Wood carving for Kids

[sue-anne]

I have twin 12 year olds and and an 8 year old boy who would all like to start carving/whittling. I bought a great little book on whittling and have another one on carving on order but my big problem is suitable tools for kids. I just don't know where to begin. Obviously they still need sharp tools but what length of blade? Perhaps with a thumb guard? Sadly, we are based in the UK and don't have great big woodcarving warehouse shops like the US but if you could recommend specific knives/websites I would be very grateful . Ideally, as I need to buy 3 of everything and we are just starting out, I'd rather they were not hugely expensive. Many thanks for your time, Sue-Anne

[DMH1112]

Woodcraft has more than enough and they are quite reasonable. Though I am not sure how expensive shipping would be for international orders.

[Mitchell]

LittleShavers.com

I recommend them as they may be able to tailor their product to suit your needs.

[Claude]

They will definitely need a carving glove, a thumb guard, and a few tools. Minimum starter set would be a knife, a V tool, and a #3 or #5 gouge. I agree that Little Shaver's beginner's kit is the way to go. Includes all this, plus more. Not sure about shipping to the UK, but it shouldn't be too bad. Here's Rick's URL, so you can see what's there. Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply

Just a thought, but one thing you might be able to do is to only have one child carve at a time. While this will cause some extreme disagreement from the one's not carving, it will give you a chance to work one-on-one with the carving child. Personally, I would prefer this method so I could keep an eye on safe use of the tools at all times. It's difficult to keep one eye on three children at the same time You could have them draw straws, play rock paper scissors or throw dice to see who carves first and who carves second... Then let each carve for a set amount of time - say, a half hour. That way their hands won't get too tired, and careless.

Claude

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

No question, start with Rick and Theresa at Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply .... they can help you with some great beginner sets and really good prices.....too bad they weren't around when I started lol

[DMH1112]

Also if you only have one kid carve at a time you can originally buy only one set. You can buy more once they can carve without constant supervision and/or you are sure they will all want to continue carving.

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, Sue-Anne. It's nice to have you here with us. There is so much to learn here and a lot of great people here to help you.

There a number of members here from the U.K. Perhaps you can wait to see what they have to say that may help you in your search for tools.

[Eddy-Smiles]

Sue-Anne.... Have you thought about starting them out on bar soap first? Bar soap is plentiful and you've already got any tool that you'll need laying around the house...i.e. kitchen knives, forks, spoons. And, there's little fear of losing any little fingers!

In the meantime check out this website and see if there is a woodcarving supplier near you. Chisels and gouges, wood carving :: Suppliers in the UK

[squbrigg]

Welcome aboard Sue-Anne, and good luck with the boys!

The 12 year olds should have the strength, and dextarity for carving, but you may find the 8 year old a bit young yet. He may do better with soap carving or clay. Carving glove and thumb guards are a must and make sure they use them. I'm not sure of the suppliers over there, but a kit similar to that that Little Shavers do up would be perfect. Includes : knife, strop, strop compound, set of 6 palm gouges, carving glove, thumb guard, and a neat little box to keep them all in. I suggest each boy has their own kit, so you can see how well they do taking care of them, sharpening, and maintaining them.

Best of luck,

Bob

[alafly]

Just FYI, Pfeil has special designed gouge for kids...