5 Essential Tools For Beginner Wood Carvers

Starting your wood carving journey can be incredibly rewarding, but knowing where to begin is often the hardest part. Having the right tools and materials will make learning easier and more enjoyable. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the five essential things you’ll need to get started. (Some of the links are affiliate links and purchasing though these links will provide me with a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

1. Wood

Starting with the right wood is crucial for a smooth carving experience. Softwoods like basswood (also known as limewood in the UK) are ideal for beginners because they’re easy to cut and shape without requiring too much force.

Recommended UK Suppliers:

• Beavercraft wood blanks

• Basswood 2x2x12” – Hobbycraft

• Basswood 2x3x12” – Hobbycraft

• English Woods (various sizes)

Tip: Start with smaller blocks (1x1” or 2x2”) for easier handling. Basswood’s consistent grain makes it ideal for both rough shaping and detailed work.

2. Carving Knife

A good carving knife is the foundation of every project. A versatile, sharp knife allows you to practice different cuts and techniques.

Recommended Knives:

• Flexcut Roughing Knife – Great for removing larger amounts of wood and shaping.

• Flexcut Detail Knife KN13 – Perfect for finer details and delicate work.

• S15 – Starter Chip Carving and Whittling Knife Set – Affordable starter set and beginner-friendly.

  
  

Other Knife Sources:

• Axminster Tools – UK-based with physical stores.

• BeaverCraft

• Cyclaire Shop

• Classic Hand Tools

Tip: Don’t worry too much about finding the “perfect” knife at first. Start with a versatile knife, and as you practice, you’ll discover which shapes and styles work best for your carving style.

3. Sharpening Tools

A sharp knife is a safe knife. A dull blade requires more force, which increases the risk of slipping and injury. Keeping your tools sharp makes carving easier and gives you cleaner, more controlled cuts.

Recommended Strops and Compounds:

• BeaverCraft LSC4P1 Leather Stropping Block Kit – A great starter kit for maintaining sharp edges.

• Flexcut PW16 Dual-Sided Leather Paddle Strop – High-quality strop with polishing compound included.

How to Strop:

1. Apply the compound to the strop.

2. Draw the blade along the strop at a consistent angle (around 15°–20°).

3. Alternate sides every 5–10 strokes, aiming for about 30 strokes per side.

4. For softwoods like basswood, strop your knife every 30 minutes of carving.

4. Protection

Even experienced carvers cut themselves occasionally—it's part of the process. Investing in protective gear helps you avoid serious injury.

Recommended Safety Gear:

• Cut Resistant Gloves – Essential for protecting your hands.

• Finger Guards – Useful for protecting fingers during detailed work.

• ANDANDA Level 5 Cut Resistant Gloves – High-level protection without sacrificing comfort.

• Cut Resistant Tape – Wrap around fingers or thumbs for added protection.

Tip: Even with protective gear, always carve away from yourself and keep your non-dominant hand behind the cutting edge.

5. Ideas and Inspiration

Once you have your tools, it’s time to get creative! Start with simple projects to build confidence and practice basic techniques.

Beginner-Friendly Project Ideas:

• Owls – Simple shapes, great for learning cuts.

• Birds – Focus on smooth curves and symmetry.

• Foxes – Ideal for practicing detailed carving.

• Gnomes and Mushrooms – Fun, whimsical designs that are easy to customize.

Helpful Books and Magazines:

• Complete Starter Guide to Whittling – A solid foundation for beginners.

• 20-Minute Whittling Projects – Quick, easy projects to build confidence.

• Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures – Great for fantasy carving.

• Woodcarving Illustrated Issue 106 Spring 24 – Inspiring projects and techniques.

• Woodcarving Illustrated Subscription

Other Sources of Inspiration:

• YouTube – Search for "beginner wood carving" tutorials.

• Pinterest – Find design ideas and step-by-step guides.

• Nature – Leaves, mushrooms, and animals are great inspiration.

• TV and Pop Culture – Carve characters or symbols from your favorite shows.

• And if you’re still looking for ideas, check out this video where I carve a beautiful fairy door—it might spark some inspiration!

Ready to Get Started?

With the right tools and some inspiration, you’re ready to start your wood carving journey. Don’t worry about making mistakes—it’s all part of the learning process.

Check out my full guide and recommended tools here: Full Guide

What’s your first project going to be? Let me know in the comments!

Happy carving!