Whittling, the age-old craft of carving shapes from wood using a knife, is both an art and a relaxing hobby. Whether you’re looking to create intricate designs or simple wooden figurines, whittling offers a perfect blend of creativity and craftsmanship. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything from essential tools to beginner-friendly techniques, ensuring you're set for success in your whittling journey. You can check out our own line of high quality whittling sets, each of which come with wood carving projects for beginners, here. 1. What Is Whittling? Whittling refers to the practice of carving wood into shapes using a handheld knife, typically a whittling knife or pocket knife. Unlike more formal wood carving, which can involve chisels,...
When it comes to wood carving, like many other crafts, it’s important to properly care for your tools. The way you store them, clean them, and sharpen them makes a significant difference in how long they will last and how well they will perform. Learning the tricks of the trade isn’t just about carving technique; it’s also about consistent and concise tool maintenance. Check out some common carving tool FAQs below to brush up on care and maintenance for your wood-carving tools. How Do You Store Wood-Carving Tools? The first step in proper tool maintenance is knowing how to store your knives, chisels, gouges, and other tools correctly. If you have been keeping all your tools together in a box...
Not all chisel blades are created equal. Any wood carver who has experience using a professional quality gouge versus a "Harbor Freight" alternative knows that. So what's the difference? Or more specifically, why do the two cut and feel so different? The steel holds the answer. In this article, we explore how professionals Joe Dillett and Dick Belcher test the metal of their wood carving tools (literally), as they demonstrate on Schaaf Tools gouges. The Spark Test When Wood Carving Illustrated first got their hands on our 12 piece beginner carving chisels, they sent the set to Dick Belcher, of Belcher Carving Supply, to test the steel quality. I remember hearing the chisels passed the spark test, and Dick was...
Gift shopping for the woodworker in your family? We took the time to come up with some thoughtful, unique wood carving gift ideas for any budget. Here are our 2020 favorites.
Wood carving is more than just a hobby—it’s a form of self-expression, a way to relieve stress, and an outlet for creativity. With the right touch and the right tools, you can create a masterpiece for the mantle or furniture fit for a queen. All you need is a set of basic wood carving tools for beginners and you can get started learning a skill you can take pride in. Learn more about the best wood carving tools for beginners and discover which ones you need for the projects you’ve been dreaming of bringing to life. Best Wood Carving Tools for Beginners To get started, a wood carving tools beginner set will give you the variety you need at a...
