Wood carving is a craft that has captured human imagination for centuries, transforming simple blocks of wood into intricate, beautiful works of art. Today, many of us spend so much time in front of a computer, on our phones, or stressed out by our work, its becoming increasingly important to take up creative hobbies. Wood carving is one of the hobbies that is increasing in popularity over the last few years. Though it may seem daunting at first, wood carving is approachable for anyone willing to try their hand at it. With the right tools, proper guidance, and a bit of patience, you can master the basics and develop your own unique style.

At Schaaf Tools, we’re passionate about supporting new and seasoned carvers alike. Our high-quality carving tools are designed for beginners, and we offer comprehensive learning materials to help you succeed. Whether you’re starting with whittling projects or exploring other techniques like relief carving, our tutorial videos, project guides, and sharpening tutorials are here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s explore how you can begin your wood carving journey, from choosing the right tools and wood to learning essential techniques that will set you up for success.

Why I Started Wood Carving

This article is about how to start wood carving, but first I want to tell you a little bit about my own carving journey. Some people are surprised to find out that I didn't  start carving wood until after founding this company with my best friend back in 2016. And to be honest, it took me a few years to really take it up as a hobby. So, just like you, I’m a beginner! I was drawn to the idea of creating something by hand, turning a simple block of wood into something unique. As a business owner I spent many hours speaking with wood carvers of all levels. Every one of them made sure I knew how important it is for beginners to start this new hobby with sharp, quality tools. Then, when I began carving myself, I understood why. Having good tools makes all the difference in your ability to learn quickly and effectively. Leaning on feedback from the carving community, and from my own experience, we have shaped Schaaf Tools into a brand known for providing top-quality carving tools along with the support and comprehensive learning materials necessary to make carving fun. I hope you give it a try. I’m certainly glad I did.

Essential Wood Carving Tools for Beginners

Having the right tools is critical when starting out. Wood carving can be frustrating if you're using dull or inadequate tools, but with a few key pieces in your toolkit, you’ll have everything you need to create beautiful works of art.

1. Whittling Knife

One of the simplest and most versatile tools, the whittling knife is ideal for beginners and small carving projects. Whether you're shaping small figures, whittling intricate designs, or just picking up a stick and shaving away until it’s a smaller stick, a good whittling knife will become your go-to tool.

Whittling also probably has the lowest barrier to entry – all you need is a sharp knife, something to keep it sharp, and a piece of wood. That being said, many wood carving teachers actually prefer to start their students with chisels and gouges instead of knifes. That’s because its safer to carve with a gouge than a knife when done properly. When carving with a gouge, your hands are always “behind the blade” making it much less likely to cut yourself. With whittling, often you will be in positions where a finger, or a hand might be in the line of your cutting blade. The whittler must be exercise extra care and control in these situations. But with the right technique and safety precautions, whittling can be done safely.

If you're not sure where to start, Schaaf Tools offers beginner whittling kits that include eBooks that go into safety and technique in more depth, along  with simple video tutorials of beginner projects like carving small animals or basic utensils, to help you get a feel for working with the knife.

2. Chisels and Gouges

Chisels and gouges are the workhorses of wood carving. Gouges, which have curved blades, allow you to scoop out wood and create rounded or hollowed areas, while chisels with flat blades are great for cutting straight lines and working on flat surfaces. With a good set of chisels and gouges, you’ll have to ability to create all sorts of different things from wood. You can carve beautiful scenes into wood panels, you can add decorative details to wooden furniture, you can carve whimsical faces in to tree stumps, or you can make incredible, realistic 3D sculptures. Carving gouges are very cool (call me biased, but its true!).

One of my favorite tool sets to use is the Schaaf Tools' 12-piece wood carving set, which includes a variety of gouges and chisels perfect for any beginner. This set covers all the basics and even some advanced tools, making it a great investment if you're planning to stick with the craft.

For those looking to learn techniques like relief carving or spirit face carving, Schaaf Tools also offers tutorial video series that walks you through these carving techniques, including how to effectively use gouges and chisels for intricate projects.

3. Sharpening Tools

Even the best carving tools won't do you much good if they aren't sharp. A sharp tool is crucial for making clean, precise cuts and preventing accidents. Even though I’d heard it said a million times, it wasn’t until I started sharpening my tools regularly that I admitted how much easier and more enjoyable carving is with a honed tool.

Schaaf Tools provides diamond sharpening stones, strops and a series of sharpening tutorials to ensure your tools are always in top condition. These resources make sharpening easy, even for beginners who may not know where to start. But regardless of where you get your sharpening system, you’ll want something to keep those tools razor sharp.

Choosing the Right Wood for Carving

The type of wood you choose will have a significant impact on your carving experience. Some woods are more difficult to carve than others, so it's important to start with beginner-friendly options.

1. Basswood

Basswood is one of the best woods for beginners. It’s soft, easy to carve, and has a fine, uniform grain that minimizes the risk of splintering or tearing. It’s great for both whittling and relief carving, and because it’s so forgiving, it’s ideal for those just learning how to make precise cuts.

2. Butternut

If you’re looking for something a bit more decorative, butternut is a softwood with a beautiful grain pattern that adds a natural aesthetic to your carvings. It’s still relatively soft, making it easy to carve, but has a little more texture and character than basswood.

3. Pine

Pine is another good option for beginners. It’s affordable and widely available, making it a popular choice for larger projects. However, it can be a bit more challenging to work with due to its resin content, which can make the wood sticky and harder to carve at times.

Schaaf Tools’ beginner wood guide can help you decide which type of wood is best for your first project, so you can start off on the right foot.

Techniques to Master as a Beginner

There are a few key techniques every wood carver should learn, regardless of the type of carving they pursue. Mastering these foundational techniques will set you up for success as you take on more complex projects.

1. Whittling

Whittling is one of the most approachable forms of wood carving, requiring only a small knife and a block of wood. It’s perfect for beginners because you can create simple figures or shapes without a lot of experience. Plus, it’s incredibly relaxing and meditative, making it a great hobby to unwind.

Schaaf Tools' beginner whittling project guides offer easy-to-follow instructions for carving small items like spoons or animals, so you can get started right away with your new hobby.

2. Chip Carving

Chip carving involves removing small chips of wood from the surface to create decorative patterns. It’s often used for intricate designs on flat surfaces, like plaques or boxes. Though chip carving requires a bit more precision than whittling, it’s still accessible for beginners, especially with the right tools and a little patience.

3. Relief Carving

Relief carving is more complex but extremely rewarding. It involves carving a design into a flat panel of wood, leaving the background recessed while the design appears raised. Though it takes time and practice to master, Schaaf Tools' relief carving tutorial series makes learning this technique easier by breaking down the steps into manageable pieces.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Your First Wood Carving Project

For your first wood carving project, it’s important to start with something simple and manageable. Below is a step-by-step guide that will help you create a basic carved piece.

1. Pick Your Project

Start with a simple project like a small spoon, figure, or pendant. Schaaf Tools offers a range of beginner-friendly project ideas to get you started. You can join our mailing list below for more information.

2. Choose Your Wood

As mentioned earlier, basswood is an excellent choice for beginners. Pick a small piece that’s easy to hold and carve, and avoid harder woods like oak or maple until you have more experience.

3. Sketch Your Design

Before making any cuts, sketch your design onto the wood. This will serve as a guide and help you visualize the final product before you begin carving.

4. Make Rough Cuts

Using your whittling knife or a larger gouge, start by making rough cuts to establish the basic shape of your piece. Don’t worry about details at this stage; just focus on removing excess wood to reveal the general form.

5. Add Details

Once you’ve got the rough shape, switch to smaller chisels or gouges to refine the details. This is the time to be patient—take it slow and steady, ensuring each cut is clean and precise.

6. Sand and Finish

After you’ve completed the carving, sanding the piece will smooth out any rough edges and make it more polished. You can also apply wood oil or finish to protect the piece and enhance the wood's natural beauty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting out, it’s easy to make a few mistakes. Here are some things I wish I’d known when I first started carving:

• Using dull tools: One of the biggest mistakes is using dull tools. Not only do dull tools make carving more difficult, but they’re also more dangerous, as they require more force and can slip more easily.
• Rushing the process: Wood carving is a slow and deliberate craft. Rushing through a project can lead to mistakes, frustration, and subpar results. Take your time and enjoy the process.
• Carving against the grain: Always pay attention to the grain of the wood. Carving against the grain can cause the wood to split or tear, so it’s important to learn how to read the grain and adjust your carving direction accordingly.

Start Your Wood Carving Journey Today

Wood carving is an incredibly rewarding craft that lets you create something with your own two hands. By starting with the right tools, wood, and techniques, you’ll set yourself up for success. Whether you’re interested in whittling, relief carving, or chip carving, Schaaf Tools is here to help.

We believe in providing more than just tools. Our goal is to support carvers at every stage of their journey, from beginner to expert. That’s why we offer a wide range of free learning resources.

Want to learn more about Wood Carving from Schaaf Tools? Make sure you sign up below.