New To All This

[Joebno1]

Hey, my name is Joe. I am 17, and totally new to all the woodcarving.

I live in the UK, and wasnt totally sure if that would influence the fact that i could get some tools, and wood, from the places suggested?

I dont want to spend fortunes, and just want to sit and be able to improve in small doses. I saw a pretty nice boot created by somebody, sorry the name eludes me

I would like to start with somethings very simplistic like that, any suggestions of any sort would be appreciate in any of the highlighted topics, thanks.

Joe.

[susieq]

Cheers Joe!
Welcome to the forum. You should know right off that some of the very best carving tools are made right there in the UK. Henry Taylor Acorn brand and Ashley Ilses brand tools are very high quality. If you google them, you might find some dealers in your area or at least contact info for the companies.

There are some other carvers from the UK who are members here and I am sure they will respond as to where to find things over there. In the event that you have to send away for supplies from here, the shipping will be the worst of it. There again, some who have already done that, will probably respond. Our members come from nearly every part of the globe. Carving knows no boundries. Welcome.

[BobT]

Hi, Gene Messer did a boot here:
YouTube - Woodcarving A Boot Out Of Wood Part 1

It would be a great beginner project. You could get by with a knife and maybe a small V tool. In fact, all of Genes videos are aimed at beginners and require very few tools. Good way to get started.
BobT

[Joebno1]

thats great, would u suggest i order a small V tool, and a knife to begin with? and perhaps learn to sharpen it myself? due to the fact that the only recommended tool sharpeners who do it for you are in US? or?

Thanks, Joe

[BobT]

Do yourself a favor and order a simple bench knife, like:
Murphy Knives at Little Shavers

If you can order from Little Shavers you will get a knife presharpened, as sharp as it will ever be in it's lifetime. Get or make a strop and keep it that way.

If you can afford it, get their beginners kit. All tools presharpened, and you get the strop too.

Beginner's Carving Set at Little Shavers

And you will never buy from better people too.

[Joebno1]

I see, would u suggest i just buy a V tool, strop and bench knife instead then? as i cant really get a full beginner kit due to funds..

and the boot only needs them tools? or should i save for abit and just get the beginner kit straight off?

Thanks, Joe

[Donna_T]

Joe,
I'll go out on a limb here and suggest you get get a good pocketknife and sharpen it well, and start your carving experience with it. Many a good carver started with just a pocketknife. They're pretty much available in every country and then you won't have shipping costs nor have to wait to get started. I've seen some accomplished carvers who only use a knife to create some well-carved items.

In your country, google for Peter Benson as he's a leading voice for wood carving "across the pond."

Donna T

[chuckbolton]

carving is alive and well in the UK and in Europe. In the local bookstore i see a magazine printed in UK, have looked at it but never purchased it. check with local larger newstands im sure that you can find it. My best liked tools are swiss made and i know that many good tools come from Europe-- there is nothing wrong with suppliers in the US in general. but i wouldnt want to pay the overseas frieght charges. keep asking questions here and you will get lots of help. its the young ones coming on that keep us and the artform alive. good luck joe

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I suggest you get Ricks beginners carving kit....can't beat it for the price! Has everything you need to get started. Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

One thing I have noticed is that many times you can buy a British tool in the U.S., pay the additional shipping, and still come out cheaper because you have avoided the vat. It sounds crazy, and don't know how legal it is, but know many British knife collectors who do that very thing. I have a particular fondness for the old British tools. All that said, Donna makes very good sense. It is amazing what can be accomplished with a good pocket knife and it need not cost a lot. Pocket knives are one place where inexpensive does not necessarily equal cheap. I have some excellent ones that I paid less than $10 U.S. for.