Thanks so much. He is 10, almost 11. He has a good knife, but it probably needs to be sharpened again. We do not have a good sharpener, but a neighbor has offered to sharpen it for us. However, even when the knive was paper-cutting sharp, it was hard for him to carve bass wood. He prefers wood to soap. Today he tried a piece of balsa for the fist time. It was easier, but you are right about the knife needing to be as sharp as possible. He wears a glove. We appreciate your experience!

Thanks again for your reply. Balsa looks like a good match for him at this stage in his carving. I will hang on to the bass wood for when he is a little older. We LOVE your videos! We sooooooo appreciate all of the time you have taken to make them for people like us!

Going to carve this later today, bought the tools a couple of days ago and it's finally the weekend! Thanks for the video, it's awesome.

Thank you. I'm native American, the owl is a sacred animal to my ancestors. A week ago my little cousin (21), passed away. I attempted the owl carving once before using the guide you have provided and it didn't come out the way i wanted.. I'm attempting it again to offer as a gift to my cousin at services. Thank you for giving me the information I need to create the owl. Your work is much appreciated...

@MisterSplinters

6 жыл бұрын

Dear Mandylynn, thank you very much for the message. I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin.knowing that im able to help you make this gift means a lot to me.if you feel you need some help with your carving, please take a pictures of the carving and email me them. I will try to guide you in creating the owl Regards, Joe spilinters85@hotmail.com

@raleighveal1359

5 жыл бұрын

Why the what? @portchy5

Thanks - I totally agree with you ! Its a basic woodcarving project that I feel would inspire people to learn this awesome hobby!

Thanks for the great easy to follow video tutorial on carving a basic owl. I was able to follow along (with a few pauses) and have a finished carving at the end of part 2. I'll make a few more of these and then try and tackle your Sleepy Owl from the latest WCI issue.

this is a fun one i have made several sense i have seen this. i drive a truck over the road and i have a lot of down time when my truck is being unload. thank for this one

A fantastic tutorial - really well presented and a great way for beginners to be introduced to this art form. Well done, Joe!

thank you so much for your video. we just got a carving set for our 9 year old, and this was the first project we made together.

@MisterSplinters

7 жыл бұрын

Hi Steven, thank you for the comment. Really brings a smile to face to hear that your son is starting at such a young age! I wish my parents let me start at that age. Feel free to email me with any carving questions. Splinters85@hotmail.com Safe carving Joe

@wilmatyler141

6 жыл бұрын

MisterSplinters ok

Love Owl carvings great vid!

MisterSplinters...CONGRATS!!!! 5,000 hits and still counting...... Looking forward to our next project together. Best Wishes

Thank you very much for this tutorial. I am beginning to whittle and carve wood. I am enjoying it and you are helping me a lot on how to do it properly. God Bless you. Mike Brady

@MisterSplinters

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike, thank you for the nice comment! I'm so happy to hear that my video is helping you. Feel free to pick my brain by emailing me splinters85@hotmail.com Cheers Joe

I really enjoyed this and learned a lot, even though I have been carving for years. I appreciate that when you go back you re-explain the distances and dimensions again. Thanks for a great tutorial

@MisterSplinters

10 жыл бұрын

Hi Rick - Thanks for the nice comments. In wood carving illustrated summer 2012 issue I have a similar how to owl project. Its a little more advanced and I use the same techniques. Also, I hope to make another how to you tube video this year - just have to find the time. Safe carving - Joe

Cool thanks for your input. I also bought my son a flexcut starter kit. We both love it. Plus you can add on to the set.

Butternut and Pine are nice woods to learn on. If a young child is learning you can try balsa wood. Its very light and soft but another viewer told me that her son enjoyed carving that wood. Safe carving - Joe

Thank you for such a well done and informative video! This will certainly be my next project. Thank you!

@MisterSplinters

10 жыл бұрын

hi Jason - Thanks for the comment! Hopefully by the end of the year I will release another How to video: How to wood carve a hound dog from scratch. safe carving - Joe

Hi Joe, yes I checked out your site after seeing the article and was pleased to see the basic owl tutorial. I have made several of the little owls and am starting to feel confident enough to possibly give the WCI version a try. The list of tools is a little intimidating though. I have been carving thus far with only a Flexcut Carvin Jack

They're teaching us this in my Grade 12 custom woodworking class, They're so nice to work with. Good video!

Nice video, thank you for sharing your knowledge!

Awesome, this is just what I needed. Thanks!

Hi Thanks for the reply. When I wrote you the first time I completely forgot that I started out this hobby using Balsa and an exacto carving kit. I used it for a year or so then I moved onto pine wood, then discovered basswood around 1989. I'm happy to hear that its working out for him and will recommend Balsa wood for the young carvers out there! Please feel free to email me any questions that he may have. Safe carving - Joe

just recently bought a flexcut starter kit, and I highly recommend it. I think it was around 80$ for a 10 chisel set. I'm very happy with it.

This is a nice demo, with great video angles.

Thank you I just started carving and that helped a lot thanks

Hi-thanks for the reply. I agree I used alot of tools for the WCI version and was afraid that I would turn people off from carving the owl.I'm also a tool collector for over 25 years so I have quite a big inventory. I feel using a carvin jack, #11-3mm gouge and a #11-1-1.5mm gouge you will be able to carve a nearly neat version. You can use the sides of the 11-3mm gouge to carve wider concave cuts (for example when carving the center of each feather. Have fun and safe carving!-joe

definetly a trip to the woods for me tomorrow

Thanks joe u rock

I really liked your video and am learning woodcarving also !!

@MisterSplinters

10 жыл бұрын

Hi K4TEP - Thank you so much for the comment ! If you have any carving questions feel free to email me them. Also I'm currently working on a new you to video. How to wood carve a hound dog from scratch. Hope to release by October 2014. safe carving - joe

Thats a nice knife. Thanks for watching and safe carving! If you pick up the Summer 2012 Wood carving Illustrated magazine I have a 5 page how article on a more detailed owl. The magazine will hit book stores soon.

I'm going to do this tutorial as my first ever wood carving project :D I

Hi - I never soak the wood to soften it, but while attending carving seminars I have seen other carvers do that. They would keep some water in a spray bottle and if they come across any hard spots to carve they would shoot some water in that area. I buy kiln dried basswood from online carving supply stores. So far all the wood has been a pleasure to carve with sharp tools. Thanks for the good question ! -Joe

Thanks Craig for the nice comment and for subscribing to my channel ! Safe carving - joe

@MisterSplinters Anything really!!! You do a good job at teaching I never tried woodcarving and just randomly came across this video and ever since, I have been carving non stop haha. It would be nice if you could do a video on how to sharpen you blade because I just cant seem to get it right im using a shapining stone. IDK good job you really inspired me and a few friends to try something new thanks.

awesome to hear - welcome to woodcarving! Thanks for the comment - safe carving - Joe

very cool - thanks !

thank you so much

Thanks Joe

Thanks for the exact mm measurements. To make it easier for the viewer I just rounded to even numbers. I'm aware it should be 51mm but 1mm wont make a difference in this carving. Safe carving - Joe

just made one thanks to you. thanks for the video.

@MisterSplinters

8 жыл бұрын

Awesome thanks for the nice comment! If you goto my website www.whittleandchips.com and click on sleepy owls you will an advanced version that's also fun to carve. Happy holidays merry Christmas - Joe

@hermanalcaraz2113

8 жыл бұрын

I went to your site. Nice. I currently only use a pocket knife. Planning on getting some v and u gouge . do you have any other videos or plans that use mostly a knife?

@MisterSplinters

8 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for the email. unfortunately I don't have to the time to work on a knife only video. Wood carving illustrated magazine has I believe three whittling magazines that has lots of knife projects. If you goto fox publishing.com they should have the, for sale. Safe carving Joe

Very talented

@MisterSplinters

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching, sorry for the delay

It's a little short, but I'm getting a good idea for technique. I'm a beginning knifemaker and I had the idea for a utility blade with a carved owl for the handle, sort of like old pioneer scrimshaw. I think it would look good.

MisterSplinters....congrats on 1/4 million views....way to go.

I would recommend taking a piece of graph paper and laying out the 1"X1"X2" owl with the measurements provided in the video. Then using a photo copier you can increase or decrease the blueprint. Using a ruler remeasure the guidelines. OR in Wood carving illustrated I have an article on carving a larger more detailed owl. Its in their summer 2012 issue (see my website for some pictures) Hope this helps ! Thanks - safe carving -Joe

This is cool, I'm in the UK is there a specific type of wood I should get for carving? If so where could I get it from? Thanks

Your welcome Thanks for the nice comment ! As soon as I find the time I will have more videos ! Safe carving -joe

Are there any other woods that are close to basswood to learn on?

Most woodcarvers feel basswood is the perfect wood to carve because its very easy to carve (with sharp tools) holds detail very well (due to its tight close grain) and holds paint very well. Its also reasonably priced. Others types of wood that you can use is, Butternut, walnut and mahogany but again your tools must be sharp. Stay away from BALSA wood. Its good for craft work, model making but not carving. Safe Carving ! Joe

EXCELLENT TUTORIAL!!!!!! Did u edit this with MAGIX MOVIE EDIT PRO??? I'm looking forward to part 2. Thanks!!!

Thanks ! Sorry for the delay in responding. Basswood (also called linden or lime wood) is perfect for carving any project. Also pine wood or butternut are good carving woods. You can get at online carving supply stores. Thanks and safe carving -Joe

Thanks I really whant to start carving neat desineis into wood I have this natural urge to start! I was wondering if the knives come in packs so I did not have to buy them seperately pleas response in this carving vid or at my channel thanks : )

very nice

Hey where could I find those tools?

Thanks so much for the comment.I really enjoyed making the videos and hope to make a lot more.I'm in the process of another video:how to carve a simple snowman ornament but work and family stuff is getting in the way.I REALLY hope it will be completed by Nov 2012 so all can view for the 2012 Holidays.I think your son would enjoy wood carving illustrated magazine and/or carving magazine. They publish 4 issues per year.Sometimes WCI releases a special issue. Thanks and safe carving!-joe

Thanks for the comment - Glad you enjoyed. If interested I take this carving to the next level in wood carving illustrated magazine summer 2012 issue. I show how to carve a sleepy owl. Safe carving and happy holidays ! -joe

love it when he says belly

Love it! Would make a good gift for my girlfriend! please continue to post more!

@MisterSplinters

10 жыл бұрын

Thanks Justin for the nice comment - sorry it took so long to reply (my emails were being sent to an account that I don't use often-but will now use) Did you carve it for your girlfriend? Working on another how to video (how to wood carve a hound dog from scratch) hope to release by 2014. Thanks safe carving Joe

Hi thanks for the nice comment. Did you find my you tube tutorials after seeing my WCI article? Have fun making them and please let me know how you do carving the WCI version. Thanks again and safe carving ! - joe

Hi, i am just starting carving today and was wondering about what type of wood is best to begin with...currently i only have balsa wood...

Hi - they do sell carving tools in packs. The company FLEX CUT sell a bunch of basic carving tool sets which consist of a carving knife, strop, compound and a bunch of palm size gouges. I think that set sells for around $175- also if you contact woodcraft or woodcraftshop or sugarpinewoodcarving im sure they sell carving sets for beginners. Hope this helps ! Safe carving - Joe

Awesome! Thanks for the email and let me know if you have any questions. Safe carving and enjoy ! - Joe

hi - Welcome to wood carving! I find that basswood is the best wood to carve with. You can purchase at most art and craft stores and all wood carving supply companies would sell it. some stores that sell on line are: wood craft, wood carvers supply, and sugarpine woodcarving. Hope this helps - safe carving -joe

Would you recommend balsa for a child? My son has been trying and trying to carve basswood, but it;s just too hard for him.

Thanks !

Hi Mr Splinter. I think your owl is a wonderful start for anyone beginning carving/whittling. I have produced a simple template with the measurements on and one just lines to copy to the wood. I am happy to send it as a jpeg file to you, or to anyone who wants it. No charge of course. I am not sure how to send it but I have dropbox. The file is jpeg and is 174 kb. It should be printed A4 size.

@MisterSplinters

9 жыл бұрын

+George Walker Hi George thanks for the post ! I didn't realize that you sent me this comment, my friend pointed it out to me. Thanks for sharing the template with me and the rest of the viewers. what I would like to do is post it to my website so anyone who would like to use, can print it out from there. Would it be possible to attach the file to an email and send it to me at splinters85@hotmail.com and then I can add it to my website at www.whittleandchips.com You can email me the jpeg file by selecting attach file, then find the file on your computer and clicking ok. then the file should attach itself to the email. Thanks again !

Hi thanks for the nice comment ! I'm currently making another video hope to have out shorty - will do my best! Safe carving - joe

do you soak the wood first to soften it?

Hi Joe, loved the video! It's a little off topic, but I was thinking of making 10 little presents for my friends for Christmas, including simple things like the Tampa Bay Lightning Logo, a Cat, etc., probably out of 2x2x2 basswood cubes. As a newbie, do you think I could get that done in under a week? Thanks!

@MisterSplinters

8 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for the nice comment. Wow! How are you working under pressure:) seriously I think you can pull it off If you make each carving simple. I would recommend you make the items from 3/8inch thick basswood. Art craft stores should have that. Also would recommend that you google The images to get ideas. Also a coping saw would help cut out the designs. If you view my snowman ornament video (part one) you will see how to use a coping saw and other techniques on cutting out your project from basswood, hope this helps happy holidays Joe

hi, great tutorial im just wondering what knife were you using in this video. im just starting out and love this project and want to get it right.

@MisterSplinters

9 жыл бұрын

Hi Thanks for the comment. Any well made carving knife that holds a sharp edge would do. In this video I used the Richard Butz woodcarving knife that woodcraft.com sells and the carving knife that has the colorful handle is a Helvie wood carving knife. The Butz knife is around $20- (and I think they charge around 5- to sharpen) and the Helvie knife is around 35- and comes razor sharp. The butz knife blade is slighty thicker and not very easy to bend which in my opinion is better for beginners. Hope this helps - Happy New years and safe carving - Joe

Where can i purchase knives like that, and i mean the knife that you use for the most part of this video?

@MisterSplinters

8 жыл бұрын

Hi-I use the Rick Butz caring knife sold by www.woodcraft.com it sells for approx. 20- and they sharpen it for around 5- . Safe carving-Joe

Hi - I don't remember receiving your comment -it showed up as spam. I'm happy to hear that you saw my WCI article. I'm really proud of it ! How did you make out carving the owl from maple? Thats a hard wood to work with ! also not sure if the hunting knives are sharpened at a good angle for carving. It would be better if you invest in a carving carve like the Richard butz carving knife that woodcraft sells. I think it sells for around 25- (that includes them sharpening it for you)

Hi - Yes I do, but I feel thats the best test to help new woodcarvers understand how sharp their wood carving tools should be. Thanks for the comment - safe carviig Joe

@MisterSplinter Due to health problems, I had to cancel our scheduled visit to complete Mr. Splinter's 2nd tutorial. We'll get together soon, so thanks for your patience and continuing support. Safe carving, everyone.

The palm gouge is cheaper (less material used to make the tool) is easier to control for beginner carvers. The standard size can be used for larger work because you can use it with a mallet. I prefer the normal size gouges because I carve projects that vary in size. Ex: just carved a large (12") Easter bunny which was easier to carve with the standard size gouges. hope this helps - safe carving -joe

Hi - I would recommend FLEX CUT tools. they are reasonably priced, well made, come razor sharp and have great customer service at their headquarters. I think they are based in PA, USA. I would do a Google search for carving stores that sell flex cut tools. Woodcraft stores definitely sell their products. Safe carving - Joe

Hi - Thats awesome ! Thanks for the nice comment. I have a 5 page how to carve a sleepy owl article in Woodcarving Illustrated summer 2012 issue. I think you will like that design as well. Safe Carving - Joe

is a carving knife razor sharp?

Hi Stefanie - Thanks for the emails and for subscribing ! I feel if you have a sharp knife and follow the steps, you will carve out an awesome looking owl. In wood carving illustrated summer 2012 magazine I have a 5 page how to carve a sleepy owl article. Its a great project to try after you master the basic version. Please feel free to email me any questions and be safe ! Thanks again for the comments :-)

Is it easy enough to do this with any wood? I can't really get basswood in the UK.

@MisterSplinters

10 жыл бұрын

Hi Dave - Good question. Basswood is a common name in the US. In the rest of the world its called Linden or Lime wood. You can order from any online woodcarving supply catalog (ei: woodcraft or woodcarvingsupply). You can also use any wood that's easy to carve with a carving knife like: mahogany, walnut, butternut, pine wood. Thanks for watching, Have fun and Safe carving-Joe

Umm I don't have a 1 inch by 1 by 2... could I do it on a 1.75 by 1.75 by 4? I'm new to carving and don't know if that would work.

Nicely done. Maybe I'll turn off the lathe for a while and pick up a carving knife. See you at the next aaw meeting.

I want to start carving but I dont want to spend 100$ buying knives or waiting long for online order to come so is there a quick way to get tools for me to get started? Could I buy an exacto knife from a store and use that instead? Thanks a lot! I have some balsa blocks to get me started and then I want to use some harder wood once I am good to make a small dragon.

@KJP71 Thanks - I'll check it out

cool i don't have a carving knife but still really cool

Lime is the best wood I've found so far

Hi - yes, I find basswood the easiest to carve. Its also reasonably priced, readily available, holds detail very well and easy to paint. For woodcarving stay away from Balsa wood. Balsa is too soft for woodcarving but awesome for model building. Hope this helps! Safe carving - joe

@TheChippyt456 Hi - for this project I would recommend using 1X1X2 block because the owl will look a little distorted. I also sent you an email regarding your question under your KZread user account. Thanks for watching!

I have a question. Do know any websites that sell carving tools for beginners and cheap? Also any name brands that sell cheap but efficient tools for beginners? Thank you

do i have to use basswood for this?? or can i just use ,, anything else?? :P

Another question. Do you find your own wood in the forest or do you buy it? If you buy it, where?

@yuyupb Sure - what topics would you like me to cover next time?I already plan on making a short video on sharpening a whittlers knife

Thanks :-)

Hi _ sure you can go to your local art/craft store and purchase an exacto knife or kit. If you plan on carving the owl project, just make sure you get a knife that has a blade length of at least 3/4" It will make it easier to carve the head and body. Just be very careful with exato blades, if you apply too much pressure the blade can snap so please wear safety glasses and carving glove - Happy holidays - joe

Make more I NEED MORE

How do i know if my knife is dull?

@mgacki Hi - Thanks for watching and for the positive feedback! Sorry I couldn't talk to you longer my ride was getting a little impatient!! See you at the next meeting. Bring your woodcarving questions with you.

Are you going to make more vids I can only find 3 videos and I really enjoy watching your videos

@MisterSplinters

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Chloe - I hope your still carving. I'm noticing that my subscribers are not getting alerts when I post new videos. I currently have 20 videos on my channel.

LOL - Thanks !

Good day sir, I noticed alot of folks use baswood, due to easy to work. How do you feel about cedar for beginners

@MisterSplinters

6 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for the question . Cedar would be good to carve this project. The only issue I can see is it's softer then basswood and carving the ball might be a little harder to do especially with the grain of the wood not being as tight as basswood.. let me know how you make out if you decide to use it. Thanks Joe

@MisterSplinters

6 жыл бұрын

Hi again,my apologies I thought I was answering your question regarding carving a ball in cage. Carving a basic owl from cedar should look nice and should carve well. Cheers Joe

@WoodPigeonOutdoors

6 жыл бұрын

MisterSplinters thank you Joe, for the quick response... I've recently got into carving this year this was a great item to do a first time carving ...

@MisterSplinters

6 жыл бұрын

Welcome to woodcarving! Feel free to pick my brain. Cheers Joe

sorry don't think I answered your comment because it showed up as spam. The perfect way to test if your knife is dull is by trying to slice through a piece of paper (i show it in the beginning of the video) or you can try carving the end grain of a block of basswood. the end grain is the part that shows the annual growth rings of the wood. I think I show it in my how to carve a snowman ornament part one. Thanks and so sorry for the delayed response !

Hi-sorry for the delayed response.Can the knife that hes using slice through a piece of paper(like the sharpness test in my videos?) if not then changing to balsa wood actually would make it harder to carve because balsa is softer. How old is your son? if hes under 7 I usually recommend the kids to carve a bar of soap(like Ivory)using a butter knife. I believe woodcraft sells sharpened carving knives for around 20.00 I hope this helps and please make sure he wears a carving glove.Thanks