Wood Carving FAQ

Welcome to our comprehensive woodcarving FAQ! Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your skills, we've compiled answers to the most common questions beginner woodcarvers ask. Explore the sections below to find guidance on tools, techniques, wood selection, and more.

Our Tools (Schaaf Tools)
Getting Started
Tool Maintenance
Wood Carving Techniques
Projects & Learning

Getting Started with Wood Carving

What tools should a beginner purchase first?

For beginners interested in whittling or spoon carving, start with a basic knife set that includes a detail knife, a roughout knife, and a hook knife. Our 3pc knife set is a great place to start, or check out our deluxe knife set if you're looking for a little more. If you're drawn to relief carving or sculpture, consider a set of full-size gouges like our 12pc Foundation Set that includes various profiles. While many assume whittling is safer, properly used gouges with the wood secured can actually be safer since your hands remain behind the cutting edge.

What wood is best for beginners?

Basswood is overwhelmingly recommended for beginners due to its straight grain, consistent texture, and easy carving properties. It's forgiving, holds detail well, and is readily available. Other good options include butternut (white walnut) for its similar properties with more interesting grain, and cottonwood bark for carving wood spirits. Pine can work for practice but its alternating hard and soft grain can be frustrating. See our article for more information.

How much should I expect to spend to get started?

With Schaaf Tools, you can begin wood carving for less than $170 with our 12pc Foundation Set, mallet, and leather strop, which includes free learning materials. For an even more budget-friendly start, our 3pc whittling set lets you begin carving feather spoons and small figures for under $35. Quality tools make learning easier, but you don't need to invest in premium European brands to get excellent results.

What's the easiest carving style for beginners?

Spoon carving and whittling are the most accessible styles for beginners. They require minimal tools, can be done almost anywhere, and provide satisfying results quickly. Relief carving (carving designs that stand out from a flat background) is another approachable style with our learning resources. The key is choosing a style that excites you—passion for your projects will carry you through the learning curve!

What safety equipment do I need?

Essential safety equipment includes cut-resistant gloves, protective adhesive tape or thumb guards for your non-dominant hand, a stable work surface (with clamps for larger projects), and most importantly, sharp tools (dull tools require more force and cause more accidents). Always carve with controlled cuts away from your body, secure your workpiece properly, and consider where the tool would go if it slipped. Remember: sharper tools are safer tools!

Our Tools (Schaaf Tools)

How do Schaaf Tools gouges compare to premium brands like Pfeil in quality and performance?

While not identical to premium European brands like Pfeil or Henry Taylor, our tools offer excellent value with good steel quality and edge retention at a fraction of the cost. Don't expect your gouges to come commissioned like a $400 Pfeil set, but once tuned up, these tools are more than comparable. See how these master carvers test the quality of their steel: https://www.schaaftools.com/blogs/news/schaaf-tools-steel-quality-put-to-the-test

Do Schaaf tools come ready to use or do they need sharpening first?

Standard sets require some initial sharpening and preparation. We do offer premium sets that are pre-sharpened here in the US and ready to use out of the box. For more information, check out our sharpening article linked in the resources section.

What kind of steel are Schaaf tools made from and how well does it hold an edge?

Schaaf Tools gouges are made from alloy chromium-vanadium steel hardened to Rockwell C60, which holds an edge well for extended carving sessions. But don't forget to strop regularly while you carve!

Do you sell individual gouges or only sets?

Currently, we only offer complete sets - the 12-piece, 7-piece, and 4-piece fishtail - which are designed to complement each other. In order to maintain affordable prices, we are unable to sell individual gouges at this time.

How should I sharpen and maintain my Schaaf Tools?

We recommend beginners and first time carvers sharpen their tools by hand, using our 400/1000 grit diamond sharpening stone, water with a few drops of dish soap as lubricant, and finishing with stropping. Sharpening resources are provided with every set if you need instruction.

Do you offer any learning resources for beginners using your tools?

Yes! We have a number of beginner learning videos and eBooks that come with every purchase to help new carvers get started. Please check out our YouTube channel for fun projects, tips and techniques.

Do you ship internationally?

We don’t currently ship internationally through our website, but Amazon does offer international delivery! You can check Amazon to see if our tools are available for shipping to your location.

I have not received my beginner ebook. How do I get it?

You can download the ebook for any of our products here: https://www.schaaftools.com/pages/ebooks

Tool Maintenance

How often should I sharpen my carving tools?

Strop your tools every 10-30 minutes during active carving to maintain the edge. Many experienced carvers strop whenever they notice the tool isn't cutting as smoothly as it should. Full resharpening on stones is only needed when stropping no longer restores the edge effectively. Remember: THE MORE YOU STROP, THE LESS YOU'LL HAVE TO SHARPEN!

What's the difference between sharpening and stropping?

Sharpening uses stones to remove metal and reshape the edge when a tool is damaged or significantly dulled. Stropping uses a leather strop with polishing compound to realign and refine the edge between sharpenings. Think of sharpening as renovation and stropping as regular maintenance—both are essential, but stropping should be your frequent go-to for maintaining a razor edge.

How do I know when my carving tools need sharpening?

Your tools need sharpening when they require more force to cut, the wood tears instead of slicing cleanly, the edge shows visible nicks or chips, or they fail a simple paper-slicing test. A properly sharp tool should cut with minimal pressure and leave a smooth surface. If you find yourself pushing harder, it's time to sharpen.

Wood Carving Techniques

What's the difference between whittling and carving?

Whittling typically refers to carving with just a knife (or small set of knives) to create small, portable objects. Wood carving is a broader term encompassing all techniques of shaping wood, including work with gouges, chisels, and more complex projects like relief carving and sculpture. Think of whittling as a specific type of carving focused on simplicity and mobility.

What are the basic carving styles?

The main carving styles include:

Whittling: Using primarily knives to create small objects
Relief carving: Creating designs that project from a flat background
In-the-round carving: Creating fully three-dimensional objects viewable from all angles
Chip carving: Removing precise "chips" to create geometric patterns
Spoon carving: Specialized technique for creating functional utensils

Each style has its own techniques and ideal tools, but many carvers enjoy combining elements from different styles.

How can I tell the grain direction in a piece of wood?

Look at the surface pattern—grain lines run parallel to the tree's growth direction. Feel the wood with your fingertips; the direction that feels smoother is with the grain. Examine end grain (the cut perpendicular to the trunk) where you'll see growth rings—the grain runs perpendicular to these. Always try to carve with the grain when possible, as cutting against it causes splintering and requires more force.

How do I prevent wood from splitting while carving?

Carve with the grain whenever possible, use sharp tools that slice cleanly rather than tearing fibers, and avoid excessive force. For green wood, control the drying process by sealing end grain and working in sessions. With dried wood, ensure it's fully acclimated to your workspace's humidity level before carving. Sometimes a splitting piece can be saved by adjusting your design to work with (rather than fight) the natural tendencies of the wood.

Projects & Learning

What are good first projects for beginners?

Great beginner projects include:

Carving yourself a slip strop
Simple spoons or butter spreaders
Small animals with minimal detail
Basic relief carvings of letters, leaves or geometric patterns
Wood spirits in basswood or cottonwood bark

Where can I find patterns or designs for carving projects?

Schaaf Tools provides free patterns with many of our tool sets. Other reliable sources include woodcarving books and magazines like Woodcarving Illustrated. Laura Irish's website lsirish.com also has free patterns available to download. Many experienced carvers also share patterns through carving clubs, social media groups and on carving forums. For beginners, simpler patterns that focus on fundamental techniques will build your skills faster than attempting overly complex designs.

What are some resources you recommend for learning wood carving?

Books: Woodcraft by Barn the Spoon, Complete Starter Guide to Whittling by Fox Chapel Publishing, Heirloom Wood by Max Bainbridge, The Beginner's Handbook of Woodcarving by Charles Beiderman & William Johnston

Online: Schaaf Tools' YouTube channel, Carving is Fun (YouTube and Website), Alec LaCasse Online Woodcarving School

Forums: Woodcarving Illustrated forum and r/Woodcarving on Reddit

Local: Look for carving clubs in your area that offer in-person guidance. Here is our (hopefully) up-to-date list of carving clubs. Remember that every carver develops their own style—learn the fundamentals from these resources but don't be afraid to experiment and develop your own approach!

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