Your Most Useful Carving Skill

[Robson Valley]

What is your most significant accomplishment in your main carving style?
Composition? Drawing? Finishing? Cleaning out deep Vee shapes?

Mine is still just a goal to accomplish: Keeping Left/Right symmetry where the two sides are supposed to be the same.

I know that it can be done. I have a 4-figure totem pole (24") carved 50+ years ago
from a clear cedar 2x2. The symmetry is fantastic.

[Buffalo Bif]

For me it was discovering and practicing the Flat Plane style of whittling. It helped me focus my work and strengthened the character in my finished pieces. I'm still a beginner, but I have a path to follow.
I used to play chess, the saying was tactics are what you do when there is something do to, and strategy is what you do when there is nothing to do. Deep cuts are my tactics and Flat Plane is my strategy.

[Dileon]

Actually I set up things to accomplish each time I carve, as I need to up my level of carving. I do not always make it but I keep trying to do better each time I carve. Right now is make the hair flow right, make sure the nose and hands are the right sizes as I make them way to large. An keep on checking my books to make sure I am going the right direction......

[littlefatbuddy]

As a carving infant, dont be afraid to ask questions. I am so appreciative of people that I have come in contact with that are so kind and respectful. Some hobbies have people that will talk down to newcomers and sometimes even worse. I have not experienced that at all with woodcarving. I have not met one person that seemed "threatened" that someone new was moving in to their territory. Quite the opposite, its like Sunday morning at the country church when there is a visiting preacher and free food.

I do not know if this is a skill......Two days ago I started my third (ever) carving project. I guess you would call it a stick Santa. I began with the first few cuts, moved up and down and all around and then realized that something had gone terribly wrong. Super, Epic Wrong. In my begineers zeal and haste I started carving this piece from the flat front rather than the pointed edge? I guess that is how to describe it. Well not to be defeated by a simple piece of wood, I proclaimed to my family that if I could pull out this design and complete the project I would be the best carver ever. A prodigy, a natural talent, God-gifted arteest extrordinaire. I whittled and cut and cut and whittled into the wee hours of the night, until my body demanded I sleep. I cleaned my mess and turned in determined to finish the piece the next day. (Yesterday) I came home and pulled the rrrooouuuggghhh piece back out and started to plan my attack when I was distracted by the heading...carving 15 minute Santas. I thought and pondered and even wondered aloud, although noone was home, what should I do. I will not be defeated. The large stick Santa would become........One little 15 minute Santa that only took three hours and enough basswood for one more little Santa.

[chisler10]

My goal right now is heads and faces, as Di said, keeping things in proportion. I used to draw a long time ago and find that really helps me see what is inside that block of wood.
Patrick

[rcurtism]

Patients is the most valuable carving skill. Even when things look like they are heading in the wrong direction. If I can work through it then I know it will end up ok. I am still trying to work on proportions and placement along with mouths and eye's are the hard parts for me right now. I can not draw at all so I have to go by trial and error. ( a lot of errors) Since I am not trying to sell my stuff and really only do this to give me something to do at night I am happy each time I finish a project. Now if I ever get good enough to sell some of my work then I might have a completely differant statement. Good luck and good carving
Curt

[Claude]

Learning how to sharpen a knife or gouge to carving-sharp

Claude

[Lynn O. Doughty]

My greatest accomplishment is being able to maintain the high level of interest and fun I have carving. After over 40 years I still get excited as I watch a figure come to life in my hands.

[Donsexton]

Being able to sharpen and repair every tool I own no matter how badly the chip or nick is.

[Dicky]

Sharpening is the secret. A dull tool leads to frustration and possible injury.