In this short video tutorial, practice three important, basic whittling cuts while learning how to carve a tiny monster out of basswood with Isaac J Middlemiss, aka woodcarvingman.
Types of whittling cuts used:
The Stop Cut
Use stop cuts to define the boundaries of your carving, especially where you need a sharp, clean edge. In this video, you'll use the stop cut a lot, including at the beginning of the project when you carve along the lines of your drawn monster.
- Hold the knife perpendicular to the wood surface.
- Push the blade straight down into the wood to your desired depth (usually shallow, 1/8" to 1/4").
The Pull Cut
The pull cut is great for creating controlled, shallow cuts when detailing your project and creating smooth surfaces. It's particularly useful for facial features, animal (or monster!) details, and finishing you work.
- Hold the wood in your non-dominant hand.
- Grip the knife with your thumb on the blade handle's spine (top).
- Place the edge of the blade against the wood.
- Pull the blade toward your thumb (which acts as a brake).
- Control the depth by adjusting the angle of the blade.
The Push Cut
The push cut offers precision with a bit more power than the pull stroke. Use it to make short, precise cuts in tight areas. This technique gives you additional control because your non-dominant thumb guides the blade directly, helping prevent slips or overly deep cuts.
- Hold your knife in the basic grip.
- Place your thumb from your non-dominant hand on the back of the blade (not the sharp edge).
- Push the blade forward with your thumb acting as both guide and power source.
- Keep the cut shallow and controlled.
To learn more about the essential knife cuts and techniques you need to learn how to whittle, you can check out our article Essential Knife Techniques for Beginning Whittlers.
What you'll need:
- A detail knife - you can find the knife Isaac uses in our 5pc Deluxe Wood Carving Kit here.
- 2"x 3" Basswood Block
- Pencil
Click the Image Below to Watch the Video
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