The Sage

[Ron T]

The Sage is a carving on Butternut that I’ve been working on for almost two years. It was carved on the corner of a 6" x 1 3/4" block. It has been finished with Watco Danish oil and will get a coat of paste wax and a good buffing. It is a modification of my original Mongol stick design and was influenced, hand stroking beard, by the Master in “Kill Bill 2: The Movie.” It will be a gift to a good friend of mine in Hawaii.

I spent most of yesterday fighting the fuzzies and a lot of sessions before that smoothing out chatter and tearouts in the hair grooves. I won’t do another carving with so many curving grooves on Butternut.

It took me so long because, I now realize, my inspiration and imagination far exceeded my carving ability and skils. As I learned to carve, I would pick up the carving and proceed.

I hope you like it and will post your comments.

[MelNM]

Beautiful work Ron, I like it. To me your carving skills match very well with your imagination and inspiration.
Great Work
Mel

[Ron T]

Thanks Mel,

They're starting to catch up and match a little better.

[dnstehly]

Good work Ron. You are turning out some very nice pieces.

[Ron T]

Thank you David. This started out to be a stick topper but I decided to gift it away.

[Sharon of the Dell]

I really like it Ron! Your skills are really showing. I'm so glad you finished it. Did you say WOW when you were done? If not, you should because it is fantastic!

[Ron T]

Hi Sharon,

Yeah, that was a big relief. My plan is to go through my unfinished projects one by one and get them done.

Thank you.

[Sharon of the Dell]

I meant WOW! it's awesome! LOL But I would sigh with relief also because I have so many unfinished things.

[markken5889]

Hi Ron,

I was first going to write you about what a nice piece you've put out, and that it looks really great with the figuring in the butternut. Then I saw the 3rd picture - that profile is absolutely stunning. What a phenominal piece of work! Working with the butternut does have its frustrations sometimes, but geez - the grain always seems to make it worthwhile in the end.
You did a truly great job here!
Mark

[oldbearx2]

Hey Ron beautiful carving, butternut sure is a georgous wood to put a natural finish on.