Popular Woodworking 2006-10 № 157, страница 42

BARE

BONES OF

A master carver looks at essential tools and sharpening techniques.

n 1979, after five years of college and with a philosophy degree in my hand, I was heading to interview for my first job as a wood-carver. My prospective employer, a second-generation woodcarver, told me to bring along samples of what I had carved and to make sure that I brought all my wood-carving tools as well.

His parting telephone comment was, "In the end, all I really need to see are your woodcarv-ing tools. By looking at them I can tell a lot about your carving sensibilities."

Still new to woodworking , I thought, "What is he going to do ... use my tools like a set of Tarot cards to tell my abilities ? Or is he going to read them like tea leaves in the bottom of the cup ?"

Today, 27 years later, I have collected a set of tools that have all the qualities he was looking for.

by David Calvo

David Calvo has been a professional woodcarver since 1979, and operates

Calvo Woodcarving School. For information, visit his web site at davidcalvo.com.

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