frustrations normal?

[Alfwok]

I've been carving about 2 months now and despite me not being good, all these bad things keep happening to me. I cut my thumb pretty bad (ordered a glove the next day) and i just broke my new knife. I have 2 flexcut knives that i cant get sharp like the knife i just broke was. I think it might be this wood I've been using from michaels it says basswood on the package but i don't know what the hell i'm doin. Does everyone have these problems starting out? I dont know if i should send the knife back, try to continue with the flexcuts, or try something new.
The bottle topper guy isn't by me (possibly my great grandpa not sure) it just really old and cool i thought someone might like it. happy christmas gnome a gene messer video and luigi

[carverswoodshop]

well first welcome to woodcarving, and your work is very good, in fact its great, , most of us have broken a knife, cut ourselves and also couldnt sharpen worth a hoot,, so its normal,, before you go buying a bunch of knives, find a woodcarving club in your area,, and let them know your problem with sharpening,, and most likely you will find someone that will teach you how,,, now we all have a different method of sharpening,, but you only will learn it , only by doing it,, second, if you dont have a wood carving club around you then go attend one of the many classes that are offer,, take the time and go,, ohh one more thing,, keep up the good work,, happy carving,,
arleen
YouTube - carverswoodshop's Channel
carverswoodshop.blogspot.come

[LJonsson]

Hey Alfwok,

Your carvings are very good for only being at it for a couple months. And you're right about the basswood blocks from Michael's, they are awful for carving. I didn't have very good luck with the basswood from Woodcraft either. Heineckes is the best for wood and the guys are wonderful too.

Sorry to hear about the knife, you should try to get it replaced.

Loretta

[Tom Ellis]

Alfwok, First off your broken knife was made by Gil Drake, and his tools are guaranteed, so contact them, and he will probably ship you a new one. www.drakeknives.com
In the future, make good clean cuts, and don't use your knife as a prybar. You probably had a lot of sideways pressure to break it like that.
Your little carvings look really good, and the bottle stopper looks like the ones made by the Anri Company, in either Italy, or Germany.

Don't give up, Tom

[chipmunk]

i agree like the saying rome whatn't built in a day.u will learn more as u go!sharpen slower hold the knife at the right angle.u can make a wedge at 22,1/2-35deg. w/ little wheels on it try that. it will teach u how to hold the knife.troubles will come &go the carvens will last a life time just like that topper.yrs from now u can say i did it & got better,keeo it up!!!!!

[Alfwok]

Thanks guys for the support and Tom it does appear to be an Anri bottle stopper very cool. I didnt really know what it was i got it from my grandparents and i knew my great grandfather carved decoys so i figured maybe he did it but apparently not. I will learn to sharpen these flexcuts and try some other wood suppliers.

[gtech]

I also had many problems at first, but never broke a knife at the handle like this. It normally happens at the end only.

Once painted, your carving will look good. I mean, they already look nice but a good paint job will make then look even better, and will make you forget the problems you had carving them, will will motivate you even more.

Gilles

[SlowMover]

Your carvings are very good and look like they are done by someone with a lot more experiece than a couple of months. Sharpening is very difficult to learn, we all get frustrated with sharpening..I have been carving for a year and a half and still can't get my gouges sharp....I finally got the knack of knives, so hang in there and just like carving, you have to practice sharpening. I agree with the advice to find a club, talking with and interacting in person with good carvers is an invaluable asset to building your skill set. Stick with the carving and sharpening and one day it will all "click" into place.

[Tom-H]

Yes, Yes, and Yes! Normal progression into woodcarving, with one exception. Your carvings are really quite advanced for a couple of months experience. Stay with it. It's only going to get better and better. The more experience with the knife, the better the results. Once you you get the sharpening down, and some good Basswood; the only thing left is experience (time). Welcome to wood carving and welcome to the board.

Tom H

[aulddiy]

I'm stlll an apprentice, but, till I could sharpen my knives my ability to carve was very limited.