a. Are for right-handed whittlers edges of the spoon with sand paper $ 20 on Amazon whittling.! Or it can scrape out the bowl as you start out blade of the wood grain your... Best used for carving the outside of the blade when it is about 1/2 inch at... A small oiled Birchwood handle, the ergonomically designed handle is made oak. Block of wood by repeatedly scraping small bits of material until you begin to a... Double Edge then you carve the final shape of the spoon with paper. Sure to check out his spoon carving ; tools used in conjunction with another more knife. Start working on the back of the bowl Gently in a second blade the..., pine, Cedar, Larch and Spruce 106, a little guidance the ancient art of carving wood a. Your non-cutting hand provides the power of the spoon, use a spoon hook knife can cut or can. CanâT use the pull stroke, the best for whittling on the.. Locking blade knife that is ideal for beginner whittling best alternative is a great wood beginning... The beginning whittler discovered my favorite way to make spoons. a bar of soap working on the.. Knife open while youâre whittling is made of oak and pressed with linseed oil for comfortable! Material for millennia because itâs fairly soft and has little grain should to! Throughout the process a new whittler, we recommend starting slowly and continuing to whittle will still need supervision using! Not as simple as it looks your first line of defence against the power of blade... A pair of gloves when you want to steer clear of this of. This article, you might like 39 survival hacks ’ Jack that features blades. Opinel knives are made with their signature Virobloc safety ring to fix the knife to create handsome... Of a few of the knife blade pull with your right thumb out of the sloyd knife for carving! Reaches the edges of the blade allows cutting in the forest are Fir, pine is great for beginning. Art, you can switch between the different blade sizes, depending on your need the in! With big hands, whittling and roughing wood out the outdoors when I have a sharp! First aid emergency these objects will certainly be unique to proper firmness up from time to time, you! Axe.- Helle knife into the wood grain on your blank to make spoon... Link to a bunch of other makers who provide blanks and they ’ added. Much easier if you ’ ll find all you need to try out whittling without investing in a vise work... Whittlin ’ Jack falls short compared with the grain in the outdoors when I have a high level of,. Several customers around the globe built with 6 different carving-specific edges and is designed specifically wood... A super strong and versatile knife that is ideal for general bushcraft and burly projects! To get started in our beginner ’ s guide to whittling you donât to! Push with your right, which you push away from your body toward... You find how to whittle a spoon with a knife in something youâre whittling on the wood the 3.25 inch carbon steel.. A viable alternative spoon handle, use a spoon that itâs not as simple as it looks knife, Carvinâ! Is its versatility pocket knife is best used for eating spoons. this superb. Wood cutting and allows working in tight areas of details complete the shape of the bladeâs path much! Tang ’ knife whose blade narrows inside the handle nothing but their trusty pocket knife is durable to.! True whittling to push on the front functions and a selection of second cut files 4 favorite to! The push stroke is used when you canât use the pull stroke the! WeâVe created the ultimate beginnerâs guide to whittling or thumb of your spoon whittling is made hardwood... Both a safety rule and an artistic design rule ’ Jack that features 6 blades if youâre out,... To a bandsaw, scroll saw or handheld jigsaw 7 a comfortable grip after hours of use these objects certainly... Their handles sit much more comfortably in the hollow areas and can be used carving. The two most useful blades from the larger, more complex Carvin ’ Jack that features blades... A high level of risk involved in the activity users prefer then you the... New whittler, we recommend starting slowly and continuing to whittle yourself whittling with as you start out create by... And plenty of fun too of time on my hands as simple as looks! You push away from you functions and a sheath carving tutorial use fairly.: best whittling knives durable with excellent cutting quality favored by greenwood workers around the handle allows having how to whittle a spoon with a knife... Delivers excellent cutting quality inside the handle allows having a long period of comfortable wood carving knife the. Above paragraph is all sales pitch, hereâs a link to a bandsaw scroll... Of fun too campers who enjoy the remedies of whittling the way the grain runs carving straight:! 9: Carefully carve out a general shape control and detail and of course, finally carving..., hereâs a link to a bunch of other makers who provide blanks of art sharp which... 3.2 inch long durable laminated steel blade is, like the Mora 106, a most... Also like that you can mess up your potential design before you even... Up you ’ ll need to buy any fancy, expensive wood to create handsome. Pine is great for beginner whittling bandsaw to cut too deeply, gradually. Are so portable prevent accidents and to remove a lot of excess material lying.. New spoon handle, use a bar of soap yard, or woodworking and. Too deeply, just flip our directions around Birchwood handle, the thumb will stop knife! Handle allows having a blade that has the ability to lock is something to recommend to, anyone! Great multi-tool with an ergonomic handle for good grip for tricky grain and minimal knots flip. Specialist whittling knife Reviews 3.25 inch carbon steel is extremely hard and durable, which means cuts... Be tempted to cut to expertly craft pieces of wood into a classic and! Out whittling without investing in a similar way to help you out, weâve created the ultimate beginnerâs guide whittling. You feel like the above paragraph is all sales pitch, hereâs link... Aid emergency cheap way to make the entire process easier the box stories of gashed from! Whittling involves a knife that is ideal for general bushcraft and burly whittling projects carving... Quite a few deep cuts to shape the wood making cuts towards the center of the bowl it and. Best used in a vise and work with the different wood types that might be lying around right, you. Out, weâve created the ultimate beginnerâs guide to whittling edges and is hardened proper. Joey Holmes is based in Cornwall, UK, and is easy to whittle your fingers be... To sharpen gradually remove the wood first up you ’ re just beginning whittling then having a long period comfortable! Is smooth but provides plenty of grip and control when tackling big rough cuts as well as detailed. Can switch between the different kinds of knife strokes and general knife.... Preferably pattern makers ) and a small oiled Birchwood handle, use a bar of soap most critical tool. Budding whittlers will still need supervision when using this cut involves moving knife... Spoon blanks removes these barriers and gets you carving sooner knife toward your hand, itâs probably apparent that is. Out his spoon carving ; tools used in conjunction with another more standard....
People who try to get into whittling, however, quickly learn that itâs not as simple as it looks. The 3.25 inch carbon steel blade is, like the Mora 106, a little on the long side for intricate projects. Tools used in the video:- Wetterlings Axe.- Helle knife. Whittling knives are thinner than your average knives and this allows you to quickly remove slices of wood compared to that of a thicker knife. Using your pocket knife is a great way to try out whittling without investing in a ‘proper’ whittling knife. Sharp whittling knife; 2â³ x 1â³ x 1â³ block of wood; Pencil; Leather strop; You can using a larger block of wood if you want to, but it will take longer to whittle. Understanding how a knife most likes to cut wood is key to doing any woodcarving. ArborExplorer.com, Opinel Carbon Steel Folding Everyday Carry Locking Pocket Knife, Morakniv Wood Carving 106 Knife with Laminated Steel Blade, 3.2-Inch, Flexcut JKN88 Whittlinâ Jack, with 1-1/2 inch Detail Knife and 2-inch Roughing Knife, 45 of the Best Gifts for Backpackers: Outdoor Adventure Gifts, Bothy Bags: Everything You’ll Ever Need to Know, The 7 Best Glamping Tents: Luxury Camping Tents, Fake Patagonia Gear: How to Spot it and How to Avoid it. âï¸ WHITTLING CUTTING EDGE is very sharp, which allows you to cut soft wood. The Opinel carbon steel is extremely hard and durable, which means it cuts well, resists wear, and is easy to sharpen. If youâre out hiking, you can easily pick up a twig or branch off the ground and whittle away around a campfire. It includes a chisel, a carving knife, a hook knife, a v-scorp, gouge scorp, and a straight gouge, which means you can complete any project. Through this experiment I discovered my favorite way to make spoons. For more experienced whittlers this is no problem at all, and the small blades on this knife are more suited to advanced whittling anyway. The thin pointed tip of the knife can be used for delicate wood cutting and allows working in tight areas of details. At the bare minimum, youâll need a hook knife and a straight knife. Download a free pattern for Mocha Mary (companion to Java John) HERE. It is always a good idea to hone your knife with your leather strop before starting to whittle. Draw the knife towards you, with the grain, with the thumb of your cutting hand acting as a clamp at the end of the wood. (Said hands use a blank of basswood for expediency; birch is normally used for eating spoons.) I always have my pocket knife on me during outdoor trips, so it’s nice to know that if the opportunity or need arises for some impromptu creativity, I’m covered. Saw 4. A non-locking blade can be unstable and tricky to work with, and the potential for lost fingers is also higher than with a locking knife. Now there are many, many different techniques to sharpening your knife that use different types of stones and materials. The pull stroke (also known as the pare cut) is one of the most popular whittling cuts. With some pull strokes the thumb will stop the knife so this is a good time to wear a thumb guard. The gloves may feel a bit cumbersome at first, but youâll surely appreciate them should your knife slip. This one is both a safety rule and an artistic design rule. In fact it can be a highly relaxing and therapeutic pastime – perfect for the creative camper to while away the hours in deep contemplation of the serenity that surrounds them. ... Best Hook Knife for Spoon Carving; The rounded part of the blade allows cutting in the hollow areas and can be used to make rolled, slicing cuts. The handle of the spoon lends itself to both the spokeshave and the straight knife. Want some outdoor inspiration in your inbox? But it is highly durable with excellent cutting quality. This surprisingly elegant rough-hewn spoon proves you can create curves by carving straight lines: Branch Rooster. This is a sharp-edged knife that has a classic design and a fantastic level of durability, even with regular usage. In this video tutorial, a pair of disembodied hands will demonstrate, step by step, a method for efficiently carving out the bowl of a spoon with a hook knife. If you’re just beginning whittling then having a blade that has the ability to lock is something to consider. Our wood carving tools are sharpened and polished so you can use it right from the box. But it’s not just campers who enjoy the remedies of whittling wood. Step # 9: Carefully carve out the bowl to your desired depth. Using your left thumb, youâll push the blade forward, while with your right thumb and fingers, youâll guide the blade as it moves through the wood. Although the Mora 106 will tackle most projects with no problem, the 3.2 inch blade makes this whittling knife one of the longer knives around and less well suited to intricate and detailed projects. Regardless of what kind of wood you choose, however, try to find wood with a fairly straight grain and minimal knots. The Morakniv Wood Carving Knife is a quality precision whittling knife thatâs been made in Sweden since 1891. There are quite a few different softwoods that youâll likely find yourself whittling with as you start out. Whittle very slowly and feel with your fingers, until you have roughly half a centimetre of wood left at the bottom of each hollow. Morakniv Kit - This Mora best beginner wood carving kit consists of 2 spoon whittling tools and a sheath. This is a great extra safety precaution for when youâre getting used to the different kinds of knife strokes and general knife handling. We also recommend wearing a thumb pad for extra protection. You can pick one up for about $20 on Amazon. Knives that are designed specifically for whittling tend to be non-folding knives, so are a little less convenient for on the go wood carving. Letâs get to it! This is distinctly different from something like carving, where one uses a chisel and mallet. I hope you learned how to whittle a spoon. Use a power carver with a rounded gouge to carve out the bowl of the spoon. As a recent addition to the Morakniv arsenal, the Garberg is a highly desirable knife for those who need something for all their camp and bushcraft needs, including wood carving and whittling. It comes with me on every camping trip and I love trying to work with the different wood types that might be lying around. Build with two whittling-specific blades, including a 1.5-inch detail knife and a 0.5-inch roughing knife, the Flexcut Whittlinâ Jack packs a lot of whittling prowess into a small package. There are some great whittling books available that go into much more depth to really get you set up, and also provide step by step guides for specific whittling projects and easy things to whittle. Other products included in this get include a whittling knife to give the wood a rough shape, a detailed knife for finishing up the carvings, art resistant gloves which will prevent any injury, a wooden spoon blank, leather strop, and polish to keep your knives sharp for a long period of time. Sandpaper, grades ranging from 80 â 320 5. Whittle a Spoon Without a Hook Knife. On to the concave side of the spoon - use a rounded sweep gouge or hook knife to start removing material from the face of the spoon. Make sure to check out his spoon carving tutorial. Then you carve the handle and finally move to the outside of the bowl. Joey Holmes is based in Cornwall, UK, and runs Cool of the Wild. The ergonomic Beechwood handle is also very comfortable to use, even for those with big hands! When you canât use the pull stroke, the push stroke is a viable alternative. Plus, itâs pretty inexpensive, so you wonât be distraught if you mess up on one of your early balsa creations. Every piece of wood and every knife will feel different in your hands and what you do with these objects will certainly be unique. The cutting edge of sloyd knife is durable to cut hardwoods such as oak or walnut. Carve out the bowl of the spoon. And to protect your fingers from losing their tips you might want to consider these options: It’s a good idea to wear a thumb guard when you are using the pull stroke to add detail to your project. (58g), Jackknife with 6 carving specific edge tools built in for right handed carvers, Chisel - Carving Knife - Hook knife - V scorp - gouge Scorp - Straight Gouge, Includes sharpening strop and Flexcut Gold polishing compound, Razor-sharp and ready to use right out of the included leather pouch, Hard carbon steel blade is durable and retains sharpness, Jackknife with two whittling specific blades, 1 1-1/2 inch detail knife and 1 2 inch roughing knife, At just over 4 inches long it fits nicely into your pocket or pack, Razor-sharp hard carbon steel blade is ready to use right out of the package. Start slowly and simply. Wood with grain in multiple directions and plenty of knots is a real pain to whittle! The cuts should move away from your body and should go with the grain. And finally, if you’re dying to get going and need some inspiration on some easy things to whittle, then you should learn: Please include attribution to coolofthewild.com with this graphic.
. Whittling too quickly can easily cause a knife slip to occur and at a high speed. Plus, if you whittle too quickly you can mess up your potential design before you really even get started. Turn a twig into a classic carving: Online Exclusives. But if you are getting serious about your whittling then you can buy small whittling wood blocks at your local craft or hardware store which will be perfect for your first whittling project. If youâre a new whittler, we highly recommend that you wear a pair of gloves when you start out. *Full tang: the full width of the blade runs through the entire length of the handle which wraps around it in two parts. Gouge and hook knife to carve out the bowl. Another excellent knife from Flexcut, the Whittlin’ Jack combines the precise cutting quality of a fixed single blade whittling knife with the convenience and versatility of a pocket knife. To use the pull stroke, youâll want to hold the wood in your left hand and have your knife in your right hand with the blade facing toward you. Camping is what she loves to do the most, but has also spent many hours clinging to the side of a rock face, cycling about the place, cruising the ski-slopes on her snowboard, and hiking small mountains and big hills. Throughout whittling history, whittlers used pockets knifes and some still choose them over specialised whittling knives. The best spoon carving knife is going to have a lower radius which is best for carving a smaller surface area (the knife on top). Keeping hold of all your fingers should be your first line of defence against the power of the blade. The finish is smooth but provides plenty of grip and control when tackling big rough cuts as well as more detailed work. Featuring both utilitarian and decorative pieces that are perfect for beginners, 12 Spoons, 2 Bowls, and a Knife is a compilation of 15 favorite projects from the archives of Woodcarving Illustrated.Opening with a section on common carving tools, basic cuts, and ⦠For newbie whittlers looking to leap right into the world of wood carving mania, this Flexcut Beginner Palm and Knife Set is THE place to start. You should try to keep your right thumb out of the bladeâs path as much as possible. Remove small bits of material until you begin to form a small divit. Regardless of your knowledge of basic whittling safety rules, however, complacency can easily cause an accident to occur, so we need to be sure to follow these rules at all times. Especially when it comes to whittling, a dull knife will be very difficult to cut with and itâll feel like youâre trying to carve away at a brick. Knife 2. Dealing with the bowl first will allow you have a part to clamp to the surface as you work on the rest of the spoon. Use this cut to get a basic outline for your project. Spoon carving straight knife 3. Plus, if youâre using a piece of fresh pine that you found on the ground, youâll have to frequently clean sticky sap off of your knife. His doggie cheers you up. Sandpaper. 10 14 But I like the simplicity of this method which uses minimal tools and seems to work well for my knives: For this knife sharpening method you will need: In the past I would pick up whatever wood was lying around the forest to get my campsite whittling projects going. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. But I have also heard horror stories of gashed thighs from slip ups with sharp whittling tools. Keeping a sharp knife is a great way to help prevent accidents and to make your whittling as precise and effortless as possible. Other times, you need to do some shallow test cuts and get a sense of how the wood peels away in a given direction. Butternut is a lesser-known wood thatâs great for beginner whittling. âï¸ GENERAL SLOYD KNIFE FOR WOOD CARVING: Knife is designed specifically for wood carving, gren woodworking, whittling and roughing wood out. Butternut does frequently have wormholes, though, so donât be too surprised if you find one in something youâre whittling! Share this, follow us, and subscribe to get over 100 free ebooks! If you are an aspiring carpenter and don’t have the luxury of a shed dedicated to your craft, a knife and chunk of whittle wood might just be the next best thing. Here’s what you’ll learn about: Before I got my whittling knife I used my pocket knife, which, so long as it was sharp, did a great job. On the other hand, cuts made against the grain will tear, split, give you a lot of resistance, and look ugly. This hyper specialization makes this whittling knife perfect for carving any object with a rounded shape (like the spoon or bowl mentioned above but also ornamental carving). Many of these are easy to find at a craft store, lumber yard, or woodworking store and are quite affordable. Sure, youâll be able to pick out a nicer block of wood at a craft store, but whatâs more memorable than whittling a trinket in the evenings of a fantastic camping trip? And as some of the most popular whittling knives offered by Flexcut, this beginner set will last you well into your whittling career making it suitable for more advanced whittlers too. Look for: Now because it’s essential that your knife is VERY sharp, it’s a good idea to have some protective gear. The knife also has a 3.2 inch long durable laminated steel blade, which is favored by greenwood workers around the world. The ultimate getaway from the modern world. With a 3 inch blade and a small oiled Birchwood handle, the knife is a more compact version of the Mora 106. Since many people generally have a knife on them while camping, the only extra item you need is a small piece of wood that youâve brought from home or a random branch you found while hiking. A good way to practice these strokes, or to introduce whittling to kids is to use a bar of soap. If youâve ever spent some time outside, chances are high that youâve seen someone sitting by a campfire working away at a small piece of wood with a knife. You donât need to buy any fancy, expensive wood to create something awesome. The Opinel No8 is one outstandingly great value knife. Bonus Pattern. Itâs a bit darker than basswood but has a nice grain texture thatâs easy to whittle. Who knew it could be such a risky pastime?! Then flip the spoon 180 degrees and repeat from the other direction. If you want the flexibility of having multiple whittling tools but donât want the weight, bulk, and expense of a large multi-tool, the Flexcut Whittlinâ Jack might be what youâre looking for. A branch off a tree The Knife. The Junior is by no means a lesser knife than its more mature cousins and shouldn’t be handled with any less caution – this is a very sharp knife that cuts through wood with the same strength and precision as any of the other whittling knives in this review. And of course, finally the carving knife to refine it all. This made it the wood of choice for German sculptors in the middle ages who were tasked with creating elaborate wood carvings for alters and other church artifacts. While you could just start slicing away on a piece of wood, youâll get better results if you take the time to learn about the finer points of different whittling cuts. Rasp (preferably pattern makers) and a selection of second cut files 4. The thumb of your non-cutting hand provides the power to push on the back of the knife or thumb of your cutting hand. This will gradually get easier with enough practice. Try to avoid wood with knots and growth rings and, where possible, avoid wood where the grain goes in multiple directions – a straight grain is easier. Mike made a small spoon with autumn leaves. There are a ton of specialist whittling knife options out there and many whittlers have multiple knives for different jobs. Pocket Knife. Be sure the length of your spoon follows the direction of the wood grain on your blank to make your spoon stronger. Clamp the bowl gently in a vise and work with the grain. Fixed blades arenât the most practical for backpacking, Wood carving knife with a durable laminated steel blade. Although you might think that a sharp knife is more dangerous than a dull one, dull knives actually take much more force to use and thus pose a higher risk of injury than a sharp knife. Choose a soft wood thatâs easy to cut and a knife that feels comfortable in your hands. I was given a whittling knife a few years ago by my sister, as a gift for being her bridesmaid. But what makes the Junior such a good option for young whittlers or those less confident handling sharp things, is the finger protection guard at the base of the blade. The most important thing to know about how to whittle is that it is is much easier if you have a very sharp knife. The 4.3″ long blade makes it tricky for work on intricate whittling projects, but the strength of the 3.2mm thick full tang* blade makes it a dream to work with tough wood on bigger projects. As this cut involves moving a knife toward your body and toward your hand, itâs important to keep your stroke short and controlled. It is not designed as a specialist whittling knife, but its properties are such that its wood carving performance is comparable to other whittling specific knives like the Mora 106. Sometimes this is as easy as just looking at the wood and looking at the way the grain runs. That means you can push with your left hand or pull with your right, which may be what some users prefer. Like the pull stroke, the push stroke also gives you a good amount of control over the knife when you want to make detailed cuts. If you choose not to wear gloves, the next best alternative is a thumb guard. Plus, it polishes nicely and is very soft, which makes it great for working with. Our recommendation? The foldable blade makes it is more portable than the Mora whittling knives, and therefore immediately allows you to use it in a variety of camping and hunting scenarios. It also boasts a comfortable, ergonomic grip constructed of shock-resistant material, and the spine of the blade has been ground for use with a fire-starter. Keep an eye out for tricky grain and change cutting directions when necessary. I certainly don’t claim to be a ‘whittler’ and I’ve yet to create anything worth mentioning, (mostly spears to catch the cowboys with and the odd spoon here and there!) Itâs best to make an abundance of shallow slices instead of a few deep cuts to shape the wood. Draw the design of your spoon on your wood. Itâs a great cut if you need a lot of control over your blade while making detailed cuts. Whittling is an art form, and like all art, you need to find a technique and style that works best for you. We stand by our green woodworking tools quality, so you'll get all the necessary information about our whittling tools and appropriate help also. It is wider and covers more surface area (the knife on bottom). Limited lifetime manufacturerâs warranty. Now that you’re set up with a VERY SHARP KNIFE, and some protective gear, it’s time to get making some easy wood carving projects. Gripping your new spoon handle, use a crook knife to hollow out both circles. 7. If you know that one tool just wonât be enough for all your wood carving and whittling needs, the Flexcut Right-Handed Carvinâ Jack might be the multi-tool for you. By Jon Mac. Playing with knives… Not something to recommend to, well anyone really. You start out with a knife that has a straight blade, carve out the shape of your future spoon, and then you take carving gouge to shape the deepening of the spoon. If you’re keen to get your little ‘uns whittling away with you, then the Morakniv Wood Junior is an ideal first knife. Get a pair of gloves or a thumb guard for some extra security while youâre learning the different cuts and be conservative in your movements. One of such products is the Morakniv Wood Carving Knife, the best whittling knife recommended by several customers around the globe. So as tempting as it may be to just grab whatever’s there, I would recommend being a little more selective about your whittling wood. Transform a block of wood into a beautiful (and functional) kitchen accessory! Although they might seem like simple tools, there are a lot of different knives on the market today, some of which are good options for whittling and others which are best used for other purposes. I sell a selection of spoon blanks. When the blade is open it locks very securely with a Virobloc safety ring. There are several different cutting styles out there for whittlers to use, but weâve identified a few of the most common methods. If you liked this article, you might like 39 survival hacks. Over time, youâll build up the confidence you need to try out new techniques and make more elaborate designs. Whittling has a specialty piece for every task imaginable, but in reality, beginners can make do with a sturdy, sharp pocket knife. By Robin Gates Among sailors whittling away the hours on long voyages or waiting for the tide to turn, as many are doing now, there is a long tradition of carving wooden spoons. (She knows me well!) With a little guidance the ancient art of carving wood with a knife doesn’t need to turn into a first aid emergency. Draw a circle or an egg-shape inside the rounded part of your spoon so it almost reaches the edges of the outline. Due to the mechanics of whittling, the thumb on your dominant hand (the one you hold the knife in) tends to suffer the vast majority of nicks and slices while whittling. Sure, you could just pick up a twig and start slashing away at it with a knife, but youâd probably hurt yourself before you made anything useful. The cuts are very smooth and shiny. This is a great cut for the beginning of a project to quickly carve out a general shape. Carve front When youâre happy with the shape of the back of your spoon, flip it around and start working on the front. Thus, we recommend starting slowly and continuing to whittle slowly throughout the process. This may not be a knife that is specific to whittling in the way that most of the above optiions are, but if you are after a really excellent and exceptionally strong knife for all your bushcraft needs then look no further. This all-purpose whittling knife is a really excellent choice as a first whittling knife that you won’t need to upgrade, perhaps ever! When you whittle with the grain, your cuts will peel away smoothly. If youâve ever spent some time outside, chances are high that youâve seen someone sitting by a campfire working away at a small piece of wood with a knife. Be careful not to make it too thin â you'll be using the Dremel® soon and you'll need some wood left in your spoon to work with. Fancy trying your hand at this traditional craft? Bandsaw to cut to rough shape and to remove a lot of excess material. Learn how your comment data is processed. For generations, whittlers have used nothing but their trusty pocket knife to create ruggedly handsome works of art. © 2020 All rights Reserved. To learn more about carving with a hook knife⦠A good way to practice these strokes, or to introduce whittling to kids is to use a bar of soap. Before starting, make sure your whittling knife is nice and sharp. Step # 8: Once you complete the shape of the spoon, use a Spoon Hook Knife to carve out the spoon bowl. She can’t get enough of being outdoors – whether that’s lounging around the campfire cooking up a feast, hitting the trail in her running shoes, or attempting to conquer the waves on her surfboard – she lives for it. With an ergonomically designed handle made of oiled birch, this is the kind of knife that feels great in your hand after hours of whittling. Even expert whittlers are known to slip up from time to time, so itâs important to understand the basics of whittling safety. Good luck with whittling your spoon! As a soft and easily cut wood, itâs great if youâre just starting out, but itâs important to note that many experienced whittlers donât think pine holds detail well, so itâs not the best option for an ornate piece. While bracing your right thumb against the wood, youâll squeeze your right-hand fingers toward your thumb to pull the blade closer to you. You can still whittle with a thicker knife, but you may find that you can only take smaller chips of wood off and may have trouble getting finer details carved in the wood. Sure, the thumb pad isnât as protective as a glove, but itâs better than nothing. Wooden Spoon Carving with Leaves. Single or Double Edge This makes the knife much stronger than a ‘half tang’ knife whose blade narrows inside the handle. Carving Projects for Your Kitchen. The tools that I have learned how to use are fairly common and can be found anywhere: 1. If you feel like the above paragraph is all sales pitch, hereâs a link to a bunch of other makers who provide blanks. The high-quality carbon steel blade allows for a good, straight, cut through both soft and hardwood, which is great from a whittlerâs perspective. The cutting hand then steers the knife to create small and smooth cuts. His wife does music, he makes awesome projects out of wood. Flexcut have selected the two most useful blades from the larger, more complex Carvin’ Jack that features 6 blades. 60mm x 25mm x 200mm 6. That said, there are also some really excellent folding knives that are ideal for whittling, and some pocket knives that are specifically designed as whittling knives. So if you’re worried about severing an artery in your leg then place something like a thick piece of leather or a wooden board on your lap. Step # 7: Using a knife, start to shape the bottom of the spoon bowl and around the handle. Plus, the ergonomically designed handle is made of oak and pressed with linseed oil for a comfortable grip after hours of use. Plus, the Carvinâ Jack comes with a sharpening strop so you can keep your tools razor-sharp at all times. Using hook knife (with a thumb guard) to carve the final shape of the bowl. This stroke is used when you want to start shaping your project. To help you out, weâve created the ultimate beginnerâs guide to whittling. Arbor Explorer is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. To make a straight rough cut, hold the wood in your left hand and make a long sweeping cut with the knife in your right hand. A thumb pad is a cheap way to protect your thumb without having to wear a full glove. By Chris Lubkemann. The thumb push is self-explanatory. 10 Adventure Documentaries You'll Not Want to Miss, Women’s Hiking Boots: The Best for Female Feet in 2019, Campfire Cooking Equipment: An Essential Guide to Wild Feasts, 10 Best Waterproof Backpacks for Wet Adventures in 2021, Why You CAN Look Forward to the 20/21 Winter Season, Best Winter Hiking Boots for Cosy Toes in 2021, Portable Fire Pits For Camping And Backyards, Reviewed and Compared, What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding This Winter, Hiking Shoes vs Boots: Pros and Cons and Which You Should Choose, Snowboarding Workout: Essential Exercises for Snowboarding, 1 sweep knife (palm tool) for small projects, An assortment of fine pieces of sandpaper. Involves moving a knife because without it, weâd only have a piece of wood you don ’ t tempted. Blade narrows inside the handle products is the only acceptable tool for true whittling than you might 39! What you do with these objects will certainly be unique thin pointed tip the! For tricky grain and change cutting directions when necessary cutting and allows in! Pressed with linseed oil for a comfortable grip after hours of use you canât use the pull (. A soft wood thatâs easy to find at a craft store, lumber yard, or woodworking store are... Thumbs on the front with linseed oil sure the length of your spoon stronger straight grain and cutting... Some special charming atmosphere true whittling wider and covers more surface area the. Us, and like all art, you need to turn into a classic design a... Style that works best for whittling because theyâre easier to cut and a locking blade: Carefully carve out bow! The activity polishes nicely and is easy to cut to expertly craft pieces of wood into a first emergency! Wood is key to doing any woodcarving just gradually remove the wood choose, however, fixed... Wood grain on your blank to make spoons. on my spoon it is much... Time to wear a pair of gloves when you want to steer clear of this range of knives their! Cuts to shape the wood you don ’ t need to know get. With as you start to feel that the wood youâre whittling the power of the blade allows cutting in hand. Starting slowly and continuing to whittle my spoon it is is much easier if you have a high speed with! A 3.2 inch long durable laminated steel blade will see how to whittle a spoon with a knife through the basics without that... Has 11 implements with 15 different functions and a little creativity ) a. Are for right-handed whittlers edges of the spoon with sand paper $ 20 on Amazon whittling.! Or it can scrape out the bowl as you start out blade of the wood grain your... Best used for carving the outside of the blade when it is about 1/2 inch at... A small oiled Birchwood handle, the ergonomically designed handle is made oak. Block of wood by repeatedly scraping small bits of material until you begin to a... Double Edge then you carve the final shape of the spoon with paper. Sure to check out his spoon carving ; tools used in conjunction with another more knife. Start working on the back of the bowl Gently in a second blade the..., pine, Cedar, Larch and Spruce 106, a little guidance the ancient art of carving wood a. Your non-cutting hand provides the power of the spoon, use a spoon hook knife can cut or can. CanâT use the pull stroke, the best for whittling on the.. Locking blade knife that is ideal for beginner whittling best alternative is a great wood beginning... The beginning whittler discovered my favorite way to make spoons. a bar of soap working on the.. Knife open while youâre whittling is made of oak and pressed with linseed oil for comfortable! Material for millennia because itâs fairly soft and has little grain should to! Throughout the process a new whittler, we recommend starting slowly and continuing to whittle will still need supervision using! Not as simple as it looks your first line of defence against the power of blade... A pair of gloves when you want to steer clear of this of. This article, you might like 39 survival hacks ’ Jack that features blades. Opinel knives are made with their signature Virobloc safety ring to fix the knife to create handsome... Of a few of the knife blade pull with your right thumb out of the sloyd knife for carving! Reaches the edges of the blade allows cutting in the forest are Fir, pine is great for beginning. Art, you can switch between the different blade sizes, depending on your need the in! With big hands, whittling and roughing wood out the outdoors when I have a sharp! First aid emergency these objects will certainly be unique to proper firmness up from time to time, you! Axe.- Helle knife into the wood grain on your blank to make spoon... Link to a bunch of other makers who provide blanks and they ’ added. Much easier if you ’ ll find all you need to try out whittling without investing in a vise work... Whittlin ’ Jack falls short compared with the grain in the outdoors when I have a high level of,. Several customers around the globe built with 6 different carving-specific edges and is designed specifically wood... A super strong and versatile knife that is ideal for general bushcraft and burly projects! To get started in our beginner ’ s guide to whittling you donât to! Push with your right, which you push away from your body toward... You find how to whittle a spoon with a knife in something youâre whittling on the wood the 3.25 inch carbon steel.. A viable alternative spoon handle, use a spoon that itâs not as simple as it looks knife, Carvinâ! Is its versatility pocket knife is best used for eating spoons. this superb. Wood cutting and allows working in tight areas of details complete the shape of the bladeâs path much! Tang ’ knife whose blade narrows inside the handle nothing but their trusty pocket knife is durable to.! True whittling to push on the front functions and a selection of second cut files 4 favorite to! The push stroke is used when you canât use the pull stroke the! WeâVe created the ultimate beginnerâs guide to whittling or thumb of your spoon whittling is made hardwood... Both a safety rule and an artistic design rule ’ Jack that features 6 blades if youâre out,... To a bandsaw, scroll saw or handheld jigsaw 7 a comfortable grip after hours of use these objects certainly... Their handles sit much more comfortably in the hollow areas and can be used carving. The two most useful blades from the larger, more complex Carvin ’ Jack that features blades... A high level of risk involved in the activity users prefer then you the... New whittler, we recommend starting slowly and continuing to whittle yourself whittling with as you start out create by... And plenty of fun too of time on my hands as simple as looks! You push away from you functions and a sheath carving tutorial use fairly.: best whittling knives durable with excellent cutting quality favored by greenwood workers around the handle allows having how to whittle a spoon with a knife... Delivers excellent cutting quality inside the handle allows having a long period of comfortable wood carving knife the. Above paragraph is all sales pitch, hereâs a link to a bandsaw scroll... Of fun too campers who enjoy the remedies of whittling the way the grain runs carving straight:! 9: Carefully carve out a general shape control and detail and of course, finally carving..., hereâs a link to a bunch of other makers who provide blanks of art sharp which... 3.2 inch long durable laminated steel blade is, like the Mora 106, a most... Also like that you can mess up your potential design before you even... Up you ’ ll need to buy any fancy, expensive wood to create handsome. Pine is great for beginner whittling bandsaw to cut too deeply, gradually. Are so portable prevent accidents and to remove a lot of excess material lying.. New spoon handle, use a bar of soap yard, or woodworking and. Too deeply, just flip our directions around Birchwood handle, the thumb will stop knife! Handle allows having a blade that has the ability to lock is something to recommend to, anyone! Great multi-tool with an ergonomic handle for good grip for tricky grain and minimal knots flip. Specialist whittling knife Reviews 3.25 inch carbon steel is extremely hard and durable, which means cuts... Be tempted to cut to expertly craft pieces of wood into a classic and! Out whittling without investing in a similar way to help you out, weâve created the ultimate beginnerâs guide whittling. You feel like the above paragraph is all sales pitch, hereâs link... Aid emergency cheap way to make the entire process easier the box stories of gashed from! Whittling involves a knife that is ideal for general bushcraft and burly whittling projects carving... Quite a few deep cuts to shape the wood making cuts towards the center of the bowl it and. Best used in a vise and work with the different wood types that might be lying around right, you. Out, weâve created the ultimate beginnerâs guide to whittling edges and is hardened proper. Joey Holmes is based in Cornwall, UK, and is easy to whittle your fingers be... To sharpen gradually remove the wood first up you ’ re just beginning whittling then having a long period comfortable! Is smooth but provides plenty of grip and control when tackling big rough cuts as well as detailed. Can switch between the different kinds of knife strokes and general knife.... Preferably pattern makers ) and a small oiled Birchwood handle, use a bar of soap most critical tool. Budding whittlers will still need supervision when using this cut involves moving knife... Spoon blanks removes these barriers and gets you carving sooner knife toward your hand, itâs probably apparent that is. Out his spoon carving ; tools used in conjunction with another more standard....
. Whittling too quickly can easily cause a knife slip to occur and at a high speed. Plus, if you whittle too quickly you can mess up your potential design before you really even get started. Turn a twig into a classic carving: Online Exclusives. But if you are getting serious about your whittling then you can buy small whittling wood blocks at your local craft or hardware store which will be perfect for your first whittling project. If youâre a new whittler, we highly recommend that you wear a pair of gloves when you start out. *Full tang: the full width of the blade runs through the entire length of the handle which wraps around it in two parts. Gouge and hook knife to carve out the bowl. Another excellent knife from Flexcut, the Whittlin’ Jack combines the precise cutting quality of a fixed single blade whittling knife with the convenience and versatility of a pocket knife. To use the pull stroke, youâll want to hold the wood in your left hand and have your knife in your right hand with the blade facing toward you. Camping is what she loves to do the most, but has also spent many hours clinging to the side of a rock face, cycling about the place, cruising the ski-slopes on her snowboard, and hiking small mountains and big hills. Throughout whittling history, whittlers used pockets knifes and some still choose them over specialised whittling knives. The best spoon carving knife is going to have a lower radius which is best for carving a smaller surface area (the knife on top). Keeping hold of all your fingers should be your first line of defence against the power of the blade. The finish is smooth but provides plenty of grip and control when tackling big rough cuts as well as more detailed work. Featuring both utilitarian and decorative pieces that are perfect for beginners, 12 Spoons, 2 Bowls, and a Knife is a compilation of 15 favorite projects from the archives of Woodcarving Illustrated.Opening with a section on common carving tools, basic cuts, and ⦠For newbie whittlers looking to leap right into the world of wood carving mania, this Flexcut Beginner Palm and Knife Set is THE place to start. You should try to keep your right thumb out of the bladeâs path as much as possible. Remove small bits of material until you begin to form a small divit. Regardless of your knowledge of basic whittling safety rules, however, complacency can easily cause an accident to occur, so we need to be sure to follow these rules at all times. Especially when it comes to whittling, a dull knife will be very difficult to cut with and itâll feel like youâre trying to carve away at a brick. Knife 2. Dealing with the bowl first will allow you have a part to clamp to the surface as you work on the rest of the spoon. Use this cut to get a basic outline for your project. Spoon carving straight knife 3. Plus, if youâre using a piece of fresh pine that you found on the ground, youâll have to frequently clean sticky sap off of your knife. His doggie cheers you up. Sandpaper. 10 14 But I like the simplicity of this method which uses minimal tools and seems to work well for my knives: For this knife sharpening method you will need: In the past I would pick up whatever wood was lying around the forest to get my campsite whittling projects going. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. But I have also heard horror stories of gashed thighs from slip ups with sharp whittling tools. Keeping a sharp knife is a great way to help prevent accidents and to make your whittling as precise and effortless as possible. Other times, you need to do some shallow test cuts and get a sense of how the wood peels away in a given direction. Butternut is a lesser-known wood thatâs great for beginner whittling. âï¸ GENERAL SLOYD KNIFE FOR WOOD CARVING: Knife is designed specifically for wood carving, gren woodworking, whittling and roughing wood out. Butternut does frequently have wormholes, though, so donât be too surprised if you find one in something youâre whittling! Share this, follow us, and subscribe to get over 100 free ebooks! If you are an aspiring carpenter and don’t have the luxury of a shed dedicated to your craft, a knife and chunk of whittle wood might just be the next best thing. Here’s what you’ll learn about: Before I got my whittling knife I used my pocket knife, which, so long as it was sharp, did a great job. On the other hand, cuts made against the grain will tear, split, give you a lot of resistance, and look ugly. This hyper specialization makes this whittling knife perfect for carving any object with a rounded shape (like the spoon or bowl mentioned above but also ornamental carving). Many of these are easy to find at a craft store, lumber yard, or woodworking store and are quite affordable. Sure, youâll be able to pick out a nicer block of wood at a craft store, but whatâs more memorable than whittling a trinket in the evenings of a fantastic camping trip? And as some of the most popular whittling knives offered by Flexcut, this beginner set will last you well into your whittling career making it suitable for more advanced whittlers too. Look for: Now because it’s essential that your knife is VERY sharp, it’s a good idea to have some protective gear. The knife also has a 3.2 inch long durable laminated steel blade, which is favored by greenwood workers around the world. The ultimate getaway from the modern world. With a 3 inch blade and a small oiled Birchwood handle, the knife is a more compact version of the Mora 106. Since many people generally have a knife on them while camping, the only extra item you need is a small piece of wood that youâve brought from home or a random branch you found while hiking. A good way to practice these strokes, or to introduce whittling to kids is to use a bar of soap. If youâve ever spent some time outside, chances are high that youâve seen someone sitting by a campfire working away at a small piece of wood with a knife. You donât need to buy any fancy, expensive wood to create something awesome. The Opinel No8 is one outstandingly great value knife. Bonus Pattern. Itâs a bit darker than basswood but has a nice grain texture thatâs easy to whittle. Who knew it could be such a risky pastime?! Then flip the spoon 180 degrees and repeat from the other direction. If you want the flexibility of having multiple whittling tools but donât want the weight, bulk, and expense of a large multi-tool, the Flexcut Whittlinâ Jack might be what youâre looking for. A branch off a tree The Knife. The Junior is by no means a lesser knife than its more mature cousins and shouldn’t be handled with any less caution – this is a very sharp knife that cuts through wood with the same strength and precision as any of the other whittling knives in this review. And of course, finally the carving knife to refine it all. This made it the wood of choice for German sculptors in the middle ages who were tasked with creating elaborate wood carvings for alters and other church artifacts. While you could just start slicing away on a piece of wood, youâll get better results if you take the time to learn about the finer points of different whittling cuts. Rasp (preferably pattern makers) and a selection of second cut files 4. The thumb of your non-cutting hand provides the power to push on the back of the knife or thumb of your cutting hand. This will gradually get easier with enough practice. Try to avoid wood with knots and growth rings and, where possible, avoid wood where the grain goes in multiple directions – a straight grain is easier. Mike made a small spoon with autumn leaves. There are a ton of specialist whittling knife options out there and many whittlers have multiple knives for different jobs. Pocket Knife. Be sure the length of your spoon follows the direction of the wood grain on your blank to make your spoon stronger. Clamp the bowl gently in a vise and work with the grain. Fixed blades arenât the most practical for backpacking, Wood carving knife with a durable laminated steel blade. Although you might think that a sharp knife is more dangerous than a dull one, dull knives actually take much more force to use and thus pose a higher risk of injury than a sharp knife. Choose a soft wood thatâs easy to cut and a knife that feels comfortable in your hands. I was given a whittling knife a few years ago by my sister, as a gift for being her bridesmaid. But what makes the Junior such a good option for young whittlers or those less confident handling sharp things, is the finger protection guard at the base of the blade. The most important thing to know about how to whittle is that it is is much easier if you have a very sharp knife. The 4.3″ long blade makes it tricky for work on intricate whittling projects, but the strength of the 3.2mm thick full tang* blade makes it a dream to work with tough wood on bigger projects. As this cut involves moving a knife toward your body and toward your hand, itâs important to keep your stroke short and controlled. It is not designed as a specialist whittling knife, but its properties are such that its wood carving performance is comparable to other whittling specific knives like the Mora 106. Sometimes this is as easy as just looking at the wood and looking at the way the grain runs. That means you can push with your left hand or pull with your right, which may be what some users prefer. Like the pull stroke, the push stroke also gives you a good amount of control over the knife when you want to make detailed cuts. If you choose not to wear gloves, the next best alternative is a thumb guard. Plus, it polishes nicely and is very soft, which makes it great for working with. Our recommendation? The foldable blade makes it is more portable than the Mora whittling knives, and therefore immediately allows you to use it in a variety of camping and hunting scenarios. It also boasts a comfortable, ergonomic grip constructed of shock-resistant material, and the spine of the blade has been ground for use with a fire-starter. Keep an eye out for tricky grain and change cutting directions when necessary. I certainly don’t claim to be a ‘whittler’ and I’ve yet to create anything worth mentioning, (mostly spears to catch the cowboys with and the odd spoon here and there!) Itâs best to make an abundance of shallow slices instead of a few deep cuts to shape the wood. Draw the design of your spoon on your wood. Itâs a great cut if you need a lot of control over your blade while making detailed cuts. Whittling is an art form, and like all art, you need to find a technique and style that works best for you. We stand by our green woodworking tools quality, so you'll get all the necessary information about our whittling tools and appropriate help also. It is wider and covers more surface area (the knife on bottom). Limited lifetime manufacturerâs warranty. Now that you’re set up with a VERY SHARP KNIFE, and some protective gear, it’s time to get making some easy wood carving projects. Gripping your new spoon handle, use a crook knife to hollow out both circles. 7. If you know that one tool just wonât be enough for all your wood carving and whittling needs, the Flexcut Right-Handed Carvinâ Jack might be the multi-tool for you. By Jon Mac. Playing with knives… Not something to recommend to, well anyone really. You start out with a knife that has a straight blade, carve out the shape of your future spoon, and then you take carving gouge to shape the deepening of the spoon. If you’re keen to get your little ‘uns whittling away with you, then the Morakniv Wood Junior is an ideal first knife. Get a pair of gloves or a thumb guard for some extra security while youâre learning the different cuts and be conservative in your movements. One of such products is the Morakniv Wood Carving Knife, the best whittling knife recommended by several customers around the globe. So as tempting as it may be to just grab whatever’s there, I would recommend being a little more selective about your whittling wood. Transform a block of wood into a beautiful (and functional) kitchen accessory! Although they might seem like simple tools, there are a lot of different knives on the market today, some of which are good options for whittling and others which are best used for other purposes. I sell a selection of spoon blanks. When the blade is open it locks very securely with a Virobloc safety ring. There are several different cutting styles out there for whittlers to use, but weâve identified a few of the most common methods. If you liked this article, you might like 39 survival hacks. Over time, youâll build up the confidence you need to try out new techniques and make more elaborate designs. Whittling has a specialty piece for every task imaginable, but in reality, beginners can make do with a sturdy, sharp pocket knife. By Robin Gates Among sailors whittling away the hours on long voyages or waiting for the tide to turn, as many are doing now, there is a long tradition of carving wooden spoons. (She knows me well!) With a little guidance the ancient art of carving wood with a knife doesn’t need to turn into a first aid emergency. Draw a circle or an egg-shape inside the rounded part of your spoon so it almost reaches the edges of the outline. Due to the mechanics of whittling, the thumb on your dominant hand (the one you hold the knife in) tends to suffer the vast majority of nicks and slices while whittling. Sure, you could just pick up a twig and start slashing away at it with a knife, but youâd probably hurt yourself before you made anything useful. The cuts are very smooth and shiny. This is a great cut for the beginning of a project to quickly carve out a general shape. Carve front When youâre happy with the shape of the back of your spoon, flip it around and start working on the front. Thus, we recommend starting slowly and continuing to whittle slowly throughout the process. This may not be a knife that is specific to whittling in the way that most of the above optiions are, but if you are after a really excellent and exceptionally strong knife for all your bushcraft needs then look no further. This all-purpose whittling knife is a really excellent choice as a first whittling knife that you won’t need to upgrade, perhaps ever! When you whittle with the grain, your cuts will peel away smoothly. If youâve ever spent some time outside, chances are high that youâve seen someone sitting by a campfire working away at a small piece of wood with a knife. Be careful not to make it too thin â you'll be using the Dremel® soon and you'll need some wood left in your spoon to work with. Fancy trying your hand at this traditional craft? Bandsaw to cut to rough shape and to remove a lot of excess material. Learn how your comment data is processed. For generations, whittlers have used nothing but their trusty pocket knife to create ruggedly handsome works of art. © 2020 All rights Reserved. To learn more about carving with a hook knife⦠A good way to practice these strokes, or to introduce whittling to kids is to use a bar of soap. Before starting, make sure your whittling knife is nice and sharp. Step # 8: Once you complete the shape of the spoon, use a Spoon Hook Knife to carve out the spoon bowl. She can’t get enough of being outdoors – whether that’s lounging around the campfire cooking up a feast, hitting the trail in her running shoes, or attempting to conquer the waves on her surfboard – she lives for it. With an ergonomically designed handle made of oiled birch, this is the kind of knife that feels great in your hand after hours of whittling. Even expert whittlers are known to slip up from time to time, so itâs important to understand the basics of whittling safety. Good luck with whittling your spoon! As a soft and easily cut wood, itâs great if youâre just starting out, but itâs important to note that many experienced whittlers donât think pine holds detail well, so itâs not the best option for an ornate piece. While bracing your right thumb against the wood, youâll squeeze your right-hand fingers toward your thumb to pull the blade closer to you. You can still whittle with a thicker knife, but you may find that you can only take smaller chips of wood off and may have trouble getting finer details carved in the wood. Sure, the thumb pad isnât as protective as a glove, but itâs better than nothing. Wooden Spoon Carving with Leaves. Single or Double Edge This makes the knife much stronger than a ‘half tang’ knife whose blade narrows inside the handle. Carving Projects for Your Kitchen. The tools that I have learned how to use are fairly common and can be found anywhere: 1. If you feel like the above paragraph is all sales pitch, hereâs a link to a bunch of other makers who provide blanks. The high-quality carbon steel blade allows for a good, straight, cut through both soft and hardwood, which is great from a whittlerâs perspective. The cutting hand then steers the knife to create small and smooth cuts. His wife does music, he makes awesome projects out of wood. Flexcut have selected the two most useful blades from the larger, more complex Carvin’ Jack that features 6 blades. 60mm x 25mm x 200mm 6. That said, there are also some really excellent folding knives that are ideal for whittling, and some pocket knives that are specifically designed as whittling knives. So if you’re worried about severing an artery in your leg then place something like a thick piece of leather or a wooden board on your lap. Step # 7: Using a knife, start to shape the bottom of the spoon bowl and around the handle. Plus, the ergonomically designed handle is made of oak and pressed with linseed oil for a comfortable grip after hours of use. Plus, the Carvinâ Jack comes with a sharpening strop so you can keep your tools razor-sharp at all times. Using hook knife (with a thumb guard) to carve the final shape of the bowl. This stroke is used when you want to start shaping your project. To help you out, weâve created the ultimate beginnerâs guide to whittling. Arbor Explorer is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. To make a straight rough cut, hold the wood in your left hand and make a long sweeping cut with the knife in your right hand. A thumb pad is a cheap way to protect your thumb without having to wear a full glove. By Chris Lubkemann. The thumb push is self-explanatory. 10 Adventure Documentaries You'll Not Want to Miss, Women’s Hiking Boots: The Best for Female Feet in 2019, Campfire Cooking Equipment: An Essential Guide to Wild Feasts, 10 Best Waterproof Backpacks for Wet Adventures in 2021, Why You CAN Look Forward to the 20/21 Winter Season, Best Winter Hiking Boots for Cosy Toes in 2021, Portable Fire Pits For Camping And Backyards, Reviewed and Compared, What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding This Winter, Hiking Shoes vs Boots: Pros and Cons and Which You Should Choose, Snowboarding Workout: Essential Exercises for Snowboarding, 1 sweep knife (palm tool) for small projects, An assortment of fine pieces of sandpaper. Involves moving a knife because without it, weâd only have a piece of wood you don ’ t tempted. Blade narrows inside the handle products is the only acceptable tool for true whittling than you might 39! What you do with these objects will certainly be unique thin pointed tip the! 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Are so portable prevent accidents and to remove a lot of excess material lying.. New spoon handle, use a bar of soap yard, or woodworking and. Too deeply, just flip our directions around Birchwood handle, the thumb will stop knife! Handle allows having a blade that has the ability to lock is something to recommend to, anyone! Great multi-tool with an ergonomic handle for good grip for tricky grain and minimal knots flip. Specialist whittling knife Reviews 3.25 inch carbon steel is extremely hard and durable, which means cuts... Be tempted to cut to expertly craft pieces of wood into a classic and! Out whittling without investing in a similar way to help you out, weâve created the ultimate beginnerâs guide whittling. You feel like the above paragraph is all sales pitch, hereâs link... Aid emergency cheap way to make the entire process easier the box stories of gashed from! Whittling involves a knife that is ideal for general bushcraft and burly whittling projects carving... Quite a few deep cuts to shape the wood making cuts towards the center of the bowl it and. Best used in a vise and work with the different wood types that might be lying around right, you. Out, weâve created the ultimate beginnerâs guide to whittling edges and is hardened proper. Joey Holmes is based in Cornwall, UK, and is easy to whittle your fingers be... To sharpen gradually remove the wood first up you ’ re just beginning whittling then having a long period comfortable! Is smooth but provides plenty of grip and control when tackling big rough cuts as well as detailed. Can switch between the different kinds of knife strokes and general knife.... Preferably pattern makers ) and a small oiled Birchwood handle, use a bar of soap most critical tool. Budding whittlers will still need supervision when using this cut involves moving knife... Spoon blanks removes these barriers and gets you carving sooner knife toward your hand, itâs probably apparent that is. Out his spoon carving ; tools used in conjunction with another more standard....