[VAwoodcarver]

In June i ordered a large cypress knee and when i started to carve it i noticed how bad it crumbled and broke off if you cut across grain. I found it very difficult to carve small details like the eyes without it chipping or crumbling. I dont know if i just had a bad knee or are they all like that??

[Doug Ridley]

I carve a LOT of knees and have not had a problem. I only use power carvers, mostly micromotors, when carving Cypress knees.

[bygeorge]

I have had pretty good success carving knees, however, your tools have to be very sharp. Also, if cutting details cross grain, I try to stick with my knives as much as possible. Even then, they must be very sharp.

Don't give up, give it another try. They really do make beautiful carvings.

Chuck

[VAwoodcarver]

thanks for the comments. oo i agree completely ill have to post some pics of my cypress knee it turned out better than i expected.

[GeorgiaCarver]

As already said, power carving works best. If you use hand tools they must be very sharp and strop often, every 5 minutes or so!

Usually that takes care of the crumblies.

Greg