Whittling Wood Carving

Holly.

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^ That's lovely, liking the woodgrain.

I've had a go at an animal- it is equally hard work and absorbing. I intended it to be (and think it might just about be) a cat but could well have been a bear or a westie terrier or other dog for a bit.

It is satisfying seeing it take shape. I'm a bit stuck on the nose/ mouth shape but hope sanding may help that.

My ego is not ready for it to go into the epic wtf or epic fail threads yet so no pics.

Cat worked out ok I reckon. Unseasoned wood not green so it had developed a split overnight, but I still sanded & oiled it for completeness.

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Ace!

This whittling stuff seems pretty cool, think I’ll get involved.

Enjoying this already...

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...oops! Ah well, it’s all part of the learning process. I’ll just continue and learn how to shape remainder of spoon.

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Oh shit!

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Simply add wire gauze and claim you were making a tea strainer from the outset. Use blood for that hard to attain antique mahogany stain.

Whoever said blunt tools are more dangerous hasn't subjected their hands to razor sharp ones

Or make a spork, and sell it to one of the hipster bikepackers on here

Ouch, spoon looking good despite hole, I've learned to pinch finger and thumb into the bowl to check depth of wood remaining.

Strong start.

Fuck!

First go at spoon now I have a curved spoon blade. Really satisfying.

How do people feel about using saws, rasps and planes? Started a more complicated spoon and had a desire to use those to get it in to shape quicker. But you could do most of it with those and barely use a knife. I kinda feel like I will have cheated if i do it that way.

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Do it anyway you want but most of the pleasure for me is in the making. If you enjoy using a rasp then use it.
I have some lovely old knives and chisels which I like to put to use so if I can get a perfect object made with just those tools I get extra satisfaction.

And that’s a strong start!

I made a nature trail with carvings on trees. They get coppiced later on so no harm is done. I then try and replicate some of the carvings In other ways
Here’s a spider both on a tree and as a spoon

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Very nice.

I have used a coping saw to make a rough shape, the cat was started in this way, pictured.

Also for recent spoons I've made a stop cut at the base of the handle using coping saw then batoned the excess handle away before shaping what remains.

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Wise words, I do enjoy using the other tools so why not.

Think it is partly down to using an old work top for wood. Very seasoned and tough to whittle. Need to try some fresh wood.

Digging the spider spoon. Functional or only decorative?

Edit : meant to reply to @adroit

I like it. Going to try that out although need some new blades for mine.

Tonight continued with spoon 2. Mainly with a surform but carved out the bowl.

I like the idea of the old fashion spoon shape but made in wood. Getting there but not quite happy with it. Not sure if it's the shape or the balance or thickness.

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One of the things about spoons is the curve and the angle of the bowl to the handle. Like this:

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That is lovely. Maybe that is it, i'll try add more curve.

Butter knives, holly.

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