So over the last couple of years, I have become increasingly addicted to whittling. Fish, cats, dogs, bears, ghosts, you name it. I find it very relaxing to plan a carve, make a design, and then put it into action. Besides this, it greatly enhances your knife manipulation skills. So much so, that now if I start a cut, I immediately know if it will go badly or cut me, and stop the cut. It's been a long time since I have cut myself, but it has truly been a learning experience getting there.
So today I decided to whittle a Sasquatch [Bigfoot monster]. I sketched out what I envisioned then used a piece of Douglas Fir trim from the hardware store for the whittle. an 8' length costs about three dollars and will make a lot of spoons and figures. I transfer the sketch to the wood with a pencil and start the rough carving with a pocket knife or a small fixed blade:
Once I have the rough carving done, I begin to whittle in detail and with greater care, as any mistake would be hard to correct if at all. For this I generally use dedicated wood carving tools:
Once carving is done, I can use small files to better shape the carve and then begin sanding:
Once the carving has been sanded, I can stain/paint/oil to my liking, mount on a base, or mod into a wall-hanging. In this instance, I also used a wood burning tool to make markings as to simulate hair on the sasquatch:
Whittling is great fun, relaxing, and will greatly enhance your knife handling skills. I highly recommend it.
Kind regards and happy hiking!
GOBLIN RANGER
[Bushcraft Woods Devil]
