Beginner

[Calard]

I'm just starting carving. I was thinking about carving maybe the 5 minute wizard as one of my first project as i think that its supposed to be fairly easy. I know that this is probably been posted a hundred times, but what tools do i need to start woodcarving.

[jmischel]

To start wood carving, you need the following tools: a sharp knife, a strop, a carving glove, and a thumb guard. Everything else is optional. "Just a knife" will let you get started inexpensively, and you can carve some fairly complex things with it.

I would suggest Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply as a source. The Murphy bench knife is a good way to get started. It's inexpensive, comes razor sharp, and will hold an edge. You can also get the other things I recommended from there.

Little Shavers sells a beginner's kit that has a knife, safety equipment, a strop, and some other tools (V-tools and gouges). I"ve heard good things about the kit, but I never got one. I do almost all my carving with just a knife.

Give them a call at Little Shavers and tell them that you're a beginner. They're great people and wonderful to work with.

[breezly]

I agree with Jim all you need is a good knife and a kevlar or safety glove for your other hand and a strop to keep it nice and sharp Mike

[Mitchell]

You're right............

It has been asked a hundred times.

Did you search or look at older threads? It really depends on what you want to carve and on personal preferences.

GET A GLOVE. Learn to sharpen.

A good knife is necessary, and the other tools (gouges) are best if you start slow...that way you can 'adjust' to the styles that you may find that you prefer later.

Find a club or a buddy to carve with. Borrow tools (or at least get your hands on them) to see what styles you like. Look for carvers on this site that you might want to carve like - not necessarily the best... and ask questions on what they use - and why.

Read threads on this site and look at the tutorials. Also check out U tube.

Carve safe.

[Calard]

Thanks for all your input. I just learned today how important a glove is. Thanks a lot

[Mitchell]

It can't be said enough............

Get a glove - carve safe!

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

And thumb guard. I think the Little Shavers beginers kit has a glove and thumb guard, and of course tools.

Dave

[Claude]

Welcome to the forum!

I agree with the above advice on all counts! By the way, those 5 minutes wizards take me more like 20 minutes...so if your first one takes a while, don't get frustrated...

Claude

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Originally Posted by Claude

Welcome to the forum!

I agree with the above advice on all counts! By the way, those 5 minutes wizards take me more like 20 minutes...so if your first one takes a while, don't get frustrated...

Claude

And mine was a 30 minute lizard. Just have fun.

Dave

[Calard]

Thanks for the advice. I was looking at the little schaevers beginners kit and thats probly what ill go with unless i happen to find some sort of woodcarving "club" which will let me check out the tools.