How do you define "detail?"

[Robson Valley]

Not long after I joined this group, I asked for a definition of "Found Wood." Just about as many definitions as there were posters!

This time, I ask: "What do you consider defines an adequate level of detail in your carvings?" Is there a set of words for the fine or coarse nature of detail? I ask as many posters use the phrase ". . .does/does not hold detail well." OK, what's that?One post in a thread that I've since forgotten (sorry) said that western red cedar can't hold detail much less than "pea-sized." I believe that, too.

Using common commodities, is there a scale of the actual size of detail which helps my imagination? Rice-sized detail, hair-sized detail, as examples.
What is "detail" to you?

[Merle Rice]

Detail in a Carving to me is When the lines in an object are made to look like the original object lines. Depth of cuts and not lite cuts, clean and flowing cuts to give a natural look to the finished piece. That's my 2 cents worth for what it's worth.. Merle

[mdallensr]

Detail isn't about just about what; it's about why as well. You can carve a leaf and get the correct shape, and even some contours. Detail is adding stems and veins, texture, and edges. That level of detail can be pretty fine, and the reason for adding it will be in line with your vision for the carving. Do you want a realistic leaf, or do you want a stylized leaf that represents a leaf, maybe with no detail, just finely sanded and finished surfaces?

Detail can be decorations or enhancements, such as realistic hair, beards, or fur, and can have incredibly fine carved lines. I've used my wood burner to put detail in Santa beards, and to create fur and feather details on animals. Some of that detail is almost too fine to carve.

The common thread though, and what you started to ask, is which carving woods take detail well, and which don't. Good basswood is pretty good at holding detail for a softer wood, and it's universally used by a lot of bird and animal carvers for all of its great qualities. The harder carving woods, such as cherry and walnut, also take detail very well, but can be difficult to carve. Some of the softer "tweeners", such as butternut, aspen, Alaska yellow cedar, and non-genuine mahogany, can be a little brittle and a challenge to carve fine detail into. One of my favorites is Honduran mahogany, since for a harder wood it carves easily, holds fine detail well, and finishes beautifully. I can add detail with a fine veiner or v-tool and not break off pieces, and can carve detail with or against the grain with good results. Mike

[Robson Valley]

When I read that a wood takes good detail, what am I being told? Rice-sized design elements? Grooves as fine as cat-fur? I am asking for the "what". To me, the "why" is an expression of your creative sensibilities and judement. I know my question suggests that a carver should pick the wood for the resolution of detail in the object.
I certainly don't expect leaf details down to chloroplasts.

Western Red Cedar: Provided that you do not want details smaller than pea size. Intersecting grooves will pop out the apex nearly every time, bits maybe 1/8" (or far bigger if you get hasty).
I don't need hair-like detail. Pea-size is fine. I like WRC.

[pallin]

It makes a lot of difference if the detail is raised vs incised. Even Western Red Cedar will take "cat fur" details if they are cut into the surface, but not cross-hatching. Free-standing details like extended arms, ears and noses in caricatures require wood that holds together even in thin pieces.

[Callynne]

Well, since I'm always saying I love the detail work on a piece, I thought I should describe what I consider detail.....but......Mike (mdallensr) already described it so perfectly. Thanks, Mike!! Deborah