Tools

You really only need a carving knife... And maybe a u-tool to make large gouges

Beginner Tools

For straightforward, small-scale carving projects:

Carving Knife
- A sharp, general-purpose carving knife for rough shaping and basic cuts.
- Example: Whittling knife like the Morakniv 120.
Detail Knife
- A smaller blade for intricate details and fine work.
Gouges
- U-shaped chisels for scooping and rounding areas.
- Suggested size: Small to medium gouge (e.g., 6mm–12mm).
V-Tool
- For creating fine lines, grooves, and texture.
- Typical angle: 60° or 90°.
Strop and Polishing Compound
Cut-Resistant Glove
Wood
- Use softwoods like basswood or butternut to practice.

As you advance, you can add more specialized tools for greater control and efficiency:

Specialty Knives
- Hook Knife: For hollowing and carving concave shapes.
- Chip Carving Knife: For geometric patterns and chip carving.
Chisels and Mallet
- Flat chisels and bevel-edge chisels for shaping and finishing.
- Suggested width: 6mm–12mm for small projects.
Additional Gouges
- A variety of sizes (3mm–12mm) and sweeps for more complex shapes.
- Add a spoon gouge for curved surfaces.
Micro-Carving Tools
- For extremely fine details (e.g., fingernails, feathers, or scales).
Rotary Tool (Dremel)
- For faster carving, sanding, and adding intricate details.
- Use with small burrs and sanding attachments.
Sandpaper or Files
- Sandpaper: Grit levels 150–600 for smoothing the finished piece.
- Needle files: For refining edges and hard-to-reach areas.
Burnishing Tool
- Smooths the wood surface without sanding for a polished finish.

Tool Size: For a project the size of half a hand, prioritize small to medium-sized tools. Avoid bulky chisels or gouges.
Safety: Always carve away from yourself and wear a glove on the hand holding the wood.
Maintenance: Keep tools sharp and clean for smooth cuts and better control.