Help please.

[RebelWolf]

So I am entirely new to woodcarving and I would like to ask two things; One, how difficult is it to carve with a pocket knife? And two, will any of yall be so kind as to give me some links to basic carving instructions? Please and thank you.

[pallin]

Nearly all of my early carvings were done with a pocket knife - what many call "whittling." But, you will need a way to sharpen your knife - a whetstone or emery paper, a leather strop. The chief danger is that the blade may fold up on your hand (if you use it incorrectly). You will learn to use your knife safely or, as others on this site will advise, you will need a carving glove and thumb protector.

[cburnett]

Howdy, I'm also new to carving.
I recommend these video's from Gene Messer. Gene Messer’s Carving Videos Jim's Random Notes I have enjoyed them a lot!
Have a good Resurrection day!
Carinna

[carvingbarn]

Hi and welcome. I started with a pocket knife and a xacto knife. If you look on the left side if this page you will see "WCI Community". Under that heading you will fine carving clubs. You can look there and see if there is a carving group near you, they are a great way to learn also.

[steve brown]

Pocket knives work but you need to get a carving knife just so you can make up your mind which one you like. Along with Gene Messer's videos here is another link I think you will enjoy.
YouTube - allengoodman69's Channel
Steve Brown Woodcarving

[RebelWolf]

Thank you all, I'm currently working on a 'daia horse'. Can't seem to get the head right. Haha.

[sashadoc]

Originally Posted by RebelWolf

Thank you all, I'm currently working on a 'daia horse'. Can't seem to get the head right. Haha.

Check out "Out West Woodcarving". I'll post the link below. Lynn knows a smidgen about horses,lol. Scroll down the right side until you find "horse" and have at it. Hope this helps.
Tim
OutWestWoodCarving

[Steve Reed]

It's not so much the type of knife as long as it's really sharp! There are a bunch of tutorials here and on you tube as well. Welcome, and have fun!

[chipmunk]

i agree when i started i used a camping king sometime i use a knife to clean up but most a power carver a knife is to slow and i like to see my carvings faster plus with all the tips[bits] i can carve anything i want too but that's just me each his own carving is carving power or chisel the main thing is to have fun and be safe doing it

[Whittled Thumb]

I use XACTO carving knives and just strop the blades when the become dull. Stropping gets them sharper than buying new ones. My method of sharpening is sand paper two grits polish compound and strop. My strop is just a leather wrist band i bought at the thrift store and nailed it to a piece of board. I'd imagine you can apply these methods to a pocket knife as well. Though watch the blade if its not a lock blade. Fact I wouldn't even carve with a pocket knife if it weren't a locking blade!