BeaverCraft Wood Carving Tools Kit S14x Deluxe

 

It has been a while since my last post. Since then, I’ve spent plenty of time gardening, riding my bike and listening to a few audible books. The one thing that I’ve really stuck with since then is whittling and wood carving. I honestly say it’s been the most fun I’ve had in a while for a particular hobby.

                Now, if you read any reddit subreddit about whittling and wood carving, they always recommend getting some top-quality knives. The problem with anything of extremely high-quality item is the cost. While a good quality item will last you a long time, it doesn’t put a high cost of entry into hobby. What if you don’t end up liking the hobby? What if you can’t return the object?

                I did some research and found a brand of knife that wasn’t too expensive. I found some people recommend BeaverCraft tools. I decided to give the set a try. BeaverCraft has several tool Kit options with a price range from $50 dollars to 280. I went with the BeaverCraft Wood Spoon Carving Tools Kit S14x Deluxe.

                This toolkit comes with three tools, Sloyd wood Carving Knife, Hook knife, and gouge. The kit also comes with a new carrying case, leather strop with polishing compound. I have to say the carrying case makes things easy to store. You can pick up your own copy of the toolkit from amazon. I also used an old carbon board box to store the case and wood blocks together.

                Thankfully, one of the trees on my property is a Linden (Tilia Americana) or a basswood. This means whenever I trim the tree, I can get some easy to carve wood. The major downsize is that I’ll never get a large block without cutting down the entire tree. Evening with the tree, I still bought a few packages of carving blocks from Michaels and Joann’s before it closes. I have to say those precut blocks do make it easier to start a project.

Of all of the tools, the Sloyd knife has probably seen the most action. I used the Sloyd to carve up several pieces of wood, strip bark from fallen branches, carve a walking stick and small figurines. I have to say I found it extremely relaxing and easy with how the Sloyd knife was able to cut the wood. It made the entire process more enjoyable. Though, it led me to an issue of finishing my projects. I still don’t know whether I should paint the objects or use oil.

As for the other tools, I honestly haven’t found a need yet for the gouge, but the hook knife was useful for removing wood. I wish I could say I used it to whittle/carve a spoon, but I just haven’t had the time for it yet. Instead, I’ve tried carving birds, a standing bear, a duck and a pig. I hate to say it, but I think my pig may look more like a dog than a pig.

Now, an added benefit of Beavercraft tools, Beavercraft has over 150 carving templates and tutorials on their website. They show varies methods of carving gnomes, animals, and evening Mario. I’m extremely interested in trying out a few of these carving templates. I’m in particular interesting in trying to carve a gnome or a figurine. I think it could be particular fun leaving little carved figurines for people to find.

                Now, the toolkit was definitely worth the money I spent on it. I got probably a hundred hours of entertainment and enjoyable crafts. I would definitely recommend the kit to anyone interesting in learning to wood carve or whittle. I have to say I liked the kit so much that I also bought two additional kits from Beavercraft. I bought beavercraft Wood Carving Knife Kit and the BeaverCraft Wood Carving Gouges and Chisels Kit. I have yet to open the boxes yet but I’m looking forward to finally making a spoon and finally carving a gnome like in this tutorial from beaverCraft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYDt1tQa3fc