Whittling on the front porch is as American as apple pie. Before television and the Internet, sitting on the veranda and shaping a piece of wood with a knife was one of the most popular pastimes. You can transport yourself back to the good old days or inspire a friend or family member by giving yourself or them the gift of a homemade whittling knife. By making the knife yourself, you decide the shape of the blade and the fit of the handle. more »

Carving a whistle by hand requires time, energy and patience. It also requires a bit of skill with a whittling knife. Creating your own functional whistle, though, is well-worth the effort. Children will especially enjoy seeing a whistle emerge from a simple stick. more »

Carving a ball is one of those woodcarving crafts that fall into the realm of whittling. Whittling a ball is one of the simplest carving methods to master. Other than a whittling knife or a sharp pocket knife and a compass no tools are needed. A square basswood block is the best wood with which to learn. Basswood is a softer wood and is easy to carve for beginners. more »

Woodworking is one of the oldest hobbies still practiced today. Whether you are using power tools to cut large furniture pieces or carving small figurines the old-fashioned way, on your front porch with a whittling knife, there are a few basic tips that can make your craft easier and more pleasurable. Here are some strategies for getting the most out of your woodworking projects. more »

Woodworking is one of the oldest hobbies around. From using a simple whittling knife to power carvers, people have been crafting wood for centuries. Working with wood can be a fun way to spend your free time and possibly a way to make a side income at flea markets and craft fairs. The best way to get started is to try a few simple wood projects. Here are some wood projects you can craft with minimal resources and effort. more »

Learn how to fashion a whittling knife with an advanced design from some of the most common tools and materials found in a basic workshop or ordinary hardware store. The dual-edged recurve blade allows for a shearing action, to efficiently slice through wood when used with the traditional whittling grip. The slender wasp-waisted handle enhances control of the cutting strokes. The techniques used in the knife's construction also work for making whittling knives with traditionally shaped blades. more »