My 1st project - GM’s Axe

[Patrick]

While waiting for my first woodcarving knife to arrive, maybe tomorrow fingers crossed, I decided to start this thread about my first carving project which will be based on Gene Messer’s axe tutorial.

After drawing my pattern I used a block of basswood ½ x 1 ¾ x 3 inches that allowed laying out two axe patterns. Now I’m wondering if I’m starting to small and should increase the size of the axe for a first time with the knife?

I would appreciate any input anyone would like to contribute in the way of suggestions, recommendation, etc., especially if it looks like I’m about to mess in my nest.

Here are a couple of photos showing my start up.

[gtech]

It looks like you're on a good start.

The size depends on how you will use it, the size of the trunk of wood you will use for the base.

Gilles

[Old Codger]

Patrick - looks like your 'blanks' are just fine and should turn out to be some nifty little axes! I've just completed a couple of them for a friend and had a great time carving them and mounting them in some small chunks of trees that we cut down this spring... Gene's tutorial and videos are great aren't they? Sure helps 'newbies' like you and I get a good start and have fun with our projects...lots of great other carvers here too assist to when needs be... Keep the chips flying and be sure and post a photo or two of your completed axes, we'd enjoy seeing them!
Kenn

[Patrick]

Originally Posted by gtech

It looks like you're on a good start.

The size depends on how you will use it, the size of the trunk of wood you will use for the base.

Gilles

Thanks for that Gilles. I’ll start with this size and see how it goes. The only way I’m going to get experience is by trying. I’m sure I’ll take it slow and easy with the knife and concentrate on what I’m doing, keeping track of the off hand and the carving thumb. The off hand glove and finger tape arrive with the knife so the three will be in use together.


Thanks again for taking the time.

[Patrick]

Originally Posted by Old Codger

Patrick - looks like your 'blanks' are just fine and should turn out to be some nifty little axes! I've just completed a couple of them for a friend and had a great time carving them and mounting them in some small chunks of trees that we cut down this spring... Gene's tutorial and videos are great aren't they? Sure helps 'newbies' like you and I get a good start and have fun with our projects...lots of great other carvers here too assist to when needs be... Keep the chips flying and be sure and post a photo or two of your completed axes, we'd enjoy seeing them!
Kenn

Hi Kenn,
They do look like fun and I think a good start on practicing pull, push and stop cuts. I too plan on taking the axe, when I get one looking acceptable, and mounting in the right piece of tree. That’s a thumbs up on Gene’s tutorials. He had a new fan shortly after I arrived on the forum and the axe presentation he did really started the fire. OK on posting photos at completion even if I need to put a brown paper bag over them.

[Midnight Carver]

Have fun! Can't wait to see how they turn out

Eric

[gene-messer]

Patrick .. your start is good and your cut out is fine .. start with the handle first and slowly bring it down and then with the axe head .. carve it at a angle on the head of the balde on both sides as you go to get the head even .. your on your way
Gene

[gtech]

Just a small note for when you will begin to make the axe thinner . Don't go too fast with the knife, even if you have a lot of wood to take off. It is safer to cut just a bit of wood, because you keep control of the knife, and the wood won't split.

Gilles

[Patrick]

Alright now, time to kick the tires and light the fires as my Cape Forge care package arrived today.



I’m looking forward to getting that blade into the axe project now and not just hold it and admire, although that’s grand too.

Thanks again to you all for your input and support. Now it’s time to start reviewing Gene’s tutorial again. Maybe, just maybe, tomorrow afternoon I’ll have the time to start putting that beautiful blade to work.

[Lightningbolt]

Wow! That's a great looking knife that you posted just above. Looks like it would have a very nice feel to it in the hand. Your ax is looking good and I'm anxious to see the progress. Thanks for posting.