About Whittling Tools
Whittling has been considered the most creative and inexpensive hobbies there is for people to enjoy. This is due to the fact that there are very few tools needed to whittle wood. It is important to know though, what wood and knife are best for the piece you are creating. There are also safety precautions that should be followed, whether you are a beginner or an experienced whittler.
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Significance
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The wood and the knife or knives you choose to use will greatly affect the outcome of the piece you are working on. It is imperative to know what woods work best according to the hardness, and what knives are best according to their design. Some knives offer more than one blade, enabling a carver to accomplish many levels of design on their chosen piece of wood.
Function
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The knife you choose to use is secondary only to the wood you have chosen to carve. Some knives are better for the initial, larger carving process, while yet others are designed for more intricate details. You must also take into account how comfortable you are with the knife itself. There are many different types of wood available to carve from. It is necessary to choose the wood according to its grain and color; if it's a straight grain wood, it will be softer and easier to carve. If it's a uniform color, you can rest assured that the hardness of the wood will not change part way through your project.
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Types
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As for the wood chosen you choose for carving, there are a list of many that will suffice. Basswood, balsa, pine, birch, red mahogany and walnut are just a few of the choices available. It really depends on the whittler as to his preference. Knives are obviously the next choice. Some experienced whittlers opt to use a box cutter or a simple pocket knife with a chip and detail blade. There are others who believe that a three bladed pocket knife is best because it has one blade for heavier cuts and two smaller blades which are great for more detailed cuts. If you choose a folding knife, be sure the blade locks so that it won't collapse when you are using it.
Considerations
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When whittling, you will need to keep your knives sharp. Even new knives need to be sharpened and this is done by using oil stone that is moistened with oil, or through the use of whetstone which is moistened with water. When it comes time to finish your carving, you will need a rasp and a file to smooth out the grooves.
Prevention/Solution
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Whenever you are using a sharp knife, there is always the possibility of being cut. These risks can be reduced by following some safety precautions. First and foremost, the knife should feel comfortable in your hand. You should always wear a pair of gloves in case the knife slips. The gloves will offer protection against cutting your hands and fingers. Always keep the knife going away from your body, and lock your wrists for more control.
Warning
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While whittling is a great hobby to pass down to children, caution must always be used whenever a child is using a sharp knife. It is recommended that children under the age of twelve should not be introduced to whittling because they do not have enough strength or control. However, if you choose to let your child join in on the whittling fun, it is better if they perform the finishing work with rasps and files. There is no chance for injury in this step and allows them the time needed to grow used to the process of whittling.
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