Reddit mentions of Swedish Carving Techniques (Fine Woodworking)

I've just started out learning to carve spoons with a hatchet, a hook knife, and a straight knife. Here's the kit I bought: http://www.robin-wood.co.uk/shop/robin-wood-spooncarving-tools-starter-kit/

Learning from this book: https://www.amazon.com/Swedish-Carving-Techniques-Fine-Woodworking/dp/1627106731

I try and snag wood when trees blow down in a storm or get cut down.

OP's spoon doesn't look like it was knife carved though, so hopefully they'll chime in with their method!

Hey, I'm in a similar boat as you, and just started carving as well. Also more into treen and not figures at the moment.

That set looks OK but I would rather go for a couple of knives, one straight and one bent. Look at this guy's page for pointers http://davidffisher.com/frequently_asked_questions (he is an amazing carver btw look at his gallery). Mora knives are popular. You might want a small carving axe as well. I bought a cheap ($10) hatchet and ground a larger bevel on one side. Also this book is excellent https://www.amazon.com/Swedish-Carving-Techniques-Fine-Woodworking/dp/1627106731/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= . Have fun! Happy to answer any other questions I can.

I was gifted this book a while back and he discusses it. (Really good book.)

And also.....there was a youtube video I just watched today, a guy with a really nice shop and really nice spoons used the technique, and of course I can't fucking find it now. I'm sorry. I gotta keep looking.

Yeah for sure man it was a great video watching profesionals work is great. I am still learning myself so I watch alot of these videos.

The op just happened to go too fast and took off the thumb from the wood which is what made it dangerous. Had he gone a bit slower and kept his thumb there it would have been a good cut. But hey everyone makes mistakes, I know I do. Even the best carvers still get cuts from time to time. I once slipped with a gouge and had a curved cut on my hand, needless to say I haven't done it since (also have a scar as a reminder). I've also had a few close calls with knives too, but I generally try to take my time and do controlled cuts.

If you want to learn great cuts I highly recommend this book: http://www.amazon.com/Swedish-Carving-Techniques-Fine-Woodworking/dp/1627106731, this is where I learned most of these cuts, it is really an amazing book.

I definitely agree that even I think some cuts look pretty dangerous when watching the pros do it, but then I think these guys know what they are doing and just looks dangerous to the untrained eye, when really they are in full control.

I highly recommend taking a class or a 1:1 lesson to start. carving knifes are razor sharp and you can really hurt yourself.

You'll have to learn the knife grips b/c they have some safety built in. The rest is common sense. Don't force the cut, use a razor sharp knife, etc.

some production carvers do use a spoon mule. https://www.michigansloyd.com/blogs/blogg/spoon-mule-build-tutorial

https://www.amazon.com/Swedish-Carving-Techniques-Fine-Woodworking/dp/1627106731

https://www.amazon.com/Spoon-Guide-Carving-Wood-Culture/