What are /r/wildwhittlers' favorite Products & Services?

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I'm not an expert but I met this man in Amish country once who had a little whittling shop on a farm. All of his work was done with a single blade of a Swiss army knife. He's written a few books but after seeing his work, the company behind the Swiss Army Knife collaborated with him to write a book.

His book starts off slow and easy and works up into figures like roosters. Lots of nice techniques and tips shared as well. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1565239091/ref=cm_sw_r_sm_apa_i_S.X9FbHXAWRSA

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I have a flexcut Cutting Knife that I use for almost all my whittling. Personally I've found you don't really need 20 different blades. Though a couple smaller sizes can be good for detailed work.

For sharpening I use a leather strop coated in honing compound. If you strop the knives frequently you shouldn't have to use a stone.

Starting out with a good all around knife and learning what more specific tools you need through experience can prevent wasting money on big sets and tools you wont use.

Also might wanna get some finger and thumb guards or cut gloves because you WILL slip up occasionally.

Best way to learn is to just start carving!

I started out with a few flexcuts, but once I tried using this unassuming mora knife it became the only one I use.

They can make a big difference but mostly I would say just use what works for you. Personally I use a Mora Classic #2 for almost all my carving, its cheap, and its easy to get it wicked sharp. Occasionally I'll use a smaller blade such as an opinel or a Flexcut. Wood selection is also a big factor, I would recommend grabbing some Basswood if you're just starting out.

If you go to a crafts store (michael's, if you have one in your area), I think it's like 8 bucks for a bag of 3 blocks of nice soft carving basswood. I think it'd be worth spending that money and sharpening your knife (or even springing for a dedicated carving knife) to give it a fair shot. $10-30 is not a lot of investment in a new hobby that will give you many hours of enjoyment when done right.

You can generally leave a pile of sticks in a garage or shed to dry out, anywhere that they are off the floor and out of the rain. I whittle with green wood and found sticks a lot, but I also consider most of my whittling from sticks disposable and rarely keep/use it for much. Anything that's been sitting in a wood pile for a while is good to go.

I live in the north east US though, so we have plenty of sticks suitable for carving right off the ground, though I'll use green wood too. Depending on what you are whittling it will probably warp a bit as it dries, but that's no biggie.

I used this book getting started: Little Book of Whittling, The: Passing Time on the trail, on the Porch, and Under the Stars (Woodcarving Illustrated Books) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1565237722/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_jl3Wvb4GKMWPY

I started with a Mora 122, but it didn't take too long for me to realize that the long blade got in the way. (or rather, my hand got in the way of the long blade) The 120 looks better due to the shorter blade. Moras come extremely sharp, which is beneficial to someone just getting started, as you will be able to learn what it SHOULD feel like when you whittle. Then, you can compare your experiences to that as your blade dulls, and you'll be able to tell when you need to hone/strop.

I also bought the flexcut here

It's been a really good knife, but wasn't quite as sharp as the mora out of the box. However, the sheath is really nice quality (better than the moras) and its easy to transport, and the blade is nice and short so it doesnt get in the way. I would choose the flexcut if I had to choose one knife to bring somewhere to whittle.

Congratulations, its a fun hobby! Good luck!

I started whittling a few months ago and I've been using a Mora 120. I appreciate the big wood handle and the smaller 1.9 in blade, plus, it takes and holds a sharp edge well.