Deployed soldier learning to carve

[johncanon]

Hello all,
I am a soldier in the U.S. Army, I just ordered my Flexcut Carvin knife a couple of days ago and some basswood (apparently it was one practice block). What kind of wood is best for beginning carvers, where can I get some wood sent to me cheaply and is the knife I ordered (flexcut carvin knife) a good knife to start with. Any recommendations and help please. Thanks Johnny

Update to my first post::::::::::::::

Thanks to everbody for responding to my post.
Here is my mailing address if you have any scraps or anything you want to get rid off. Several of my soldiers have expressed an interest in learning how to carve/whittle. Anything you send me will be shared with my soldiers. I have found that this is a great way of clearing the mind. I find myself sometimes while I am out, thinking about what I would like to create. I carry my pocket knife and a piece of scrap pine in my pocket and when there is a chance to rest... I pull out the knife and start working on a nose or mouth.... again, I would like to thank everyone for their generosity and willingness to provide wood or tools...

I always suprised when I find this much support for the troops.... life is tough out here... as many of you probably know ....

again .... thanks for your support and generosity....

my mailing address....
WO1 Canon John
1/25 SBCT HHC 25th BSB
APO, AE 09355
United States

Johnny (Chief)

[Dan S]

Flexcut is a good knife and will do well for starting. As for wood, Heinecke has the best wood at the best prices I've seen. Shipping will be high unfortunately dependng on where you are deployed. You can always carve "found wood" Walking sticks, wood spirits etc. The woods free and still fun to play with. Order a book by Tom Wolfe, "Carving Wood Spirits and Walking Sticks". You can find it on Amazon pretty cheap. It's the book that got me started.

Good luck!
Dan

[northwood bob]

Johnny
You've chosen the tool quite well. FlexCut uses steels that not only sharpen easily but will hold an edge nicely. The suggetsions Dan gave you as far as the wood is probably the best suggestion you can get.

Don't overlook the fact that you can ( and most of us do) carve any "wood" material that we can get our hands on. Most hold carving detail nicely and some are quite difficult to carve. The only wat to find this out is to try them.

Your message indicates that you are deployed. Where are you stationed at the time. This site has quite a collection of Veterans that would be more than glad to help in any way possible. We remember the times when we were deployed and the difficulties relating to deployment. Just ask and you will recieve.

Bob

[edge]

First of all, Thanks for your willingness to serve in our behalf.
As was mentioned above found wood is a good place to start for a lot of folks. As for your question on what wood is the best, I really like basswood. It is easy to carve, holds detail fairly well and is not to expensive compared to other woods. It can be ordered from heineckewood.com/
Good luck and keep us posted as your carvings progress.

[BobD]

I agree; let us know where you're stationed! We'll be able to get some wood to you. Did you get anything to sharpen the knife with? A strop and compound at the least?

We're more then willing and happy to help in any way we can! My brother-in-law (Sgt. Don Noel) is stationed in Bagdad right now; I made the same offer to him, but he said he spends his spare time reading, watching movies, or sleeping...

Best Regards,
Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[torpidhummer]

Johnny thank you for being part of the U.S. Armed forces and what ever it takes,so that we can continue to enjoy our craft.I to served my country with hon or.
Semper Fi you man and always stand tall.
Oscar

[Donsexton]

I spent time in Iraq and they do have some cedar trees that I took advantage of. You can have things sent via your FPO/APO and it is just like mailing it domestic. I think for a knife the bass wood is your best bet. If you decide to give mallet & gouges a try the dunnage that just piles up aroung Supply shipping and receiving most of it is mahogany or oak. Dunnage is the wood bracing and blocking they use in shipping containers 2x4, 4x4, 4x6 good hardwood.

[Howie]

I started with a flexcut knife, and now have their whole knife series – I quite like them.

As for wood, I've never had to order it, but it sounds like some of the other fellows on here who served will have the best advice.

Thanks for serving!

-Howie

[Eddy-Smiles]

Thanks for your service John! If you need any patterns send me a PM!

[FreeMan08]

Thank you John for serving your country.
One of the most important things a beginning carver must learn is sharping your tools. It's not fun or safe carving with dull tools. Check on the internet, there are loads of tutorials on how to sharpen.
Best of luck to you John, and God bless you.
regards
Ed