Soap carving for the kids!

[Tom-H]

After attempting to introduce a young girl (grand daughter) to carving by starting out with soap and a plastic knife, and hearing the phrase "doo-doo" knife; I got to thinking. Why not take an old pocket knife and dull it up, and let the kids use it on the soap. At least they'd be using a real knife. Just had the opportunity to give it a try. Seemed to work just fine.

Tom H

[Big John]

Actually, that was an excellent idea. Both of mine are wanting to learn to carve and that method will teach them proper care of a real knife as well.

[Lonewolfcarver]

My niece was given a block of soapstone and a plastic knife to do a carving for art class. I know the teacher had safety in mind but those plastic knives just don't "cut" it so to say. She ended up using a dulled pocket knife as well.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Tom, that is a great idea, I know your little one will enjoy.

Dave

[SeaLeveler]

My daughter got her 1st pocket knife at 5 and she started on apples and sharpening sticks.By 7 she was using my carving chisels on juniper and mahogany carving boats.I just instructed her about safety as in never putting hand infront of chisels or knives and wearing her gloves.Sofar no cuts.Tony

[telecarver]

I've taught kids with soap carving. It makes a big mess. A potato is a good alternative.

[Mottles]

Ideally using a real knife for soap carving is OK especially if you are teaching 1-2 children. Our carving club uses the plastic knives because we generally teach any where from 30 to 40 kids at one time.
Some members have carved wooden knives and chisels for teaching their children and grandchildren. The wooden knives cut the soap really well.
Age is a big consideration the older the child the less likely they will cut themselves. Anyway, just my 2 cents.
Kathy

[BRIAN D]

Have worked with a lot of kids soap carving & first time with a knife, first issue is Safety, second is LIABILITY. For every ones sake the word is JUDGMENT! What works with one doesnot work with all. Leaving good thoughts & feelings, isn't that what we are trying to achieve, & end result letting a younger person start a new hobby & not STREET FEELINGS & Values!
It's ashamed, attorney's line up every time a accident occurs. Ere on the side of safety & have fun watching younger ones grow.