[Mark N. Akers]

A friend of mine and I was fortunate enough to be given as a 2006 Christmas present ,a carving weekend with Don(The Wood Bee) Mertz.What a fantastic weekend,the first thing he does is takes your tool box and gives you a knife only.Here is some unbelieveable pictures of the detail he gets with a knife.I can support him know that he does carve his whittle people with only a knife.The class teaches to know where the end of the blades at,and how to rough in a realistic minature.I'd highly recommend his class,it will test your skills with a knife,but we really had fun doing it.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Don is a terrific fella and his wife is a wonderful lady. I first met them in Dollywood a few years back and was amazed at what he could do with his pocketknife. When he was teaching a seminar at Warr Eagle over in Arkansas they drove over and spent the afternoon checking out our Gallery and setting on the front porch drinking lemonade and eating cookies. We met up again this past November in Dayton and it was great not only to see him but to see that his work has gotten even better. I agree with Mark, if you have the opportunity to watch him carve or better yet take a class from him don't pass it up. However, keep in mind that he's a retired sky pilot so watch the salty language!!

[gene messer]

Mark .. Those are wonderful pieces ... What a great time you must of had sitting learning from him ..
What kind of knife does he recommend ?

[tvance124]

I do not know Don, but my guess is "a sharp one".

[Mark N. Akers]

Gene:
Don uses any old Pocket Knife he can find,he is constantly looking at flea markets and swap meets.He says and I quote,He looks for a blade that is rust,then that means it is carbon steel.He has a few straight knives,but does prefer his folders.

[gene messer]

Thanks Mark .. Thanks for sharing ..

[Mark N. Akers]

Here's a picture of the finished carving we did in Don's class,hope y'all enjoy it.

[Tom H]

How have I been missing this thread???That's a really fine carving you did in Don M's class. That style of carving is very appealing. Thanks for sharing. Tom H

[Claude]

How tall is the carving, Mark?

Claude

[Mark N. Akers]

Claude:
The carving is actually approx. 5" tall,he uses the old square yardsticks he finds out of basswood,and he will only let you use a knife.