I wonder how easy it is to carve wood? Forgive this ignorant question but I am not a practical sort but have always wished I could do something with an artistry about it. Whether paint, draw, carve or whatever. Its just made me think IF I start of easy I could learn to carve simple things. Might give me encouragement to try other things.
Sorry if it sounds like I'm comandeering another's thread but is there anything easy to start on with easily obtained wood that you could recommend for someone with only a clipper, opinel and SAK to do? Preferably something that would leave my fingers in the condition they were before I started. A hard thing to achieve for me.
I think the only thing I ever did with my first penknife as a kid was whittle a stick into a pointy stick. It is amazing how many times you can do that without getting bored as a kid. And of course a stick does have two ends to whittle.
I'm guessing as an adult I should be able to do more than that.
Why not to try something like shelf elf? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gUu4r6BMfM
Cheers.. I really needed another hobby.
How much are the basic carving tools going to cost? I suppose I could make a basic knife myself (sigh)
Nice Elves Hoodoo. Basswood is Lime over here. It's an easy wood to carve, and takes details very well. As to tools you only need very few to start with. I'd go with Hoodoo, a small pen knife, a Vee tool and you can do a lot with that. A few addition of Flexcut carving tools and you are set up to do hundreds of carvings. I fact, it's better to start with few tools, you really learn to use and master that one tool, then you can add to it in the knowledge that each tool you buy will be a useful addition.