from NE Michigan

[jackpine]

Hello folks. I'm new to the site, wanting to snoop around and glean from experienced carvers but really don't feel right doing so with out first introducing myself, My name is Ray,65 yo and looking for a way to spend these so called golden years, I dove in head first to carving (whittling) 2 months ago without any words of advice from those in the know by buying a value priced knife set from amazon, not that I regret the purchase but I believe I could have done better to ask around first. My first attempts (pic included) were inspired from a youtube creator (I believe most of you will recognize these) and am greatly inspired by his content. to say I'm addicted is a fair statement. also I'll put up a pic of my arsenal of wood attack utensils, 2 store bought and 3 I made out of old planner blades. Thanks for letting me in and looking forward to the journey

[Nebraska]

Welcome to the forum.

[woodburner807]

Welcome to the forum, Jack, and this is a group of very helpful carvers.

[Merle Rice]

Hi, Ray, you follow Instructions Very Well your Results show it. All nice Work . Welcome , hope you stay around and enjoy this Hobby with us . Merle

[sappy]

Welcome Ray, specially like the little dogs!

[JBright11]

Welcome to the forum! I look forward to seeing more of your work.

[rjrsky]

Welcome. well done indeed.

[yolli]

Welcome to this great forum. You already had a good start.

[Eddy-Smiles]

Welcome aboard! We can always use new blood on the forum! I say that figuratively, not literally! Anyway, it looks like you're making a great start. It always satisfying to make your own tools. I just have one comment. You said that you use planner blades. In looking at those really nice knives the blades look rather thick to me. That's not really going to affect your carving at this stage of the game but as you develop you might want to try either purchasing or making blades that are a little thinner. Generally, thicker blades are used for rough out and thinner blades for detail work.

[jackpine]

I just have one comment. You said that you use planner blades. In looking at those really nice knives the blades look rather think to me. .

I understand what you're saying- as I watch carvers on youtube I see them working with thinner blades and seem to have better results with the more minute details, slicing rather than chopping. This is exactly the feedback I'm looking for so thank you for that. But rather than trying to make any more blades right now I 'm looking to invest in a "flexcut" knife to to move up the ladder a rung or so, occ would cost just a little more but finding one proves difficult- that's not to say I wont venture into making more blades, I just need to learn more about it, what steels and grinds and so on

[Combo Prof]

The carving glove guy in Saline, Mi. has some occt knives.

[Mark N. Akers]

Welcome to the site Ray, excellent job on the carvings and also the knives.

[jackpine]

The carving glove guy in Saline, Mi. has some occt knives.

what a nice selection of tools, seem to be reasonably priced (I assume they come with the leather sheaths shown) but I just ordered a flexcut detail knife last night. I will bookmark the site if I consider expanding my arsenal. thanks for sharing

[uvawyo]

Welcome, fine job carving!!

[JJF]

Welcome to the forum