[MrDantastic]

Man oh man, I just wrote a huge post, but then the internet messed up when I was trying to log in and I lost it. Here is the new shorter version.

I am fairly new to woodcarving, but would like to try some new things. I started out on the scrollsaw about 2 years ago, and picked up chip carving last year. I would like to move into some relief carvings and also some small sculpture pieces.

I have been looking all over for a set of tools, but haven't really found any that all consistently had the same tools. I am not really sure how to describe what I want to do, or what its called, but the best way I can think of is a cross between carving and whittling, if that makes any sense. I also want to do reliefs.

I have been looking at some tools, like the case "seahorse whittler" and also the palm tool set and regular tool set (I don't know if they have a name for the longer handled tools) made by pfeil. Does anyone have any opinions on these? Are these the right tools that I need? What would be the best way for a beginner to sharpen these tools? Any suggestions and/or opinions are appreciated!!!

Thanks in advance,
Dan

[squbrigg]

Welcome aboard Dan! Don worry too much about finding the perfect tool set, you have a lifetime to find that, and it's so much fun searching. You might like to check out Rick's site at www.littleshavers.com he has some great ideas for starting out and he's one of us! You might consider two sets of tools: a small set of carving knives and a beginners set of gouges.

The first skill you will need to learn is to sharpen. If you purchase from Rick sends his tools razor sharp, but you will need to learn this skill anyway, and you will still need to hone as you carve, using a leather strop with some honeing compound. Blades purchased from other companies usually do not come ready to carve, you must sharpen them yourself. Stones used to sharpen vary, read up on what's available and when you buy your stones, they should last you a lifetime.

Best of luck with your new adventure and welcome to the best hobby in the world. You will find that carving is very relaxing and inspiring, and you will get to talk to some of the nicest and most talented folks on the planet right here on this board.

Bob

[Colin_Partridge]

Dan welcome I really dont have a lot to say I think Bob said it all his advice is the best. I will just reiterate that Rick at Little Shavers is the best not only do your tools come razor sharp but he would be the best to advise you on your needs.
Colin

[Ron Davidson]

Dan -Welcome aboard. I pretty much agree with Colin & Bob to contact Rick at Little shavers. The most important thing to remember there are no dumb questions on this forum so feel free to ask what comes to mind. Good luck Ron

[Donna_T]

Welcome Dan,
What the guys said....ditto! About the only thing I can add is to stay away from sets--just buy the actual tools you need to carve the kinds of carvings you want to do. In a set of 5 carving tools (unless it's a custom set from Rick for beginners) you'll probably use two of them frequently and the rest you'll seldom use. I suspect all carvers have specially-shaped and sized tools that they "thought" would be just the thing they "needed" only to find out they rarely get used now.

If you belong to a carving group, carvers are usually good to let newbies try out different tools that we have, just so you can get a feel for them before you actually buy them. If you can get to a show or tool vendor to actually try some out, then that's even better. Pfeil tools are great tools. And there are many other brands that are good--and some that are not so good.

Part of what you need to decide is what kind of carvings do you want to do. If you're just going to carve little, hand held carvings, then palm tools or intermediate size tools would be better. If you're going to carve bigger subjects, and possibly use a mallet and vise, then the full sized tools with handles suitable for the task would be better. Relief carvings call for some specialty tools as does chip carving. Most carvers have a combination of palm tools and full sized tools. Then too, you need to decide which kind of handle feels good in your hand and allows you to do the most. Handles on palm tools can be replaced fairly easily if you love the metal part but not the wooden handle.

And one last comment, while learning to sharpen your own tools is of utmost importance, how to do it is a topic that has VAST possibilities (check out old postings on this website.) But, fortunately, when you really screw up a tool, there are several great carvers who will gladly sharpen your tools and get them back in shape for a mere pittance...Rick is one of them. There are probably others in your more immediate area.

A carver can never have too many tools! That's my story and I'm sticking too it. You can always sell your unwanted tools at a later date if you decide some of them don't fit your needs.

Anyway, we're glad you're here. You'll get lots of helpful carving info here...and have fun with us while you're learning and sharing.

Donna T

[Ashbys]

Welcome to the boards,

I have to agree, Little shavers offers a nice set of starters for some very good prices. I think you will find most carving , chip relief or in the round is a combination of using the knife and the tools.
I think the biggest question is what type of wood do you plan on using? Athought it sounds like a simple question it really isn't. If your using pine or basswood , with small relief carvings palm tools or mirco tools should do fine. If your looking at large relief carvings where you will be removing large sections of wood , you might want to consider a mid- size to full size tools.
Ramelson makes a nice set of palm tools which have worked well for me, in basswood , pine, walnut and maple. Rick carries these and they will wook well until you decide on what direction you wish to take. They will work on small as well as large carvings. For the price , they are hard to beat.
I suggest as you start out, look for one direction grain wood. Basswood , will allow you to work with your tools to get the feel and to get to know them. It will hold detail for you and show off your cuts.
What ever you decide , come and show us you work , and ask any thing, this is a great place to learn and really great people to help you advance.

Ash

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Everything has been pretty much covered by the others, except

like the case "seahorse whittler"

The Seahorse is a wonderful knife (I currently have 37), but is aimed mostly at the collector market, and is not really a good whittling knife. Whittler when referring to pocket knives, really has nothing to do with the knifes purpose, but means a knife with a large main blade on one end and two smaller equal sized blades on the other. The two smaller blades each have their own backspring while the larger blade uses the opposite end of both backsprings.

A much better pocket knife for whittling is the modified Kershaw Double Cross sold by Rick at Little Shavers.

[MrDantastic]

WOW! I never expected to get so many responses with such helpful information so quickly! Thank you everyone for your help and input. I am very lucky to have found such a great messageboard with so many great people. I look forward to posting in the future!

Dan

PS: Rick, I sent you a PM.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Hi been gone a week, thats why the late response..ol ed has it right on about the seahorse whittler...I have two, beautiful knives and collectables, one I carry the other is for ??? but even tho I had Rick sharpen the knive and it is a pretty good carver, I prefer my "OarCarver"...probably try one of Ricks Kershaw knives one of these days...since I am addicted to knives and tools and can't quit LOL!!

[Ashbys]

Welcome Back Hi-Ho!

Been kinda of quiet...nothing much new. Cloin is killing Dragons again, Rick is still on vacation, Susan is pushing womens lib, Thor needs a new bed , Wade is advoiding his chairs , I am still being a pain .. harassing everyone , lots of new people posting *cheer*. Bob Has not given an update on his boat . Of course i could let you read all this , but you know me . ROFL
Ash