My First Carving Attempt

[Claude]

Ken:
Did you do all that with a knife only, or did you also use some gouges? If you did use a knife only, I'd suggest you get some gouges, as they'll make life much easier.

One place to start is with the beginner's set from Little Shavers Beginner's Carving Set at Little Shavers - Rick has quality products that are sharp when you receive them.

If you already have gouges, then you can ignore this...

Claude

[KenC]

Jim, Claude I used a some gouges to hollow out the leaves.

Most of the carving was done with my Uncle's Barlow knife. While under cutting the middle leaf I would hit the first leaf with the handle of the knife or I would hold the piece around the first leaf while carving the middle leaf and break the tips of the first leaf off. That is why the first leaf looks so bad, with the knife I made hopefully I will be able to maneuver it better and also I will have to learn to hold my work more carefully so I do not break off parts I have already carved.

Thanks again for the suggestions.
Ken

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Ken, excellent carving, very impressive that it is your first one !

Dave

[Thor]

Ken, I think you're done exceptionally well for your first carving. Leaves were hard for me to "get" for some reason, and you're already conquered getting past the "flat" looking stage that I went through.

Holding a carving that size is made much easier by using a bench hook. Mine are made with a 12" X 12" pice of 3/4" plywood with a corner of it built up with 1" X 1" strips of wood on 2 sides to make a corner to brace things on. then, there is a 1" X 1" strip of wood under the front edge to hook onto a table or bench. I hope this is clear....If you do a search on this forum for bench hook, you'll see pictures.

This enables you to do without clamping over and over when working and having to turn a smaller relief carving.

Again, you did so well on this one, that I believe you'll do fine when you start on the bigger projects.

I hope to see more of your carvings soon.
Christina

[JimSawyer]

I gotta say this... Ken, I find great uses for gouges that a knife just can't do. Such is the unsung hero, the skew, or maybe the spoon gouge, (great for tight areas). But I learned from Ivan Whilock that there is such a thing as a tool specific cut. If you have the right profile and size, you will get a good cut right away. It is a science unto it's own, and we're all taking our own journey. But don't be held down by using just a knife, expand.
Wow, can I ramble, or what? lol
Good luck on all of your chip making.

[JimSawyer]

In regard to my previoous post... I take exception for people like Lynn Doherty, Who carves with, what we call up here in New England, a utility knife.
He's just out there...

[chuckt]

That's a bloody fantastic first attempt. Especially carved mostly with a knife. I have been putting off and putting off trying leaves. But I really want to carve greenmen faces so I guess I gotta just buck up and do it! Nice job. My only suggestion for you next try based on others I've seen and comments from Mark Y when I discussed carving leaves with him, would be to try for a little more twist & curl. Keep in mind S curves in all dimensions. That's what will make them pop with interest and depth.

Great work on your first attempt.

ChuckT

[Burtoni]

What a superfine first carving!! I especially applaud the depth you've achieved in this one! Good job!!

[Mark N. Akers]

Ken:
Great first attempt ,keep up the great job.

[KenC]

Christina: I do plan on making a bench hook for further relief carvings, thanks for the suggestion.

I just started the Gargoyle cane from the last issue of WCI, out of poplar. I will post it once I'm finished.

I am so glad that I found this site where skilled craftspeople are willing to help and give valuable tips. My first carving is far from great but I feel that it is so much better than it would have been if I had not found this site and read informative threads and followed some links to internet tutorials.
Thank you all for your help and I hope that you all can see the improvement in the new carvers that joined this site.
Because of all of you this site has seen a surge in new members.

Thanks
Ken