An introduction and some questions...

[Drowsy Dave]

Hi All...My names Dave and I'm not only new to the forum but new to carving as well.

A while back I carved what I later learned is a wood spirit into a walking stick of mine and the family and neighbors all made a fuss over it. That of course fed my ego and I began to think I was an artist and needed to share my brilliance with the rest of the world. So I started looking around on the web for wood carving info, and that's when I discovered what real talent looks like. Some of the stuff out there is incredible and I’m anxious to start practicing some of the techniques being shared by these folks.

At any rate, I’m fresh out of the gate and the only tools I have are a couple of old stockman pocket knives and a few x-acto knives, so it’s time to buy some good tools...

Here come the questions...

I see you can spend a ton of money in this hobby but I suspect that you don’t need to in order to get started. I’ve seen different suggestions on some of the commercial sites about what you need to get started. Everything from a single bench knife to an entire starter kit. I’ll be starting off small with walking sticks and the like, so I’m thinking a bench knife with a 1-1/2" blade and perhaps a gouge or two.
Considering that I’m going to be starting off with sticks which I assume will be a harder wood than basswood blocks, would a straight blade knife be a better choice than a curved blade like Allen Goodman sells?

Also, does anyone have any experience carving bradford pear? A neighbor of mine just had one blow down in a storm and is busy cutting it up. I’m thinking, if it’s decent carving wood there is enough to keep me busy for a long time.


Looking forward to learning from you all. Thanks.

[jmischel]

For tools, I'd suggest starting small: just a couple of knives, a v-tool or two, and a gouge or two. I can't give specific tool suggestions (I'm relatively new at this, too), but I'll agree in advance with those members who tell you to do business with Rick and Teresa at Little Shavers. They were very helpful, filled my order quickly, and the knives came sharp. Really sharp!

Bradford pear: beautiful wood. But it's hard. Very hard. You'll be stropping your knives often. But with patience you can make some very nice looking things from it. I have a bunch up in the rafters of my garage, waiting to dry.

[Riverman]

Hi Dave, welcome to the group!
Bob

[Claude]

Welcome to the forum, Dave!

If you don't have a lot of tools yet, you might consider the beginner's kit from Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply Has gouges, knife, safety glove, etc., and it's all SHARP.

Bradford pear is pretty hard wood. Beautiful, but hard! Once it's dry, you just about need a heavy mallet and some expensive full-sized gouges, or else power tools. (Only my opinion...) I'd suggest for anything larger than a walking stick, use basswood. I buy mine from Heinecke Wood Products

Claude

[bigEd_H]

Welcome to the forum, Dave. The carving bug bites another "victim." You will have nothing but enjoyment from carving wood. The feel of the wood and being able to cut something recognizable out of it is hard to beat.

For tools, you can't go wrong dealing with Rick and Teresa Ferry at Little Shavers. Their brick and mortar store is in Seattle, but they will ship anywhere and the tools will arrive SHARP. Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply

As Jim and Claude have told you, Bradford pear is hard and will require mallet tools and/or power carving tools. Take it if your neighbor is giving it away and then use it to barter with other local carvers for sticks or other wood. Take a look at the "Club Search" link in the upper right of this page and see what carving club may be in your area as another resource for help.

Most of all, have fun and share pictures... we love pictures.

Ed

[Drowsy Dave]

Thanks everyone. I've bookmarked the Little Shavers site and will do a little shopping soon.

I retrieved a few 2 and 3 inch diameter branches of the bradford pear and you guys are right. That stuff is really dense. My pocket knives are shaving sharp but I can see where it would be a losing battle to try and carve it with them.

Good idea about gathering some for trade. I think I'll do that.

[carver33]

Dave,

As others have mentioned, the Little Shavers beginner's kit is a good starter set of tools.

Just because you can shave with your pocket knife, doesn't mean it's a good carving blade. The profile of the blade has a lot to do with it.

As for Bradford Pear, sure it's a hard wood, but 2 and 3 inch diameter pieces are certainly carve-able with a good knife and palm gouges. The first wood I carved was Apple and that was with a good home made knife.

[wildhare]

Dave, you might consider using the Bradford pear for the business end of the stick and get a small piece of basswood to top it with and carve the basswood. You can put a dowel in to join the two.
Wanda

[Drowsy Dave]

Originally Posted by carver33

Dave,

As others have mentioned, the Little Shavers beginner's kit is a good starter set of tools.

Just because you can shave with your pocket knife, doesn't mean it's a good carving blade. The profile of the blade has a lot to do with it.

As for Bradford Pear, sure it's a hard wood, but 2 and 3 inch diameter pieces are certainly carve-able with a good knife and palm gouges. The first wood I carved was Apple and that was with a good home made knife.

Good point, I hadn't thought of that. Which brings up another question...

What type of grind do these carving knives have? I assumed they come with a scandi grind but I'm not sure.

[big dave]

howdy and welcome