new member - littledreamer

littledreamer · #1 02-02-2006, 09:38 AM

hi i joined this group in hopes of learning the art of carving. i do woodburning and scroll sawing but always wanted to know how to carve. i love charactures. ive ordered a couple of books from fox chapel. waiting for them to arrive. can anybody tell me what kind of carving knife would be good to do characters(figurines)with. the knife i bought at micheals doesnt work at all. thanks
littledreamer

Anthony Filetti · #2 02-02-2006, 09:43 AM

welcome littledreamer...if you looks at the threads under Tools & Sharpening you'll see quite a few topcis regarding the selection of knives. you should look to obtain two knives, one for general carving and a smaller one for detail.
Each will run on avareage about $30.

It is just as important once you have the knife to know what sharp is and how to keep your knives in that condition. This will make the carving easier and will ensure that you don't tear the wood which will result in a much nicer carving...hope this helps...

littledreamer · #3 02-02-2006, 02:03 PM

thank you tony

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #4 02-02-2006, 02:18 PM

Hi Tony, welcome...I am gonna stick my neck out here......I have a lot of knives and have made a lot of knives..but for a beginner, I don't think you could go wrong with a flexcut, a good start and they are I believe about 18.00 depending on the supply house you buy at and they are "sharp" which most blades are not when you get them.......imho

Mitchell · #5 02-02-2006, 02:23 PM

I believe that you should really take some time to learn to sharpen and maintain the edge on your knives also. There may be a few threads in the beginner section about knives also.

Hopefully some of the books that you purchased will have something about sharpening in them. If not, go to www.littleshavers.com and check out Rick's information on sharpening.

Callynne · #6 02-03-2006, 09:12 AM

Welcome, Tony! You've come to just the right place, lots of great people here more than willing to help out. Ask us anything, someone will surely have the answer! Again, Welcome!

Deborah

littledreamer · #7 02-03-2006, 02:58 PM

im sorry my name is cindy i was just thanking tony for his advice. and i would like to thank everyone for their advice. i went to littleshavers and got all the answers i need and ordered also.
thanks
cindy(littledreamer)

squbrigg · #8 02-03-2006, 05:17 PM

Welcome aboard Dreamer, you've come to the right place. We love to talk carving here! Have fun with your adventure into the new world of woodcarving.

Bob

Ron Davidson · #9 02-03-2006, 08:54 PM

Welcome aboard little dreamer. This is the best place for questions and coments. We are one big happy family.
Ron

Donna_T · #10 02-03-2006, 10:06 PM

Welcome Cindy,
Lots of good stuff is found here. And if you've already contacted Rick Ferry at Little Shavers, you're on the right track.

Your profile doesn't say where you call home, but one of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to check around and see if there is a carving club nearby and, if so, get involved with it. They will be a great support and help--and it's ever so much better than having to find out everything yourself--the hard way.
It's good to have you join us. Have a great time while you're learning to carve.
Donna T