Complete Starter Guide to Whittling E-Book

Editors of Woodcarving Illustrated

• Herausgeber: Fox Chapel Publishing
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018

Seitenzahl: 100

Beschreibung

You can whittle just about anything—the only limit is your imagination. It's so easy to get started in this relaxing and rewarding hobby. All you need is a knife, a twig, and this book! We've assembled a team of 12 leading woodcarvers to bring you a complete starter guide to whittling. They present 24 easy whittling projects for beginners that you can make in just a weekend, complete with step-by-step instructions, how-to photographs, ready-to-carve patterns, and helpful tips. Start off with fast and fun projects that build confidence and teach fundamental carving techniques, like a simple flying propeller or a 5-minute owl. Then move on to create whittled wonders like a musical frog or a slingshot. We show you how to whittle complex designs in easy steps, so that you'll soon be carving attention-getting favorites like chain links or the classic ball-in-a-cage.

Leseprobe

Complete Starter Guide to

Whittling

GETTING STARTED

Choosing a Whittling Knife

Whittling Safety & Basic Knife Cuts

The Basics of Sharpening

CLASSIC DESIGNS

Hand-Carved Classics

By Kivel Weaver

Twisted Spiral Ornament

By Carol Kent

Classic Ball-in-Cage

By Addison “Dusty” Dussinger

QUICK & EASY

Flying Propeller

By Rick Wiebe

Santa Pencils

By Ron Johnson

5-Minute Owl

By Jan Oegema

5-Minute Wizard

By Tom Hindes

PROJECTS

Make a Musical Frog

By Everett Ellenwood

Simple Starter Santa

By Kathleen Schuck

Whittling a Decorative Fishing Lure

By Lora S. Irish

Carve a Caricature Pig

By Christine Coffman

WHITTLING TWIGS

Quick Carve Spreader

By Chris Lubkemann

Whittle a Twig Whistle

By Chris Lubkemann

Altering a Pocketknife to Whittle Twigs & Curls

By Chris Lubkemann

Whittling a Flower

By Chris Lubkemann

Jumping Fish

By Chris Lubkemann

Back Scratcher

By Chris Lubkemann

Stick Figures

By Chris Lubkemann

Whittling a Walking Stick

By Chris Lubkemann

Letter Opener

By Chris Lubkemann

Slingshot

By Chris Lubkemann

Wall Hooks

By Chris Lubkemann

Name Pins

By Chris Lubkemann

Fences for Everything

By Chris Lubkemann

ON THE WEB

www.woodcarvingillustrated.com

Amazing Chain Gallery

Hand-Carved Classics, pg. 36Challenge yourself to create intricate chains and cages.

Safety Tips for Kids

Flying Propeller, pg. 17Rick Wiebe shares time-tested tips for teaching kids.

Bonus Instructions

Whittling a Decorative Fishing Lure, pg. 70Follow Lora Irish’s instructions to make a copper-wire display stand for your lure.

Choosing aWhittling Knife

What to look for when selecting a folding knife

By Bob Duncan

One of the neat things about whittling is that you can do it anywhere. This means your knife should be portable, and nothing beats the convenience of safely slipping a folded knife into your pocket.

Many manufacturers create folding knives for whittling (or carving) with blades that resemble classic carving knives. These specialty knives can get expensive, and are worth the money if you do a lot of whittling, but you don’t need to buy a specialty knife to whittle.

Many carvers use a second pocketknife for everyday use, such as opening cardboard boxes, to avoid dulling the sharp pocketknife they use for whittling.

When selecting a pocketknife for whittling, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Carbon Steel Blade

Many pocketknife blades are made from stainless steel. Most carving tools are made from highcarbon steel. Stainless steel holds an edge for a long time and doesn’t corrode if you close the knife with a wet blade—both great qualities for pocketknives. But because stainless steel dulls slowly, it sharpens slowly as well. Knives with high-carbon steel blades are more expensive than knives with stainless steel blades, but they are easier to sharpen.

Many manufacturers are creating high-carbon stainless steel blades, which combine the durability of stainless steel with the added benefits of carbon steel.

Blade Location

Some pocketknives have ten to twenty blades. These knives are generally less comfortable to use for long periods of time, and the blades you want to carve with are seldom in the center of the handle. If the knife blade is not in the center of the handle, you lose leverage, which reduces your carving power and control. Instead, look for a knife with two or, at most, three blades, which should ensure the blades are conveniently placed.

Blade Shape

Look for a sheepsfoot blade—one where the tip of the knife is closely aligned with the main cutting edge, similar to a utility knife or standard bench knife. Many pocketknife blades have a drop-point shape, which centers the tip of the knife in the middle of the blade. The drop-point shape works well for general cutting purposes, but makes it difficult to carve small details. You can reshape a blade using sharpening stones and sandpaper, but the process is time consuming (see page 23).

A sheepsfoot blade (top) is better suited for whittling than a drop-point blade (bottom).

Locking Blades

A locking blade keeps the sharp knife from accidentally closing on your fingers, which is a good safety feature. However, as long as you are always aware a knife can close on your fingers, you should be safe, regardless of whether or not your knife features a locking blade.

Choosing the Right Knife for You

Selecting the ideal pocketknife for you is a matter of personal preference. The size of your grip compared with the size of the handle will greatly influence how comfortable the knife is to use over extended periods. The ideal knife for your friend may not be well-suited for you. Ask other whittlers for their opinions and if possible, handle several knives before making a purchase.

LESS THAN $50

Folding Utility Knife (around $10)

Available at most home stores

Pros:

• Inexpensive

• Replaceable blades eliminate the need to sharpen

Cons:

• The large triangular blade can be difficult to control in tight areas

• Requires inventory of replacement blades

• Blade can break if you pry with the blade or apply force to the sides of the blade

Woodcraft Two-Blade Folding Carving Knife ($20)

Available through Woodcraft, 800-225-1153, www.woodcraft.com

Pros:

• High-carbon stainless steel blades

• Two blade shapes, including a chip carving blade

• Ergonomical wood inlay handle

• Small detail blade fits into tight areas

Cons:

• Short blades make carving larger projects difficult

• Blades do not lock open

Buck Trio ($26)

Contact Buck Knives to find a local dealer, 800-326-2825, www.buckknives.com

Pros:

• Three blade shapes allow you to carve different areas

• Large blade for fast stock removal

• Sheepsfoot blade for general carving

• Pointed pen blade for detail carving

Cons:

• Stainless steel blades

• Blades do not lock open

Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker ($26)

Contact Victorinox Swiss Army to find a local dealer, 800-422-2706, www.swissarmy.com

Pros:

• Two blades

• Small detail blade fits into tight areas

• Large blade for fast stock removal

Cons:

• Stainless steel blades

• Blades do not lock open

• Includes extra tools not used for carving

• Must remove key ring for comfortable carving

Woodcraft Double-Blade Long Handle Carving Knife ($26)

Available through Woodcraft, 800-225-1153, www.woodcraft.com

Pros:

• High-carbon stainless steel blades

• Two blade shapes, including a chip carving blade

• Ergonomical wood inlay handle

• Large blade for fast stock removal

Cons:

• Long blades make carving tight areas difficult

• Blades do not lock open

Buck Stockman ($30)

Contact Buck Knives to find a local dealer, 800-326-2825, www.buckknives.com

Pros:

• Three blade shapes allow you to carve different areas

• Large blade for fast stock removal

• Sheepsfoot blade for general carving

• Pointed pen blade for detail carving

Cons:

• Stainless steel blades

• Blades do not lock open

• Slightly larger than Buck Trio, so it can be more difficult to carve details

Case Stockman ($36)

Contact W. R. Case and Sons to find a local dealer, 800-523-6350, www.wrcase.com

Pros:

• Three blade shapes allow you to carve different areas

• Large blade for fast stock removal

• Sheepsfoot blade for general carving

• Pointed pen blade for detail carving

• Made in USA

Cons:

• Stainless steel blades

• Blades do not lock open

Case Seahorse Whittler ($45)

The Seahorse Whittler was just discontinued so supplies are limited, but this is one of the most popular whittling knives. Some online retailers still have the knife in stock.

Pros:

• Large blade for fast stock removal

• Small sheepsfoot and pointed pen blades for detail carving

• Made in USA

Cons:

• Stainless steel blades

• Blades do not lock open

$50 OR MORE

Buck Lancer ($50)

Contact Buck Knives to find a local dealer, 800-326-2825, www.buckknives.com

Pros:

• Smallest two-blade knife Buck makes

• Large blade for fast stock removal

• Sheepsfoot blade for general carving

• High-carbon steel blades

• Made in USA

Cons:

• Blades do not lock open

Case Whittler ($50)

Contact W. R. Case and Sons to find a local dealer, 800-523-6350, www.wrcase.com

Pros:

• Large blade for fast stock removal

• Small detail blades fits into tight areas

• Made in USA

Cons:

• Stainless steel blades

• Blades do not lock open

Flexcut Whittling Jack ($50)

Available from Flexcut, 800-524-9077, www.flexcut.com

Pros:

• Tempered spring steel holds and edge and sharpens easily

• Includes a roughing-out blade and a detail blade

• Made in the USA

• Comfortable wood and metal handle

• Lightweight tool fits easily in a pocket

Cons:

• Blades do not lock

Oar Carver Single Lockers ($65)

Available from Stadtlander Woodcarving, 585-593-6911, www.stadtlandercarvings.com

Pros:

• High-carbon steel blade

• Large blade for fast stock removal

• Tapered blade shape allows detail carving

• Locking blade

• Made in USA

Cons:

• Single blade limits ability to carve small details

Oar Carver Version II ($70)

Available from Stadtlander Woodcarving, 585-593-6911, www.stadtlandercarvings.com

Pros:

• High-carbon steel blades

• Small detail blade fits into tight areas

• Large blade for fast stock removal

• Made in USA

Cons:

• Blades do not lock open

Kershaw Double Cross ($55, $58 if modified for carving)

Available from several suppliers, but knives modified for easier carving by Little Shavers (206-767-7421, www.littleshavers.com) are popular among carvers.

Pros

• Large blade for fast stock removal

• Small detail blade fits into tight areas

• Locking blades

• Stainless steel alloy is easy to sharpen and resists staining

Cons

• Stainless steel alloy doesn’t hold an edge as long as other stainless steel

Flexcut Pocket Jack ($80)

Available from Flexcut, 800-524-9077, www.flexcut.com

Pros:

• Tempered spring steel holds an edge and sharpens easily

• Combines a detail knife with a straight gouge, scorp, and V-scorp

• Locking blades

• Made in USA

Cons:

• Takes time to get used to shape of handle with additional tools

Flexcut Carvin’ Jack ($136)

Available from Flexcut, 800-524-9077, www.flexcut.com

Pros:

• Tempered spring steel holds an edge and sharpens easily

• Right- and left-handed versions available for additional comfort

• Features a detail knife, bent knife, straight chisel, gouge, scorp, and V-scorp

• Locking blades

• Made in USA

Cons:

• Additional tools make the handle a bit bulky and uncomfortable for long carving sessions

Whittling Safety & Basic Knife Cuts

By Bob Duncan

A few simple rules prevent injuries when whittling

There is risk involved whenever you handle sharp tools. A knife sharp enough to cut through wood will easily cut skin. Most cuts are small nicks that heal quickly and don’t leave a scar. However, it’s best to follow simple safety procedures to prevent serious injuries.

The fundamental rule when it comes to whittling is to be aware not only of where the blade is, but where the blade could go. Wood can change density at any point, and you need to change the amount of pressure you apply on the knife based on the wood density. Imagine pushing hard to cut through a hard knot only to find a softer section of wood behind the knot. The sharp edge will quickly slice through the softer area and cut into whatever is on the other side. The knife doesn’t care if it’s open air, a carving bench, or your hand.

Boy Scouts are taught to always cut away from themselves. While this is good advice, there are times when you cut toward your thumb, such as when making a paring cut (see page 10). When making a paring cut, wear a leather thumb protector, wrap your thumb with cloth tape, or position your thumb far enough down on the project so if the knife slips, it won’t hit your thumb.

Wear a glove on the hand holding your carving.

Wear a thumb guard when cutting toward your thumb.