Things You'll Need:
- Whittling Knives Or Knives
- Sharpening Stones
- Whittling Tools
- Wood Rasps
- Strops
- Blocks Of Wood For Carving
- Sanding Sticks
- Wood Chisels
- Wood Files
- Wood Gouges
- Wood Chisels
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Step 1
Test out some knives at a knife or hobby store or shop. Many whittlers stick to folding pocketknives because of their portability and convenience. Some demand a knife that can be opened and closed with one hand. And some like to have a selection handy.
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Step 2
Decide on what kind and how many knives you require. At a minimum, you want one that fits your hand and is well-balanced and comfortable.
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Step 3
Consider sharpening materials. Factory-made whittling knives leave the factory unsharpened, because whittlers are picky about their blades. You'll need a sharpening block and a strop to hone the blade if you want to sharpen your own (and at some point you will, even if it's sharp to begin with).
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Step 4
Test out some other tools at a woodworking or art supply store. After a knife, your next acquisition should probably be a good quality set of standard-sized palm chisels - but some carvers use gouges, rasps, and sanding sticks as well.
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Step 5
Decide whether you'll need any other tools. Some whittlers believe that anything other than a whittling knife turns whittling into carving. Others believe there's a big middle ground.
