What Is Carving Wood with a Knife Called

Carving with a wood knife is often called whittling. It’s one of the oldest human practices and you can start with few materials. The process is very fun, so keep reading if you want to know more about it.

Table of Contents
Whittling Giral

Carving Vs Whittling

Whittling consists of using a knife to make the wood have different shapes and styles. People often do it as a hobby because you can make various objects and have fun while doing it.

Although whittling is a form of wood carving, the whole discipline also includes other processes and tools besides just using a knife. Even so, the two activities are so much alike that many people use the terms interchangeably with no problem.

Why Wood Carving Is Historically Important ?

Woodworking is one of the oldest activities of mankind. Humans have done it since they started walking the earth, and they began due to survival reasons.

Millions of years ago, humans carved wood to make spears and other weapons to hunt and eat or to defend themselves from predators.

Wood Spear

The process of carving wood became so refined that it became an art. Thus, there are many examples of carvings that represent religious figures and more.

Even though nowadays people don’t carve to defend themselves from a tiger, they still do it a lot because it’s fun and provides a healthy hobby that doesn’t require practice if it’s not done for professional reasons.

Common Tools Used for Carving

If you want to whittle, you only need a knife. However, if you wish to experience the whole world of wood carving, you might require other tools such as mallets and gouges.

Experienced carvers often prefer to buy kits with gouges that come in different sizes. They also often have a sharpening tool to keep their blades perfect each time they use them.

Why People Love Carving so Much ?

Wood carving is one of the most loved hobbies for many reasons. On one hand, you can start with just a small piece of wood and a good whittling knife, so you don’t need to worry about a ton of entry requirements

On the other hand, it is something you can do with your hands. Thousands of people all over the world find that relaxing, and that’s why whittling is considered a great way to unwind and destress.

Finally, it helps pass the time and gives artists a creative outlet. You can create virtually any shape out of a small piece of wood, so just by letting your imagination wander, you can have fun and enhance your artistic skill.  

What Kinds of Things Can You Carve?

Starting to wood carve might seem daunting at first, especially if you have no idea of what you can carve. However, there are hundreds of options even for beginners. 

For example, you can make artistic utensils such as spoons or forks. Do you imagine eating with something you carved yourself? It would be extremely fun and pleasing! Even so, you don’t even need to use what you make – the creation process itself is very enjoyable.

Another great option is to make children’s toys such as small figurines. That is a fantastic way to get started, especially if you have kids.

Whittling Toy

Spending quality time with them can be an amazing deal if you play with what you did in the workshop. Besides strengthening your bond, they can take the toys with them. It’s a present that can last forever and when they’re old, they can carve if they love it as much as you do.

Finally, you can make décor for your house or board games. Your friends can be amazed at the chess set you created with your hands or the new Christmas decorations you hung around the room.

Why Carving Can Help You?

If you love art but don’t enjoy painting or playing a musical instrument, carving might be just what you need to explore that creative part of yourself.

Carving and whittling can also be great ways to deal with hard days in your life. When you need a break, grab a piece of wood and a special knife, and take twenty minutes to start a new object. 

It can also be an activity to share with friends and loved ones. For example, you and your partner could try doing specific shapes and see how they both look in the end. It is also a great way to spend time with friends if they also enjoy art.

Overall, carving is extremely fun if you have the right tools and start finding ideas to make them a reality. Art is one of the best ways to vent when you have a lot going on or just need some quiet time and shaping a piece of wood might help you do that very well.

Key Takeaways

Carving has been around for millions of years. It’s one of the oldest activities that humans engage in, and they started it due to survival reasons.

The purpose of carving has changed over the years, and nowadays, most people do it because it helps them relax, spend some time alone or with friends, exploit their creativity and have fun. Thus, find the right tools and start shaping your wood!

Picture of Graham Robson
Graham Robson

In the world of wood carving, your wooden project starts with you. Using the right kit can be seen as an extension of your existing skills and abilities that you're required to build over time.

About Me

My name is Graham, I’m an English teacher and woodcarver during the weekend.

aWoodStory.com, my website designed to act as a digital workshop for wood carving in the one place.

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as i enjoyed writing it!

Recent Posts