I got me an idea...

[banjoplayer]

Hello. I am a new member, but I got an idea. My brother is deployed, and with family members of mine getting deployed, and my love of whittling, I kind of put them together, and got an idea. I have always wanted to do something for soldiers, and veterans. Since I into aquariums so much, I thought about sending aquariums to the men in the military, for something peaceful, and something they could call their own while they are there. It wouldn't work since some are living in tents though. So here is my new idea. Most soldiers now carry big clunky pocket knives. They are good for cutting ropes, the enemy, or anything else, but they are just too big for whittling. If any soldiers would be interested, I would send them a small swiss army knife, patterns, and pieces of basswood. I have figured it would cost close to $30 for each soldier, but I think it would be worth it. Any ideas on this? Do you think it would work? I just think if I could make one soldier happy, and his time there easier, it would be worth it. My mom is a Blue Star Mother (group of soldiers moms who send care packages) and I thought I would get some ideas from you all, and then tell them about my idea. I am willing to donate my time and money and everything, but what is the best way to do this? Where would a good place be to order these knives from? I was thinking of buying basswood from lumber mills, and cutting them down to size myself. Any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rick

[kimschance]

Hello there Rick,
When your brother gets home, give him a huge hug and thanks from all of us, you can do the same now for Mom and all of her efforts. Your thoughtfulness is outstanding and very admirable.
My father learned to carve while in the military. I am fairly certain that the soldiers are given, at least offered a pocket knife or two in Basic. The idea of having pieces of wood and patterns for them to use - is a great one! You could just put together a little baggie of both, and send it in the packages that your Mom helps out with. It would be small enough not to add alot of weight, and additionally cut down on out of pocket cost.
I think you may be onto something ...
Chance

[Eddy-Smiles]

Rick... Over the last five years or so we've had quite a few deployed military get into carving or we/ve heard from carvers who got deployed. Wood always seemed to be the biggest hang-up for them. Most of the stuff available in Afganistan was old shipping crates or sun cured scrub, both extremely hard and miserable to carve. I know that I've sent wood to deployed guys as well as a lot of the other forum members and to make the carving experience as pleasant as possilbe for them they really need to recieve quality basswood, whether it be in chunks, blanks, or rough-outs.

If I was you I'd have your brother put out the word that if anyone is interested in carving to have them contact you and then you can send them what they need. Some of the guys do have their own pocket knives while others may need a knife. We had some guys that wanted a pocket knife while others wanted a fixed blade. Some won't have a way of sharpening or keeping a knife sharp enough to carve. Also keep in mine that it might not be a bad idea to include a safety glove because we had reports of carvers cutting themselves over their just like we do here. And with the exception of those guys that are stoopin' and poopin' out in the boonies lookin' for Taliban most are going to have Internet access in rear bases so they can order they're own knives, gloves and accessories. Like I started out saying, we found out before that what they really needed was wood and if they received re-cut blanks with the patterns and pictures they thought that they'd gotten mana from heaven!

[Donsexton]

That is very patriotic of you and gracious. I served in Iraq active duty and Afghanistan/Iraq as a contractor. I remember the care packages we used to get with candy, corn nuts and other nice things. I was eating some snacks watching my crew build a fenced in enclosures to store food and aid supplies for international aid workers. I just happen to notice some nasty looking little dudes with beards and A-K’s looking at me directly. I gave them the international “what are you looking at and do you want a piece of me” look. My liaison and interrupter noticed that I had become irritated at the gawking and told me they were disgusted at me for eating with my left hand.
I think the best way for you to make a difference and assist the troops in what you want to do would be instead of just putting carving supplies in every care package make up fewer packages and send them to MWR for a particular deployed unit. The troop that runs MWR for that unit will put the word out that they have whittling supplies in MWR for the troops interested. You must know the deployed military is no different than the general public in this way. You will have the same number of people per 100 that will find woodcarving fun and interesting. I am not trying to shoot your idea down but trust me the MWR director will put it in the right hands.