Hey everyone! I'm a total newbie to wood carving and recently picked up a beginner bird carving kit from Amazon that came with a carving knife. I'm looking for some advice on what additional tools I should consider as a beginner, what types of wood are best for carving, where I can purchase the supplies, and suggestions for simple projects to kick off my journey. Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
Welcome to the world of carving! I started out with a 3-pack of Beavercraft knives from Amazon, and it came with a leather strop and some compound. They've been serving me well. I bought basswood blocks from a local craft store and found a fun pattern on Beavercraft's website. Sure, I've heard Flexcut is great, but my knives are doing just fine. Just remember to protect your hands; I learned the hard way! The first projects are all about getting used to the tools, so don’t worry about making a masterpiece right away. Just dive in and have fun!
Basswood is definitely the way to go when starting out! You can do a lot with just the knife you have. I'd recommend getting some 1x1 basswood blanks to practice on. Also, consider upgrading your knife eventually; those kits often come with lower-quality ones. I like Flexcut knives for starters or Badger State Blades if you want something long-lasting. Once you get comfortable, you might want to try out palm gouges. Check out Doug Linker's YouTube for some fantastic tutorials, and don't miss Johnny Layton for even more tips! Enjoy your carving journey!
Is there any hardwood good for beginners to practice with?
Do you have any alternatives to gloves? I prefer carving mostly bare-handed.