hi all,

[mm130]

first of all, i wanted to say that this site, inclueding the people in it, is one of the most wonderful things I've ever seen on the internet.

My name is Matan, 16 years old boy from Jerusalem, Israel. About a mounth ago I bought my self a wood-carving-knife and tried my luck with a piece of pine wood, and then with a piece of Oak. My idea was to make little 3d sculptures - something about 7-10 cm.
I was kind of happy with my results, but after wandering threw the site I have a few questions:
looking on some of the sculptures, giving me the feeling that the wood and knifes you are working with are very eazy to carve. some of the products have sharp faces and sides, just like someone cuted it with one cut. how is it? I have to work in layers; be very careful not to cut long fibers, but still try to cut strong and get rid of alot of wood. Are you using special kind of wood? Special kind of Knife? Where can I get those things?

Thanks alot,

Matan

[rick-in-seattle]

Matan,
Yes, the wood makes a big difference in how well it carves.
Most carvers use Basswood, Butternut, or White Pine.

I see many carvings carved in Olive wood that come from Israel.

[mm130]

where can I find those special wood pieces? I've been in your site and I saw that straight edged knife with a 1-1/2 blade is recomnded. where can I find it?


well,
thank you again

matan

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

There are about as many knife makers here as there are olive trees in Jerusalem! I think Rick is the one to talk to, but I believe you must first experiment and find out what kind of wood you are going to carve....that will determine the type knife and the edge of the knife...a hard wood will need a heavier blade and a flatter bevel. Correct me if I am wrong anyone.

[AlArchie]

Matan, there are many types of good carving wood. rick mentioned several that are readily available her ein the US. I'm just venturing a guess but would think that some of you native cedars would be good to start with. Can youcheck around your area for other carvers and see what they are using?

There are also many good starter carving knives. Might I suggest either a Flexcut carving knife, or a Murphy bench knife. they are available from many carving suppliers. Rick Ferry ,here, carries both and will make sure you recieve them in very sharp condition. Not to short rick, but there are also many other suppliers, and you may have one in Israel.

Not meaning to sound like a sales man for Rick, I'll still suggest his starter kit, which includes a good quality bench knife, a carving blank, safety glove, sharpening assistance, a small set of gouges and about all you'll need to get started, all for a very reasonable price. That said, you may want to do an internet search for woodcarving supplies.

Al

[kaiserb]

Shalom Matan,

Contact this school. http://www.avisera.co.il/carving.htm They are located in Moshav Aminadav, Jerusalem and they can help you find the tools you need in Israel.

המרכז לאומנות העץ

קורס גילוף

הגילוף בעץ יאפשר לך להביא לידי ביטוי מעשי את החשיבה היצירתית והאומנותית שלך. הלימודים בקורס יקנו לך מיומנות ושליטה במפסלות יד ובטכניקות גילוף בסיסיות כולל Chip Carving ו-Relief.

בהשקעה כספית קטנה תוכל לרכוש כלי גילוף וחומרי גלם ובפינה קטנה בביתך תוכל לעסוק בתחביב יצירתי ומהנה.

מטרות הקורס:

הקניית תשתית תיאורטית ומעשית בגילוף עץ.

הכרת חומרי הגלם לעבודה וציוד הנחוצים וכלי גילוף עץ כגון סכינים ומפסלות.

השחזת כלי גילוף.

גילוף גאומטרי -CHIP CARVING

גילוף טבליטי - RELIEF CARVING

• במסגרת הקורס לומדים לגלף מסגרת ראי בטכניקה של CHIP CARVING
• פרח טוליפ בטכניקה של RELIEF CARVING
  
  
  
  
• אפשרות להמשיך לקורס מתקדמים ופיסול עץ קלסי.
• הקורס מיועד לגברים ונשים המעוניינים לרכוש ידע באומנות הגילוף בעץ.
• אין צורך בידע קודם כתחום.
• הקורם יתקיים אחת לשבוע במשך 10 שבועות, סה"כ 40 שעות לימוד.

הקורסים מתקיימים במושב עמינדב - מפה למטה

למידע נוסף או להרשמה לקורס ניתן להתקשר ל- 02-6435383 / 052-2674239 או לשלוח אי-מייל או למלא טופס ולשלוח

תמונות של קורם גילוף

[mm130]

Thanks for all of the answers.. this forum is realy active!

I will ask the Aminadav centre of woodcarving. I can't aford the curses, but I guess answers I will get for free. thanks, I didn't know there was such a thing in Israel.
I would love to buy Knifes from the internet, nut my parents will never allow me to use their credit card.. Is there a way I can buy A bench knife and a straight edged knife with a 1-1/2 blade without using a credit card? say... send it in an envelope?
I don't know any wood-carvers in the area, and i almost sure that there are no suppliers of those things here. I have searched the internet and the local "Yellow pages" and found nothing.

I will update you all as soon as I will find something.
any ideas will still be great,
Thanks alot

Matan

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

You can go to the bank and get an international money order to purchase whatever you want.

[GaryMc]

Hello Matan and welcome to the board and the world of carving!
If you will give to me your address in Israel I will send you a carving knife and a couple of basswood blocks to get you started. What kind of carving are you interested in. Relief, in the round, caricature, woodspirits? I carved a lot of wood that I find, oak, maple,Sycamore ect. I know you probably dont have the same kinds of wood there, but you have some kind of wood that will be good for carving. Do you live near a lake or the Ocean. If you do you can pick up driftwood and carve it, I do a lot of that as I live near a lake. Anyway let me know, and I will try to help you!
Here is my email : gmcdaniel1603@chcarter.net
GaryMc

[mm130]

I will write you an e-mail as soon as I will finish this one:
I talked to this man in Aminadav and he said he will not help me and say where I can get wood and knifes unless I will pay for the curse. I think I want to carve what you call Caricature, although my charactes are not human. My idea is to carve in 7-10 cm size.
We don't have an ocean here, and after calling to several woodworkers, All of those special kind of wood-kinds can not be found in the carpenty shops.

Anyway, thanks alot
Matan.