Walking stick/cane carving tools

[makenchips]

I was wondering if somebody/anybody/everybody could give advice on what tools they use when carving walking sticks. I have three good size sticks here that I wanted to carve woodspirits in but I only have palm tools. From what I see in magazines and catalogs it is best to use larger tools.
The palm tools I have I only use for basswood and did not want to ruin with trying to carve this harder wood.

This leads me to my second question in that if larger tools are required to do this type of work what would you recommend that could be the most versatile in case I would also like to get into relief carving on down the line.

Thanks in advance for all those that reply as I know this is a long and not so easy question.

[Kenny_S]

Your palm goues will work nicely. Most canes or walking staffs are less than 2 inchs in dia. Been carvfing walking staffs for years and never used large gouges. Mostly a pocket knife.
You won't ruin your tools by carving in aspen, diamond willow or basswood walking staffs. Just learn to sharpen your tools. Actually, if the bevel is correct, then hardewr woods can be carve by the same palm gouges.

[woodtrapper]

I have a set of 9'' Ashleys that I carve my canes with.I have gotten better with sharpening so I do not worry about the hardness of the wood.Also,I will do the finishing touches with a plain knife with a 6'' handle.Palm tools will work great, I just prefer the 9'' tools.

[squbrigg]

Your palm tools should work just fine actually. Just take your time and strop often. I find longer tools more difficult using on sticks or canes. Most work on canes can be done with just a good knife.

Relief carving is a whole different kettle of fish! I find that the longer tools are much better on a large relief carving, but even palm tools will do in a pinch. Choose your tools carefully when purchasing, or you will find that you are spending a lot of money on tools that you may not be comfortable with, and end up using just one or two favorites.

Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have a set of powergrip I got at woodcraft on sale....I use them all the time! I like them...I would however like to get a set of the new power handle flexcut chisels.....but the price is Applethat said about chisels...I find I use my handmade razor knives constantly and my Helvie knives....I have lots of others I grab now and again...but those are what I seem to grab for first.

[Clifford_Parker]

I do about 95% + of my stickcarving with just a knife, using palm tools for some detail work. Since I hold my sticks in my hands while carving I simply could not use the larger tools even if I wanted.

[Gooch]

Hi,
I use a lot of palm tools but oddly enough I use straight chisels in the larger variety which I find really help in carving and trimming harder woods.Its a matter of preference I guess.I find I can trim beard shapes easier with straight chisels.
Gooch

[Gooch]

I am always looking for new ideas for beards shapes,different faces etc for wood spirits.Any ideas or sites that may have pictures for ideas????
Thanks

[Graywolf71]

I'm one of the few, I think, in that i only use a pocket knife for everything i carve, well to be exect, i use a flexcut carving jack. It's a carving set all in one handy little unit and as long as you keep it stroped you'll never have to worry about the edge. I've carved woodspirits in walking sticks and characters up to 8 inches tall, all with just the carving jack.
I know it sounds like a commercal for flexcut but i truely love this little knife.

Michael Gray

[sludgeguy]

Greetings,

I've carved lots of morel mushroom walking sticks and everything from a rose to a scotty on top of them. Was burned out on it for a while just stating back into sticks again.

I use a small spoke shave to peel the outer bark. Then I use a knife and a straight blade gouge to rough in the features. Palm tools are used on the majority of the details. If it is necessary I'll grab a rotary power carver for some detailing.

The main thing is to get started with what you have so you can learn what you need. See what is difficult or impossible with your current tools, then head to the store to find your new enablers.

Hope that helps.
Doug