Master the basics of drawing with a veiner by Chris Pye This article was first published in issue 42 of Woodcarving Illustrated. A line inscribed on the surface of the wood is probably the simplest form of carving. This artistic expression traces its origins back to some of the most primitive art […]
Learn to tune this difficult-to-sharpen tool by Charles Berold This article was first published in issue 41 of Woodcarving Illustrated. Many carvers find sharpening V-tools a challenge. Most traditional methods focus on treating each side of the V as a straight chisel, but there are several steps leading up to the […]
An introduction to the tools used in traditional woodcarving by Chris Pye I carve in what might be called the traditional manner. It is sometimes referred to as European. The tools of my trade consist of variously shaped gouges, chisels, and so on. I don’t often use knives, which […]
Use simple methods to secure your blank for easier and safer carving by Chris Pye After sharpening your tools, how you hold your work has the most direct, mechanical bearing on your carving experience. Traditional European woodcarving uses both hands to guide the tools, so carvings must be securely […]
Use wood molding to practice sharpening techniques, before you work on your tools by Andre Breau For beginners, sharpening a carving tool usually means one of two things: taking the tool to a professional to sharpen, or risking the expensive tool practicing their sharpening technique. The National Woodcarving School […]
Improve your carving efficiency with an understanding of wood grain by Everett Ellenwood The way the wood grain lays in a piece of wood will affect every cut you make in every carving you do. The direction of the cut in a piece of wood will determine if you […]
Welcome to the seventh issue of Strop Talk! We are dedicated to bringing you new, fun, and informative content in each of our Strop Talk e-newsletters. Combined with our magazine, website, and online forum, Strop Talk is another way to help keep the creativity flowing and the carving knives sharp […]
Welcome to the sixth issue of Strop Talk! We are dedicated to bringing you new, fun, and informative content in each of our Strop Talk e-newsletters. Combined with our magazine, website, and online forum, Strop Talk is another way to help keep the creativity flowing and the carving knives sharp […]
An overview of commonly available protective gloves by Bob Duncan The safest way to carve is to use a holding device and keep both hands on the tool. However, many carvers hold their work in their hands. Proper hand positioning keeps the holding hand safely out of the tool’s […]
A carver needs more than sharp tools; a workspace, bench, and lighting are equally important by Chris Pye Carving, just like everything else, happens in a context. In other words, there are prior and surrounding circumstances that directly affect what you are doing. Indeed, they affect what you can […]
