New Items on Etsy

I've posted some new carvings on Etsy, including a small horse and some spike trolls. Have a look!

Works in Progress: Christmas Ornaments

Wooden eggs, found on etsy or at any hobby shop, can be great for carving. The quality of wood varies, but as a starting shape the egg is very versatile. This Santa carving uses the egg point down, while the cabin in the woods is egg point up. When these are done I'll attach a brass eyelet and some ribbon to each one.

Work in Progress: Spool Face

Old wooden spools are great for carving. Mustache Dude here should be finished shortly.

Work in Progress: Walking Stick

I'm carving this woodspirit walking stick from a piece of pear, about 4' long. I'm leaving the bark on top for a grip. The spirit's beard wraps once around the staff. This project still needs to be sanded and stained, and I plan to add a metal spike/rubber stopper on the bottom. I'll update when it's finished.



(edited to add better photo)

The Figure Four Deadfall

I'm participating in a bushcraft skill challenge over on Blade Forums. Every day this month I will make a figure four deadfall trap. So far I've made one each day for a week, with all but one being successful. The carving demands are very basic. The figure four consists of three sticks and a heavy weight such as a rock or log. The three sticks are cut and notched, then set together under the heavy object. All four parts support each other. The weight rests on the diagonal (lever) stick, which pivots on the upright, and the lever pulls on the trigger stick, which is notched and rests against the upright. When the trigger stick is disturbed, the trap collapses and the deadfall crushes the target animal.


By the end of October this should be a well honed skill.

The NYT declares Scandinavian knives fashionable

I use Scandi knives almost exclusively when carving. I use traditional Moras and Bruslettos, which have a Scandinavian grind. My newest knife, an ML Knives whittler, is a convexed Scandi. The acute angle of the bevel really makes for thin slices and curly wood chips. Now approved by the Men's Fashion Section of the New York Times!


photo:Chikaka Harada

A Spoon for Mom

Here's a spoon I carved for my Mom. The wood is from a pear tree in my parents' yard. The carving process was fun, since it smelled just like fresh pears. After carving, I hand sanded the spoon and soaked it in salad bowl finish.