Beginner Carving Supplies

The following items are recommended as the basic requirements for a person that is beginning to carve. They are listed in order by the importance or necessity of use in carving.  If you would like to call our customer service desk, (800-809-4286), we will help you with your selection. We are carvers ourselves and we make recommendations based on our years of experience and our experience of what works and what does not.   

Click on red words for links to web pages with more information & pictures.

1.  Safety Supplies -- We recommend that all carvers should consider the use of a safety glove and a thumb guard. 

2. All woodcarvers need a knife.   We recommend the American made general carving knife with the 1-1/2" blade. The knife has a slim handle that many people prefer.
Catalog number: HCK102 $14.95     Another very good choice for a quality tool would be the Fur and Feathers handmade knives.  These knives are very sharp, and they hold that edge for a long time without regular sharpening on a stone.  They are available in four blade lengths from 1" to 1-3/4".  Handles are solid hardwood - Zebra Wood, walnut, or cherry.  Good value for the money.

3. Woodcarving gouges are a must for almost all projects. We recommend starting with Ramelson gouges with palm handles that fit nicely in the hand and have a flat side that prevents them from rolling off a table or bench. These gouges are available in either a "standard" or "miniature" size. The miniature tools are frequently used for fine detail work, but the main tools you will use are in the standard size set. If you are going to buy only one set, go with the standard size set. Straight handles are available for those carvers that prefer them over the palm style. 
SP117       Standard size with palm handles             $39.95
SP117M    Miniature size with palm handles               39.95
SP116       Standard size with straight handles           39.95
SP116M    Miniature size with straight handles           39.95

4. Tool rolls are a safe and easy way to store and protect your carving tools.  Either the Wood is Good brand or Boat Canvas Tools Rolls will do the Job.  The above listed Ramelson gouges will fit in the 6 inch tool roll.

5. Books, patterns and other reference materials. There are three basic types of books available - the general reference book, the step-by-step book that details how to carve one or two projects, and books of patterns only.  We recommend a book like Woodcarving With Rick Butz - good basic information on tools, woods, painting and finishing. For the step-by-step books and pattern books, there are a wide selection available and it will be your choice based on your own interests in subject material for carving. Good authors are Tom Wolfe, Helen Gibson, Kelly Stadelman, and Cleve Taylor - Click here for a list of their books as well as some other step-by-step titles.  Click here for a list of very good books for those starting out in carving.  We also have books that are specifically written for children - Click here.

6. Wood!!! We recommend basswood as a good wood for carving. The basswood is quite soft and has a consistent grain structure that is very consistent to work with and it will hold detail without crumbling off.   We carry a good selection of prime top quality of basswood in many sizes.  
 

Bird Feet
Gift Certificates
Books and Patterns
Checkering Tools
Glass Eyes
Hand Tools
Miscellaneous Hand Tools
Power Carving Accessories
Paint and Waxes
Safety Supplies
Sanding Supplies
Sharpening Supplies
Wood Products
Gunstock Checkering