Kids starting to carve.

[andypandy]

I'm wondering if my 8yr sons is too young to start carving? I would love to get him a set for xmas, but my husband believes it 's too dangerous. Any suggestions?
kateeThank You

[ragiarn]

Start them off carving soap. There is a book available (I don't know the title) on teaching carving using soap (ivory). When I was in 5th or 6th grade (approx- 1952) our Art teacher had us carving Ivory soap. It does not require sharp tools and the scraps can be used for washing.

Doc

[gene-messer]

Katee .. I have taught alot of kids to carve and I agree with the soap suggestion .. 8 is a little young to use a knive .. of course I have seen some eight year olds that look 12 ..

But at 8 .. ask yourself this .. are his hands strong enough to push the knife through the wood .. if not yet .. that could be where the danger is .. so starting off with soap is a plus ..

also try this .. melt some wax and make a block or use a thick candle to let him shave off pieces with .. Wax works good .. but be sure and clean the knives with each use ..

but remember .. the eight year olds of yesterday .. look and act like 12 year olds today ..

Gene

[Jodyb]

8 is the age that the Cub Scouts start to learn to use a knife. Here's an Ivory Soap lesson. Ivory - The Name You Trust for Good, Clean Family Fun!

[Scott Hagerty]

How about carving on potatoes? White or sweet they carve pretty easy and it will be easier to hold his attention with quick progress.

[TreeWizard]

I started my 8 year old grandson on potato's and told him we'd bake what he carved and then he could have them for dinner. He loved the idea.

[Lightningbolt]

All good tips and I especially agree with Gene in that there's no set age that's best for all kids to start carving. It's mostly a judgment call on your part depending on the child's maturity and your own competence and confidence to teach. To get a child started in carving I would first strongly advise the would-be teacher to first become confident with using carving tools safely and efficiently.

As a child my dad got me started in carving at about 12 years old when I was just getting into Boy Scouting. Fortunately I had a dad who was very competent in using knives and tools of all kinds so he was able to effectively process my adventures in carving into a safe and lifelong hobby.

[armon]

Hello
Because I believe that television is less dangerous than carve, my children have small knife easily purchased. The youngest daughter has already started with 6 years to cut cows or horses to round the edges. One must of course also sit and watch. Once it has cut.

Greeting Armon

[BRIAN D]

katee, you might look back on an old post we did on soap carving. Hope it helps.

Help needed from Parents & Grandparents

[Myron Compton]

This is a great post. I have been ask to teach a group of Cub Scouts woodcarving on Jan 8th. These Cub Scouts are only 9 years old. I too am concerned about safety. Not sure what the project should be or just how to go about it. Would love to hear from others that has faced this before. Thanks.....Myron