Skip to Main Content

Wood Whittling: About

Wood Whittling

Watch a Video

Whittling vs Wood Carving: Which Hobby is Best for You?

Now, what is whittling? Wittling wood involves transforming a raw piece of wood into something beautiful and useful through careful, skilled carving. Whether you are making a simple spoon or an intricate figurine, wood whittling requires patience, precision, and a love for working with your hands.

Whittling is all about learning to manipulate the knife and the wood to achieve a desired form, while also developing a deep understanding of how the wood behaves and reacts to the cutting process.

If you are learning how to whittle, it is best to start with easy whittling projects like sharpening a stick to a point or carving a ball on the end of a stick. These are excellent ways to practice whittling basics, such as controlling the knife blade and using safe techniques.

Difference Between Whittling and Wood Carving

Whittling wood is the craft that typically requires only one whittle knife. As a rule, whittling projects are small, simple objects like figurines and utensils. It is usually done with softwoods and considered a more casual, relaxing pastime.

Wood carving, on the other hand, includes a broader range of techniques and tools, like chisels and gouges. While whittling is a form of wood carving, the latter is a more complex craft. Wood carving ideas can be applied to larger projects and harder woods, often involving more planning and precision, while learning to whittle may be the best way to start exploring the world of woodcraft. Continue reading from Sharky

From Our Collection

Link to Classic Whittling: Basic Techniques and Old-Time Projects by Rick Wiebe in the Catalog
Link to Tiny Whittling by Steve Tomashek in Hoopla
Link to The Art of Whittling by Walter L. Faurot in Hoopla
Link to The Beginner's Handbook of Woodcarving by Charles Beiderman & William Johnston in Freading
Link to Heirloom Wood by Max Bainbridge on Hoopla
Link to The Artful Wooden Spoon by Joshua Vogel on Freading