Odds and Ends

Most carvers are self-taught or taught by someone who was self-taught.  The problem with this is that bad habits are learned and taught.

There is no “magic” tool which will make you a good carver, only knowledge, quality tools and practice will accomplish that.

Long standing techniques have come down to us through the centuries.  The reason why they are still being taught is because they are reliable methods that work.

A good tool is an extension of a carvers arm.  Tools by themselves do nothing but look pretty.  It is the carver who makes them work.

Modern carving tools have only been around since the Victorian era, before that Blacksmiths individually fashioned tools. Before the iron age, bones, obsidian and rocks were used to fashion carving tools.  Carving is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, craft.  The possessor of carving tools and skills assured himself a valued place in the harsh primitive times. A 6000 year old carver would recognize most of the modern profiles and would understand their purpose.

Carving tools are not disposable and are manufactured to last several lifetimes.  Pass them on!