Best products from r/Spooncarving

I'm not a huge fan of hook knives as I prefer to carve seasoned hardwoods rather than green, so I prefer gouges instead. I love my set of Flexcut Deluxe Palm Set for detail work, well worth the investment for me with excellent steel, quality, and fit/finish. The only problem is the relative small size, making large amounts of stock removal a chore even with a mallet. I plan to invest in a set of Flexcut's mallet tools next and use larger antique carving gouges for that task. As for a mallet, I love my Wood is Good mallet for gouges, and a chisel hammer for bench chisels. The carving mallet allows you to put different angles and power behind your blows for carving, while the chisel hammer lets you connect very squarely.

For me at least, a spokeshave is a must for contouring the outer bowl and handle. I prefer a good antique Stanley 53 as you can adjust the mouth to quickly dial in depth of cut. They are affordable on the secondhand market and depending on where you live can be found at flea markets and antique shops. Veritas also makes multiple models that i have heard great things about and plan to purchase one of those in the future as well.

Rather than an axe, I prefer a small draw knife for roughing work. I currently have the Flexcut 5" which isn't bad if you can get it on sale, but it is a bit smaller than I would like. Currently on the lookout for a larger antique one at a good price. If I am going to use an axe, I like a sharp hewing hatchet, as it is easier to get the bevel to bite accurately without gouging too deeply.

A good carving knife is beneficial, but I find myself using my bench chisels for that work more often. You don't need to go too crazy here as they are very simple tools, and you can get sets on Amazon for cheap. I like my VonHaus set, and have heard good things about Narex as well. I have a set of Flexcut carving knives but honestly find the pelican knives useless and would much rather have something else, but do use the carving knife and detail knife on occasion. Wish this set would have come with any other 2 knives.

Whatever tools you decide on, invest equally in your sharpening system. The best tools on the planet aren't worth anything if they dull and you can't bring them back to a pristine edge, especially in seasoned hardwoods. Tools that allow you to control depth of cut are going to give you a more precise and evenly contoured look, whereas tools without depth control will give you a more rustic and uneven look. Each has their place and are fun to explore and mix. I prefer symmetrical, even shapes normally but love to switch it up and try new techniques. If you don't have the cash to make big purchases, start scouring local flea markets and antique shops. Normally there is at least one booth at flea markets specializing in cheap old tools which you will need to learn to restore. There is usually at least one antique shop as well that specializes in old tools (some woodworking specifically) that you want to search for. Be careful though, acquiring and restoring antique tools can end up being just as fun as using them. If you have any questions, just let me know!

I'm not an expert on using gouges on spoons, but I've used this Pfeil gouge a lot making Kuksa's and tinkered on spoons with it and a mallet. I think if you do the appropriate amount of axe work and you're working with green wood then you may not actually need a mallet to hollow the bowl. If you're using kiln dried hard wood it would definitely save you some forearm soreness

PFEIL"Swiss Made" 25mm # 7 Sweep Bent Gouge and I have a Hans Karlson dogleg gouge that I don't use a mallet with that works ok with spoons.

These are the gloves I bought. I typically don't glove my knife hand but appreciate that these have silicone which helps keep things sticky. When I haven't worn a glove and I cut myself its either been my left thumb or the web area between my thumb and 1st finger.

Thank you! Gonna look into those knives and the sharpening kit. As for the blanks, do you think this one from Amazon will work fine or should I just order them from Emmet Van Driesch?

What do you think about this

https://www.amazon.ca/Morakniv-Woodworking-Knife-Wood-Carving/dp/B075TB4B2H/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?keywords=mora+120&qid=1569935660&sr=8-14

I’m in Canada so ordering from UK isn’t ideal

This is the one I have for $15, works great but have nothing to compare it too

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/