For those of you getting started

[watercarving]

I have a longer post on my site for those just getting started. It's aptly titled 'Getting Started'.

This is for those just starting out or don't have a carver around to help them out. It doesn't give a lot of specifics but gives a real good idea of what you'll need and what to look for.

Enjoy!

[DaveW]

out of curiosity (and not disrespect), why NOT use a pocket knife? What I mean is - yes, they don't carve through like butter, but is it not possible to sharpen them to that point?

I'm one of the starting crowd, and part of the appeal of carving for me is that maybe it's something that can be done anywhere without having to take special tools along.

(If it is indeed impossible to sharpen them to that level, please let me know so I don't kill myself!)

[watercarving]

I think you can do anything you want. I was contacted by a gentleman who insisted his pocket knife was sharpened and designed better than a carving knife. When I asked him where he got it he said he made it himself. That's not really going to help a beginner. How many beginners can make their own tools?

The thrust of the article isn't to say everything you can do. It's to help beginners get started. After a good grounding in the basics one can start to branch out.

So, you can use a pocket knife and sharpen it up all you want but most beginners can't sharpen their regular carving tools easily much less redoing a pocketknife. Heck, I still can't sharpen a v-tool very well....

[DaveW]

Originally Posted by watercarving

most beginners can't sharpen their regular carving tools easily much less redoing a pocketknife. Heck, I still can't sharpen a v-tool very well....

Good enough point for me I took a sharp tool, tried to sharpen it and it got worse.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Carving knives, pocket knives, utility knives, they all work. It's all a matter of personal preferenace. Kind of like wives and girl friends. Same goes for sharpening. There are dozens of ways to do it. Pick one that suits your fancy and stick with it. Soon you will be and "expert" at it. Practice.

[watercarving]

That's very true. Pick a method that you feel comfortable with and practice at it and you will get much better.

Again, the piece I linked to was for the 'first-timer' so I was assuming they had never practiced at all or very little.