Woodworker's Journal 1993-17-6, страница 36

SPECIAL CARVING SECTION

Getting Started in Carving

In Rick mul Ellen Biitz

I. Knives and small gouges I left lo right): packet knife, Biitz carving knife, 3mm no. 12 V-gouge, 8mm no. 14 V-gouge, 8mm no. 5 gouge.

very year I try to set aside some time tor teaching a class or two on woodcarving. As people gather before the class. I often hear comments like. "I've always wanted to learn carving, but 1 don't have any talent ... or lime .. . or coordination ..Even experienced carvers have their own set of doubts and anxieties. However, as the class progresses and their woodcarvings take shape, the students gradually begin to realize they have far greater abilities than they previously thought. To me. this is the greatest reward from these classes. It is an educational and enriching experience for all of us.

Getting started in woodcarving is really quite simple. All you need is a sharp knife, a piece of wood, and a place 10 sit. You will also want to learn a couple of basic hand techniques so you

won't hurt yourself. The rest is just a matter of relaxing and enjoying the experience.

The Tools

I'll assume that you have a place to sit so let's start with choosing a knife. There are many types of carving and whittling knives available. Essentially, you need a blade about 1 'Ai in. long w ith a comfortable handle. A carbon steel blade is the best because it will stay sharp longer than stainless steel, which has a high chromium content. The knife I use, which is manufactured in Germany, is a shape I designed. It has a straightedged blade of Soligcn steel forged in a shape once know n as a "sheep foot" pattern. The blade is set into a handle of cherry wood secured with brass rivets. The handle is finished with an oil and wax

mixture which helps prevent blisters from forming on your hand while you carve. You can also use a pocket knife to carve, but I find the handles feel uncomfortable after carving for any length of time.

A good knife is such a basic tool that it is often overlooked by beginners w ho are anxious to use the more exotic looking carving gouges. This is unfortunate. because there is no better way lo develop the sensitivity and delicate skills necessary for woodcarving than by learning how to work with a knife. Even advanced woodcarvers with decades of experience and hundreds of tools, still believe that a good knife is the most important tool they own.

For some types of detailing and texturing of the wood, you may also find a couple of small carving gouges are helpful (Phoio I). I find the most frequently used are the 3mm no. 12 and 8mm no. 14 V-gouges.

Keeping Them Sharp

Your tools also need to be razor sharp in order to carve safely. There are many different and sometimes contradictory methods of sharpening. This creates much confusion among beginner and experienced carvers alike. However, the technique that I use is fairly simple, and although I continue to experiment with

2. Sharpening supplies: strop, India stone, 3-in-l oil.

7f> Tin.' Woodworker's Journal