- There are several whittling cuts. The thumb cut, one of the simplest and most common, is like taking a paring knife and peeling vegetables. The push-away cut, another option used when the thumb cut can't reach, is made by pushing the blade away from you. The V-cut is used to show detail in your carving in the form of hair or scales and uses the point of the knife. Finally, you can do a stop cut, which also uses the knife point but at an angle.
- To minimize the danger of being cut when whittling, most whittlers have a thumb pad. For a cheaper alternative, wrap masking tape sticky side out around your whole thumb from the knuckle to the tip. Next, wrap tape with the sticky side in over it at least six times. You could also wrap your thumb with duct tape in five layers or wear a pair of leather work gloves and wrap four layers of duct tape around the thumb.
- To whittle, you need a piece of wood that can fit in your hand comfortably but that is big enough to whittle carve. Good species of wood include white pine, sugar pine and basswood. The knife you choose should have a sharp 1 1/2-inch blade. A dull knife is more dangerous because you will need to push on it harder to make a cut. If you slip, it will cut into you with a lot of force. It also needs to be sharp because when you whittle, you cut both with the grain and across the grain.
- Unless you are whittling just to pass the time, decide what to make before you start. Whittling is a meditative process, so think about each cut before you make it. It's better to make a small cut and add to it than make a large cut that is too big. While you are working, keep your grip relaxed so your hand will not tire out.
Types of Cuts
Safety Precautions
Materials
Planning
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