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  #1  
Old 11-28-2006, 12:55 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Louisiana
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Default Newly hooked on carving - Hello!

Hi All,

I am from Louisiana and I am now officially hooked on wood carving. Long story short, I took a carving class last spring - which I LOVED. My first (and so far, only) carving was a cypress knee Santa that I presented to my father.

Now I want to take up wood carving as a hobby, and I don't really know where to begin. Santa is giving me about $125 towards whatever I determine I'll need to get started carving (I don't even have a knife yet).

I have a fairly good idea of what I need to get in the way of basics, like a good bench knife, detail knife, gouges, glove, thumb guard, strop, etc. But I am curious as to what everyone else out there thinks I should invest in. Any suggestions on basic beginner books?

And what about knives? In my class, I used my instructor's Helvie knife and really liked it, except that the handle was too bulky for my hand (now I am aware that Helvie knives come with varying handles). Anyone out there with smaller hands - I'd love to hear which knives you prefer.

Well, anyway, it is getting late here. I was excited to stumble upon this board, and I look forward to any advice, pointers, tips, etc. that you all can share with me. Thanks in advance!
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  #2  
Old 11-28-2006, 01:08 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Walla Walla WA
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Default Re: Newly hooked on carving - Hello!

Hello and welcome

Funny you mention knives check out the thread on detail knives. you'll get a lot of info there on different ones

I just gave away a couple of books to another new carver here on the forum. I have a few more that I'm no longer using. I can PM you a list in the AM you are welcome to one or two at no charge to get you started. You can save that christmas money for your new tools
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  #3  
Old 11-28-2006, 05:01 AM
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Location: Guyton,GA
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Default Re: Newly hooked on carving - Hello!

bb swampgirl,

hello and welcome to the board it sounds as if you have a good idea as to what you need, as far as knives go they are all good but i like the helvies and the denny's but my favorite is my custom made rick ferry knife.but to start with either of the first two are good choices,

bart
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  #4  
Old 11-28-2006, 07:06 AM
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Default Re: Newly hooked on carving - Hello!

First of all, welcome aboard.

As for tools, you could do no better to begin than a starter set from Rick at Little Shavers. That will only take $40 of your budget. Look through his site ( www.littleshavers.com ) at knives, and ask him for recommendations, he's a great guy and really helpful.

Glad to hear that the carving bug has bitten another one, it will bring you years of enjoyment and relaxation.

Bob
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  #5  
Old 11-28-2006, 08:26 AM
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Default Re: Newly hooked on carving - Hello!

A Cajun Carver.....Great! Welcome to the group. I understand the Swampgirl but what does "bb" stand for??
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  #6  
Old 11-28-2006, 09:54 AM
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Default Re: Newly hooked on carving - Hello!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn O. Doughty
A Cajun Carver.....Great! Welcome to the group. I understand the Swampgirl but what does "bb" stand for??
Let me guess . . .blue bayou???

Welcome Swampgirl
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On the road that I have taken,
one day, walking, I awaken,

amazed to see where I have come,
where I'm going, where I'm from.---The Book of Counted Sorrows, Dean Koontz


Menopausal woman with a knife

Last edited by Nancy-ID : 11-28-2006 at 09:59 AM.
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  #7  
Old 11-28-2006, 10:15 AM
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Default Re: Newly hooked on carving - Hello!

Bacon Burger?
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  #8  
Old 11-28-2006, 10:56 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Oak Lawn, IL
Posts: 100
Default Re: Newly hooked on carving - Hello!

Hello swampgirl,

For a good quality roughout knife with a smaller handle, I would suggest a Ron Wells knife with a 1 3/4" blade. For a detail knife, my recomendation would be a DEnny 1" blade. Rick at Little Shavers carries both knives, and they will arrive razor sharp.
For gouges, there is a lot of debate. If you have access to a carving club or show, or know another carver, try out as many different brands as you can, and decide what you like. I love the Denny gouges, and the Pfeil palm tools. Many on this list swear by Flexcut. The Flexcut SK107 set gives you ten tools for only $90.00
http://www.flexcut.com/products/cart...ategory_id=206
The FR405 set gives you nine tools for $129.00:
http://www.flexcut.com/products/cart...ategory_id=113
Rick also sells these tools. Rick will also re-sharpen any tool you buy from him at no cost. You only pay the postage.

Good Luck and Carving,
Dan Heine
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  #9  
Old 11-28-2006, 11:32 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Louisiana
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Default Re: Newly hooked on carving - Hello!

Well,

I didn't expect to get so many responses so quickly - how wonderful! THANK YOU ALL for the assistance.

FYI - the "bb" in bbswampgirl happened when I tried without success to claim "swampgirl" for my Yahoo user name. It had been previously claimed. While working at a state park, I tried other combinations (aswampgirl, bswampgirl, etc.) until I landed "bbswampgirl". Interestingly enough, I took a job not too long after at Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center and the "bb" seemed very appropriate (blue - bonnet???). Anyone believe in fate??? HA!

Silver&dust, thank you very much for the offer on the books - how generous of you! Can you email me a list of what you've got and let me know which ones you recommend the most?
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  #10  
Old 11-28-2006, 02:41 PM
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Default Re: Newly hooked on carving - Hello!

bbswampgirl,

the knives that have been mentioned are all very good knives{ dennys,helvies,and ron wells}

as far as gouges i like the denny gouges and the pfiel swiss made tools but starting out the denny gouges would be a good place to start and expand from there. denny has a wide range of sizes and styles.and they are not to bad on the pocketbook.

bart
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