Wood carving help

[keithlong]

I am wanting to try my hand at carving faces, I need advice as to how to begin, what wood to use, what kind of carving knife do I need, such as a detail knife? I have been whittling for several years and have whittled spoons, ball in a cage, wooden chain. I was gifted a pocket knife several years ago that the blades were reshaped for carving and I lost it. It was a great knife. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Oledadsknives]

Hey Keith, my wife’s grandfather was a wood carver of all kinds of animals and such. He lived in Start Louisiana and used Tupelo gum wood. He used the bell of the tree that is just above the water in the swamp. As far as a knife, I always used a Boker 8313 stockman to carve. IMO you will need a carbon steel knife with a coping blade. I’m sure there are alot of different woods you could use. Good Luck!!

Jimbo

[C-WADE7]

Best thing is bass wood. It’s available on line and at hobby lobby. Faces are easier to carve on the corner of square piece so you don’t have to remove as much for the nose. Watch Doug Linker on YouTube (search 5min wizard) and it will help you get started. Post your progress for us to see and have fun.

[robpa]

Cool Face, cool tip using the corner.
My D.I.L works for Flex Tool a NW PA manufacturer of carving knives. I keep wanting to get 1 or 2 of them, they arent cheap. They are having their best 2 years ever and handing out some hefty year end bonuses. Only thing Ive ever carved so far is knife handles and pointed sticks.

[tongueriver]

I have Carving Faces by Bob McCurdy. 97 pages plus. Pretty good book.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... y&_sacat=0

https://www.amazon.com/Carving-Faces-St ... 179&sr=8-1

[keithlong]

Thanks guys for the information, still looking and watching videos.

[eveled]

Good idea using the corner for the nose gives you a center line to keep things proportional. C-WADE7
I was never good at faces.

[C-WADE7]

Good idea using the corner for the nose gives you a center line to keep things proportional. C-WADE7
I was never good at faces.

I helps a lot both as a center and that the nose protrudes more than anything else on your face, so it saves time too.