Spoon craving neck problems

[S.Wind]

I wonder if anyone can help. Every time i crave a spoon i have a problem with the neck of the spoon, can’t get it smooth it fuzzies up - not sure how to explain it is as if I am going against the grain??

 

[Henry_Yorke]

HI,
Going against the grain sounds like your issue, or your knife isnt sharp enough.
Imagine you are always carving downhill - even if you are going ever so slighty up, you will rip the grain rather than cut it, hence the fuzz.
Good luck

 

[C_Claycomb]

Sharp blade, if you don’t strop, try doing so. Then there are some alternative holds for knife and work to safely work with the grain in a controlled way that minimises the problem further

 

[S.Wind]

My knife is very sharp (and I keep it stropped) but it is always one side of the neck of the spoon - as if the grain changes direction there. It is very strange!

 

[Mesquite]

What wood are you carving?

Some woods like Elm and Sycamore can have the grain grow in crazy directions unlike Hazel and Birch which usually have nice straight grains.

 

[S.Wind]

I’m using Lime wood.

 

[C_Claycomb]

Lime is noted for being very even grained that can be cut pretty well in all directions.

Wondering which side and how your technique differs between sides.

 

[S.Wind]

I did wonder whether it was technique as it is always one side only. I’ve tried cutting across the grain with a sharp blade but it is such a tight area - difficult to do. The curve isn’t particularly steep either. One side is perfect - very frustrating!

 

[Springchicken]

You could try more of a slicing action, rather than a pushing one, when you come to the neck. It will help to slice the fibres rather than just pushing them up. It does require a fiendishly sharp blade and a high degree of control though...

 

[S.Wind]

Thanks Springchicken I will give it a go.

 

[Nice65]

Not sure your exact problem as you’ve been very specific, but fibres fuzzing up is common. Oak is a good example and one of the reasons for linseed oiling and letting the oil harden over several days before fine sanding and repeating.