| Whittling has been around for many hundreds of | | | | able to whittle at all until it heals. Wear them, at |
| years. All the way back to the days of cavemen. | | | | least until you've developed some real skill at |
| One could say that it is because we began to | | | | handling the knife. |
| whittle that technology began. It was the shaping | | | | - Be in a good frame of mind. Or at least a |
| of wood, after all-after the discovery of sharp | | | | reasonably good frame of mind. If you are the |
| edges-that sparked human imagination to make | | | | type of person who becomes aggressive when |
| carts, cooking implements and clothes, weapons | | | | upset, it's probably not a good idea to whittle at |
| for hunting and methods of food gathering. Who | | | | that time. (Imagine losing a finger!) |
| would've thought? | | | | Basic Whittling Techniques. It goes without saying |
| So you want to whittle wood. Good for you. | | | | but you've got to be sure. Keep fingers and all |
| Whittling is the simple removal of pare shavings or | | | | other body parts away from knife edges. Take |
| cutting small bits from a piece of wood with a | | | | no chances. |
| knife. No more, no less. So what does it take to | | | | - When gripping your knife, your thumb should be |
| become a good whittler? | | | | against the spine with the edge facing your |
| To become a good whittler, you'll need to know | | | | fingers. |
| several things. How to choose the correct type | | | | - Each knife stroke you make should be away |
| of wood for a particular type of knife is what | | | | from your body. Never stroke towards your |
| you'll need to know. You'll want to know some | | | | body. You know you're just asking for it. |
| basic whittling techniques and just a bit about | | | | - The hand holding the knife should be further |
| maintenance and storage. | | | | from your body than the hand holding the piece |
| Choosing the Wood. | | | | of wood. |
| - Soft woods are best for whittling. Pine cuts | | | | - Lock your wrists for better control. |
| very easily but isn't able to hold detail well. | | | | - Tuck your elbows into your sides to limit free |
| Basswood and Balsa are also very popular. | | | | movement. |
| - Birch, cedar and maple aren't considered to be | | | | Whittling Recommendations. |
| soft woods but they are often used for whittling. | | | | - Use a wide-beveled knife edge to cut soft wood |
| - When selecting wood for whittling, rely on two | | | | or semi-soft wood. Conversely, use a |
| things: a straight grain and uniform color. A | | | | narrow-beveled knife edge to cut hardwood. |
| straight grain is usually a softer wood than | | | | When you need a strong edge to cut hardwood, |
| crossed grains. Because changes in color usually | | | | the more narrow the bevel, the stronger the |
| mean changes in hardness, you'll want to avoid | | | | cutting edge. |
| this. When all else fails, press down on the wood | | | | - When you're done for the day, clean and dry |
| with your thumbnail and rely on that to tell you | | | | your knives. A light coating of lubricant is |
| how hard it is. | | | | recommended for your knife blades. Linseed oil is |
| - If whittling wood is difficult to purchase, you | | | | recommended for your wood handles. Take care |
| could check your local lumberyard for a scrap bin. | | | | of your knives and they could last your lifetime. |
| You just might find a treasure trove. | | | | - If your knives don't already have a case, store |
| Choosing the Knife. There is no one specific type | | | | them in a way that protects their edges. Be sure |
| or brand of knife that is best for whittling. Mostly, | | | | that wherever they are, it's safe and secure. Only |
| it's a matter of comfort. | | | | you should be able to get to them. |
| - Avoid stainless steel knives. It isn't easy to | | | | - If you decide to use more tools than just a |
| sharpen them correctly. Even when you do, they | | | | knife, you'll be entering the world of detailed wood |
| usually can't hold a very sharp edge for too long. | | | | carving. Just clarifying that for you. |
| This is very inefficient and entirely avoidable. | | | | Sharpening Your Knife. |
| - Most whittlers like small knives that fit in the | | | | - Factory-made whittling knives are often |
| palm of your hand. Others like pocket knives, | | | | unsharpened. This is preferable to a sharpened |
| switchblade knives or folding knives (with lockable | | | | knife because dedicated whittlers prefer to make |
| blades) that can be opened with one hand. | | | | their own sharpening angles. |
| Comfort and portability rule. | | | | - You can use any of various coarse grade |
| - Special whittling knives have short plump handles | | | | sharpening stones or a ceramic steel to create |
| that give you an easier grip and better control. | | | | the cutting angles. |
| And because whittling involves extended periods, | | | | - A diamond slipstone or a diamond pocket file |
| this is really great for precision and control. | | | | are great portables for times when you're on the |
| - You can find whittling knives is special kits. | | | | go. Or you can use them for quick touch-ups on |
| These kits may have several knives, each with a | | | | your edges. |
| different edge shape. Or the kit might have a | | | | - You'll need a strop to remove the burr and all |
| knife handle and several differently shaped blade | | | | micro-bits from a properly sharpened knife. This |
| edges that are interchangeable. Different edges | | | | improves the whittling process and delays further |
| allow for much better maneuverability. | | | | sharpening. If you prefer, a honing compound and |
| - When you're ready to buy one, shop around. | | | | honing board will also get that edge smooth. |
| Test them out. Don't rush this process. It'll make | | | | - If you haven't learned how to sharpen a knife |
| all the difference when you're ready to begin. | | | | and maintain its edge, these are among the first |
| Safety Tips. | | | | things you should learn. You'll be more independent |
| - You'll be working with a small piece of wood and | | | | and as efficient as possible. |
| a small knife. First thing then is the knife. It should | | | | Whittling is an ancient craft. It's wonderfully |
| be balanced and have light weight. More than | | | | contemplative and could even be spiritually |
| anything else, it must be comfortable in your | | | | meditative. It is the journey that matters more |
| hand. If it doesn't feel right in any way, keep | | | | than the end result. If you have no care to rush, |
| looking. | | | | if you want to take your time and see what |
| - Wear gloves. Think of it this way, if you cut | | | | happens, what're you waiting for? |
| your hands or fingers, you're done. You won't be | | | | |