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It depends on what knife you're using more so than anything. Ergonomic handles can go a long way with keeping you comfortable. Blisters are also to be expected when large amounts of pressure and rubbing occur.
If comfort is a problem, I would recommend looking into a thicker pair of gloves - wool or rawhide. It might take a little bit to get used to the dexterity loss and potential lesser grip, but you'll find it more comfortable. I've also seen people take denim and wrap it around the handle to help soften it a little.
No matter what you choose, your hands will get used to it eventually. I would advise rest breaks and hand exercises..
The more preventative care you put into yourself, the better off you'll be.
Definitely would like to get a nice knife in the near future, but I ordered this set of carving knives off Amazon and sharpened them up pretty well.
I started with this book, if you want easy animals this is book is for you: https://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/whittling-in-your-free-time.html
I got 2cm thick basswood (ready to use) and an electric jigsaw to make blanks. It saves hours.
If you want easy whittling projects this is a nice book too: https://www.amazon.nl/Lubkemann-Victorinox-Whittling-Easy-Make/dp/1565239091 (You may want to look for a local reseller instead of amazon).
Welcome to the wonderful world of whittling!
So I would recommend some basic safety gear, if you don't have it. Nice rawhide or leather gloves will help your hands avoid nasty splinters and nicks, and at worst may prevent you from losing a finger. My pop lost a few fingers playing with his power equipment, so I can't recommend it enough!
Guide wise, I've heard a few. Now I'm posting amazon links for the sake of brevity, but you can find these books elsewhere :
The Little Book of Whittling. I can't reccomend this book enough. I enjoyed it greatly, and it is quite affordable. I enjoy the sharpening section a lot, as the pointers it gives are pretty helpful.
Old Time Whittling. I don't own this book, but I have heard good things from others.
I do like the look of your new knives as well, especially the Opinel 7. Make sure to practice safety friend!
For wood, i recomend homedepot, buy some pine rounded sticks i started with that and is cheap and soft.
But, want some good basswood on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Premium-Basswood-Carving-Blocks/dp/B01MSYOWEY/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
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I got those and are soft and very good.
I use Bitumen of Judea, is easealy accessible here in europe, I don't think is the same in US, but here it is:
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Nevertheless you can use something like and old wood stain available ;)
I saw no one has recommended anything yet, so a quick look showed me that the ones I wear are available in the US, https://www.mechanix.com/us-en/cut-resistant-gloves/S2DE-58.html?dwvar_S2DE-58_color=black&cgid=cut-resistant-gloves
Kitchen cut gloves are also a good option. https://www.amazon.com/Kibaron-Resistant-Gloves-Fitting-Protection/dp/B00SF6RZZY
Good luck friend!
I use this you can find it at Michaels, Jo Ann's, Hobby lobby, here on Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/DecoArt-DS19-3-Americana-DuraClear-Varnishes/dp/B001K6CQXM/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?adgrpid=119069682419&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgO2XBhCaARIsANrW2X21jQVAQbuP70rTJt5-RK2BwOUl0pxMGKLn1U_nB2X7oFBim-Pn4ioaAihMEALw_wcB&hvadid=503785362918&am...
Learn how to sharpen knives while you are waiting.
I recommend The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening, it covers specific methods for pretty much every blade in your house.
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A carving knife is never going to really take the place of a edc all purpose knife, the blade grinding and angles and the ability to wear down a dedicated carving knife if not using it for wood carving makes one ill suited for anything but carving. You can carry and EDC along with a small carving knife.
Old timer makes a nifty little knife if price is a concern (flexcut makes a better one but its expensive):
https://www.amazon.com/Old-Timer-Traditional-Whittling-Convenient/dp/B0B1SQNBJB Not the greatest of quality as far as carving/whittling knives go, but certainly decent for a lower priced knife if you want something to carry around but don't want to fork up the dough for more expensive versions such as flexcut's version.
I recently bought the cheapest 1000/6000 whetstone and cheapest strop paddle I could find on amazon and they work great. Just takes some practice finding and maintaining the right blade angle. The plus side is, once you learn to sharpen your whittling knife, you can go through all the other knives in your house and make them crazy sharp! ;)
No problem!
Almost forgot, denim and cotton twill also work great if you prefer to use a compound instead of an emulsion.
You can cut up an old pair of jeans, or buy some of this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08THWFL5G/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=A17Z4Z92HNA1CU&psc=1
My second "old fart beard man" inspired by the 5 minute beard man video I once saw. Takes me quite a bit longer though....
Since switching to a dedicated whittling pocket knife flex cut carving jack with really sharp honed cutting edges, I'm getting much better results and enjoying the process a lot more.
The wood was just a pinewood stick found on the ground. It's not ideal since there is some brittle and cracked zones along the grai..
Thanks, I'll give sharpening it a shot. Would https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01IHOOXTY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_89R4NN1Q4WMWNKRRFM61?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 be a good start for sharpening the knife? It is a new one from a beginners kit so didn't come with anything haha
I meant the Whittling Jack or Detail Jack; those are the ones I have.
You can carve and whittle with just about any knife. If its all you got and you want to try I say go for it. You may need to sharpen/throp it more often depending on hardness of blade. Not going to lie it may be difficult to do detail and control the blade but that depends on what you want to do with it. I have seen people use a long knife like this and tape the blade and/or only razor sharpen the last inch and a half of blade. That will make it much easier to control. I understand the nostalgia of using something that your grandfather used. I know you said you cant afford something else but speaking from experience you dont need an expensive knife and all the sets to start. (Or at all tbh) Perfect starter knife ->$12.95 BeaverCraft Wood Carving Detail Knife C15 1.5" Whittling Knife. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07VFWG1KM/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_QAQYE4SP8485PH75HH0X I spent way to much and 99% of the time I use that. Hope this helps my friend. Talk soon. God bless 🙏
BeaverCraft S15 Whittling Wood Carving Kit - Wood Carving Tools Set - Chip Carving Knife Kit - Whittling Knife Set Whittling Tools Wood Carving Wood for Beginners https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P578XFV/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_WDNKCFQMK9ARPK7102TR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Would you say this kit plus a 1000/6000 whetstone is pretty much all ill need to start? I've seen alot of good stuff about flexcut but for an extra $15 and no strop for a similar set, is it worth going for flexcut over beavercraft?
Yeah lesson learned lol, I didnt think I'd enjoy it this much so I got a bit carried away with nit caring about my hands lol.
It was a birthday gift, they sent me the link
Wood Carving Kit 6PCS Professional and High Performance Stainless Steel Tools Set for Beginner Carving https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09QC6M4HH/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_0WWWC8JFSBR0V6TVGJF7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Just a cheap amazon set.
Thank you! Think I've found a new hobby!!
I'm new to carving as well and I only have 2 v-tools right now. I got a micro tool (amazon.com/gp/product/B003PFWWKI/) first to add texture to fur and hair on 2" to 3" tall carvings. I later added a 1/4" 70° palm tool (amazon.com/gp/product/B001UTV3P6).
I might have lost interest by now if I hadn't gotten these 2 tools. I know knife skills don't develop overnight, but a series of identical grooves is really hard for me still. If I didn't have these tools in the meantime, my carvings would look even worse with my noob skills.
I just started whittling and I’ve found that it’s super easy to get into compared to other hobbies that I’ve pursued. There’s lot of tutorials online, Reddit is super helpful, and it’s not that expensive!
For knives, I got everything off amazing
And for wood, I’ve gotten a few basswood blocks from Michaels and I got a couple of walnut spoon blanks for Amazon. I suggest starting with basswood because it’s so easy to carve.
Also, wear gloves!
If you have to force it, it's not sharp enough.
The leather strop will make a huge difference, but you'll probably want some green rubbing compound. I had no idea how well that stuff worked, but you can actually polish the blade (like it comes from the factory, all shiny) with the stuff!
It's like a big crayon, sort of. You just rub it into the strop and then strop your blade on it (after sharpening it). It's the final stage.
This is what was recommended to me. (I get no financial consideration for recommending it, it's just what I use):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076X3LNQ3?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details
Also, as the others have said, do wear gloves! They're cheaper than the number of band-aids I'd have gone through, and a LOT cheaper than a trip to urgent care!
I'd go with a multi-grit system like https://www.amazon.com/Sharpening-G-TING-Whetstone-Sharpener-Flattening/dp/B08GSD77JT . I just pulled that one up at random, there are a bunch of listings like it, so shop around, read reviews, etc. As for the oil, you can use mineral oil. That said, a lot of stones need water only, so check out the instructions on whatever sharpening system you get before using oil.
It depends on what you want. A locking pocket knife is a good way to go as a beginner. Something with a short blade and hefty handle. You don't have to get some fancy knife to get started. Something like this, or even a shorter blade would be good.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a new set, you can always buy or get a good knife like in pocket knife or something like that. Their is a basic kit you can buy for a few bucks which is decent from Amazon/AliExpress
Wood Whittling Kit with Basswood Wood Blocks Gifts Set for Adults and Kids Beginners, Wood Carving Kit Set Includes 3pcs Wood Carving Knife & 8pcs Blocks & Gloves for Widdling Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V13FCLW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glc_fabc_FN7JEX7KD4CQW4M17Y5F
this! if you want a pre-made paddle strop, the beavercraft one is good for the price https://www.amazon.com/BeaverCraft-Sharpening-Polishing-Stropping-Woodworking/dp/B07TWMRC15/ref=sr\_1\_1\_sspa?keywords=beavercraft+paddle+strop&qid=1636596975&s=hi&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExWVhMV0pBVF...
Way too expensive. Get a piece of leather (an old belt will work) and some green rubbing compound (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076X3LNQ3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details).
It doesn't need to be expensive to work.
ODOMY 10PEZZI Set di Strumenti per Intaglio del Legno, Coltello in Legno per Cucchiaio da Intaglio, Scalpello da Taglio, Scalpello per Uncino, Scalpello per Dettagli, Temperino, Cera per Lucidatura https://www.amazon.it/dp/B08THS1KF9/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_892EPWRGNMP9QYYTJZB3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
..this knife set i bought on amazon and a kind of cheap dremel
I’d recommend looking at the Flexcut Detail Jack
Flexcut Detail Jack, with Ergonomically Designed Pistol Gripped Handel, Single Detail Knife, (JKN90) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2AQN2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9CQFJXVA8DK5MH64XAAR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It comes ready to whittle with, unlike the other two mentioned; they will need to be sharpened to a bevel of 10°-15° which can be frustrating if you’re not already adept at sharpening. Then add a cheaper pocket knife for camping, like a Rough Rider Stockman, to round out your needs.
The steels on both of those are IMHO sub-par for whittling. I’d highly suggest, if you want a folding knife for whittling to check out the Flexcut Detail Jack
Flexcut Detail Jack, with Ergonomically Designed Pistol Gripped Handel, Single Detail Knife, (JKN90) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2AQN2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PFGNCJFNA4N988X5VQDG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It’s got very good steel, a locking blade, and will come ready to use out of the package. I’ve had one for several months and use it a lot. Regular stropping is all it needs to maintain it, assuming the blade doesn’t get damaged. And use it only for whittling. That probably seems obvious but you wouldn’t believe the folks that use their whittling knives to cut zip ties and stuff, that’s what you carry a regular pocket knife for 😉
The book I used as reference is called Complete Starter Guide to Whittling- 24 Easy Projects
Yup, just like the first picture. My BIL bought the one I am carving. I will say that Briar is not really carvable. It is much too dense for my knives. That's why I carved a separate piece of wood and glued it on. The shaping of the pipe was done with a Dremel. In hindsight, I should have heavily taped the mouth piece as I did scratch it.
Thank you!
I ended up taking apart an old magnet pickup tool I had and never used. I got tons of sizes to make more of these! https://www.amazon.com/HEEPDD-Magnetic-Telescopic-Retractable-Telescoping/dp/B07X9MMW5L
I also heard places like Ace/Lowes should have small brass tubes of nearly any size you would need.
I was also considering this set
Elemental Tools 9pc Wood Carving Tools Set - Hook Carving Knife, Whittling Knife, Detail Wood Carving Knife For Spoon, Bowl, Kuksa Cup Or General Woodwork - Bonus Cut Resistant Gloves And Bamboo Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RYTXGGD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_1gd7Fb37W42A7
Thanks for the recommendation. I’m thinking about buying this set.
BeaverCraft S01 Wood Spoon Carving Knives Set Spoon Making Tools Kit Whittling Knife Hook Knife Right-handed Bowl Cup Kuksa for Beginners Woodworking Professional (Wood Carving Kit) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NDH99XQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_O2c7FbNXAS8HD
Thanks for the recommendation. I’m thinking about buying this set.
BeaverCraft S01 Wood Spoon Carving Knives Set Spoon Making Tools Kit Whittling Knife Hook Knife Right-handed Bowl Cup Kuksa for Beginners Woodworking Professional (Wood Carving Kit) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NDH99XQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_O2c7FbNXAS8HD
I use a very inexpensive beavercraft sloyd. Its got a nice thin blade thats just a little over 3" long, and the oak handle is super comfy. It has no coating so it doesn't get slick if your hands sweat a bit. Its cheaper but surprisingly good quality and holds a amazing edge. I have their detail knife as well but usually just use the tip of the sloyd for details like 80% of the time tbh. Heres the link if your interesting. I think there are a couple of different handle styles as well. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSB5YRL/ref=twister_B07HM212L4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You may have meant a more traditional pocket knife, is so anything with a somewhat thinner and shorter blade should work. But theres also this. https://www.amazon.com/Splinter-Traditional-Folding-Whittling-Outdoor/dp/B07TK5P24Y
Very nice!! Great first project while you’re getting the hang of things.
I’m very clumsy so safety is a big factor for me. I had the plain grey style fabric cut-resistant gloves but they got holes in them so I replaced them with these below which were of better quality, and I like that they have silicone grippies so I feel like I have better control and dexterity:
Schwer Level 6 Cut Resistant Cutting Gloves https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YFDSD1S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_m9vZFbG48ZS1J?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I picked up this from Amazon and its seems to work pretty well for me. https://www.amazon.com/BeaverCraft-Sharpening-Stropping-Sharpener-Polishing/dp/B07VTLV2RX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=sharpener&m=A312E2U64V7XLE&qid=1606590281&s=merchant-items&sr=1-1
They're out of stock now but here's the link anyway. They've changed name to 'pumpkin carving set' but when I bought it, it said wood carving. It was about £6 just to let you know
To start you need 4 things imo. Knife, sharpening stone, wood, and a glove. I like Morakniv Wood Carving 120 Knife with Laminated Steel Blade, 2.4-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GATX62/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JF87CbW24FV4W It’s cheap and after many years of carving I still use it.
I use a home made honing strop 80% of the time and a diamond stone the remaining 20% when needed.
I use a lansky extra fine but there are probably better options.
Basswood is the standard carving wood. It’s available from hobby shops and on amazon.
Wear a (clean) leather or knife guard glove on your non dominant hand. It’ll save you a lot of cuts.
I bought this and started whittling walking sticks.
Cheap start to a hobby. Once I realized I enjoyed it I got some a set of whittling knives and bought some basswood on Amazon.
This is the set I first bought. https://www.amazon.com/Flexcut-Carving-Starter-Ergonomic-KN500/dp/B003Z7XNUO/ref=sr_1_18 crid=2TKTN7J0YH4ZB&keywords=flexcut+beginner+wood+carving+tools&qid=1577218337&sprefix=Flexcut+be%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-18
Thanks everyone. Any thoughts on this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XSB5YRL/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A312E2U64V7XLE&psc=1
Constructive advice: spend the money to get a legit carving knife, not a general purpose Swiss army knife. Anyways, telling you to be realistic about your expectations about quality and utility is constructive. That's critical life information.
Here's a decent carving knife. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071WCH6T4/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_7xMMDbA2PAP27
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mora-Precision-Trade-Knife-Purple/dp/B00T3ELIXC
I have this one which was recommended on a dala horse carving day I went on. Really happy with it, but have since got a small set of tools (more like shaped chisels) that are different shapes for putting more detail in.
I had a mini utility knife attached to my key ring.
put that a thumb guard and a few spare blades in a small box(like a mint tin) that fits in my pocket.
I just started too, and I'm using this knife :
Imperial Schrade IMP16S Stockman Folding Pocket Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037SNATU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_y1IdAbBD32DQ5
I love this knife, it's great, and inexpensive.
For easy cheap sharpening, you can start with something like this :
Lansky PS-MED01 BladeMedic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085PPSIQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_o5IdAb61TS3Z3
You'll want to invest in better tools if you decide to stick with it, but this is what I'm starting with even though I have other knives and sharpening stones and etc.
I got this: Flexcut Pocket Jack for Carvin', Carving Specific Jackknife Style Tool, 3 Ounce, 4-1/4 Inch Closed Length, 4 Blades Included (JKN89) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049C736E
And I love it.
This is what i bought to start: https://www.amazon.it/Opinel-001705-Coltello-Unisex-Adulto/dp/B00EU7NCQ8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1509112820&sr=8-4&keywords=opinel
Comes really sharp so you can start whittling right away, reccomended by a friend of mine.
Hey man, is this the same book but a different edition. It's getting late here and my brain is rather tired so I thought I'd ask to double check.
Noob here too. I'm quite a fan of the Flexcut Pocket jack.
Its a little more of an investment, but having the gouge, scorp and v scorp with a 1 5/8" detail blade is great. Plus I am a big fan of the locking folding blade.
Thanks for the advice. I bought this whetstone to keep my knives sharp. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055B2RGO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Was that a smart move or did i mess up?