[Gear Dog]

Well this is something I've always wanted to do but never had anyone to show me how. As a kid I've alway sharpened sticks to a point for marshmallows over the fire.
Well I recently became interested in straigh razor shaving and in researching that I came across a link that shows you how to take an old razor and make it into a carving knife. Then I was at Michael's with a 50% coupon wandering the isles looking for some tool I might need one day and came across a carving knife. I picked it up along with a bag of basswood. After the kids were put to bed I took out my new toy ready to start only to find out the blade needed sharpening. So I go down to the garage to find my sharpening stone to put an edge on it. By the time it was sharpe enough to cut my hand was cramped and I was ready to go to bed. The next day I'm ready again, but I don't know what to carve. So after looking a while online I decided I was going to try and make a knight for a chess set. Not having any clue as to doing this I drew a front and side view on the block.
Well below is a pic of the knight as well as the old guy tutorial I started last night.
I really made progress with the old guy with all of the reference photos. I only wish I could carve on the train ride home since it is an hour long.

Anyway I hope to learn a lot from this forum there is a lot of talent here.

Ken

[Just Carving]

Nice work! keep at it--you'll get better!

Why can't you carve on the train? If for security reasons, okay--you can always practice freehand sketching--great way to come up with your own ideas for patterns. But if you're worried about the chips--carve into a piece of newspaper in your lap. When you get to your stop, fold it up, and toss it in the trash. You can also carve into a pillow case, too. I suggest you get a kevlar glove if you haven't already--only a matter of time before a carver nicks himself.

Bob L

[Gear Dog]

yeah I work in NYC and have to go through Grand Central Station where security is tight. There are National Guardsmen posted everywhere and the police ride the trains frequently. Thrust me if I could I would carve right in my bag and clean it out when I get home.
As for the glove it's on my list of things to get. right now i'm working with a carving knife from a company called Walnut Hollow. I'm not that crazy about it but it gets the job done. I figure I'll get some practice with this one then look for a nicer knife later. I see there are some clubs in my area so I might hold off to see what other people are using.

[Just Carving]

Live in Jersey--gotcha on Grand Central. There are some relatively cheap knives around and probably a lot better than Walnut Hollow. Check with Rick at Little Shavers.com Tell him we sent you. He'll work with you and get you set up to do what you want. His beginner set is great--good tools, excellent sharpening--can't be beat, and good prices--and reputable work and service. If you need some decent basswood--go to Heinecke Wood Products Tell Dale you got the tip from the forum to talk to him. His prices are great, the wood is great, and service is great. I'm putting a plug in for these guys because they served me well, and a lot of others here, too.

Bob L

[Mottles]

Hi Ken, and welcome looks like you have a fine start here, keep going!
Please share when you get it finished or if you need help this is the place to be.
Kathy