Absolute Beginner

[eemitchell]

Hello everyone,

My name is Eric and I have recently been thinking about getting into the craft of whittling\carving. (I have reached a point in my life where I am tired of playing video games as my only hobby!!) I want to be able to do something with my bare hands. I really don't know where to begin, but I do have a few basic questions.

As an absolute beginner what knives do you recommend? Should I wear gloves? What kind of wood should I use? I am really excited about learning how to whittle (or carve, not sure of the difference).

Any suggestions of good online stores to order supplies from?

I apologize if this is a redundant post, but I really appreciate any help. I look forward to meeting many new friends.

Thanks!

[Mitchell]

What do you want to carve?

Look for a club or someone who carves in your area.
Wear a glove - use the search function for posts on gloves
Knives - Oh boy.....best to search for that one also. Or look for the beginner set at either of these:
Online stores - Littleshavers.com; smokymountainwoodcarvers (not sure of exact name), are two that I'm familiar with
Wood - Basswood - Heineke is a reputable supplier.

If you have an idea of what you want to carve, get a book.

Look through this site - just about any question you can think of has been asked one way or another.

[snyder]

Welcome .... im a newbie myself.. this site has been a great reference for any kind of carving for me... the people know everything about carving.. i am personally getting into chainsaw carving.. so not much help from me but just wanted to say welcome to the site..

[Mark Dellinger]

Eric,

Hello and welcome. You will not regret your choice to step away from the video games and to pick up a knife. Mitchell gave you good advice so I won't repeat it.

Have fun!

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[Steve Reed]

Welcome Eric! We were all newbies at one point, so don't be shy about questions. The advice above is spot on! I would add, once you get your knife, keep it sharp, strop often. This forum is a great resource and very friendly folks.
Enjoy!
Steve

[luna_azul]

I am a beginner too!!!! I am very excited, Do you know some people or club who carve close to sun city in anthem? I am really interesting .
Thank you very much
Lily K.

[kdispoto]

For me (and I suspect for others) learning to carve on your own can be a slow process and discouraging. In one way that's good because it makes you appreciate the amount of time and care it takes to complete a piece.
I started carving 20 years ago using just a single book (Ron Ranson's Santas). From there I added more more books, studied other carvings I enjoyed and began subcribing to all the carving magazines I could find.
Now in this new milenium, the internet (browsing/searching) for carving related information is extremely easy. Youtube is a fantasitic place to learn the basics. But you have to realize it all takes time.
If you really want to get a speed up the pace - I would suggest you take a few classes. This method is the best way to learn to carve the right way. Tap into a local club or keep posting questions here - I am sure there are a few members that can locate a teacher close to you.

Regarding clubs- Did you check the "Carving Club" section (left border)?
Also many carving related catalogs and magazines (WCI, Chip Chats....) track clubs.

One last bit of advise - learn how to use the search function of this forum. The archives are loaded with a weallth of information just waiting for you to enjoy (for free!).

[Ezzylearner]

Welcome to the forum, Eric. I'm a newbie, too. I'd best leave the answers to your questions to the experts. For visual learning go to You Tube. That's where I got started and I still stay glued to the video tutorials. Best wishes.

[STAR]

Wellcome Eric, or maybe you should be welcoming me as I am a newbie also.

I think, if you hang in here, then anything is possible. It might sound odd from a relative newcomer from half way around the world, but the Guys and Gals here are very helpful and giving of their time and knowledge.

You'll be ok here, like I feel I am already amongst old friends.

Pete

[AlArchie]

You may get a ton of suggestions on which tools are best or will suit your style so I won't go there........BUT I will state what NOT to buy!

STAY AWAY FROM THOSE "DIME STORE" carving sets or knives priced under 10 bucks. They are a sure thing to turn you off from carving.

As a beginner, you probably don't want to invest a whole lot in tools, but don't skimp and go for the cheapest tools you can find. A moderately priced tool (say around 20 bucks or so) shouldn't break the bank and will serve you well.

And YES, buy and use a carving glove and you might also include a thumb guard for your kinfe wielding hand's thumb.
Get the smallest glove that will fit......a too large glove gives you poor control and feels sloppy!

Al