Start spoon carving
Carve a spoon from a fresh branch with a hatchet and two knives, sitting in a chair. Here's the video that hooks everyone, and everything you need for your first spoon.
Space neededA porch, yard or chair
First projectA spoon in a weekend
Skill levelBeginner, with sharp tools
Good forQuiet hands, time outdoors
The video that hooks everyone
A rough branch becomes a smooth spoon
A mossy log becomes a smooth, finished spoon, carved by hand while the maker talks through each step. Press play and see why it hooks people.
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Tool list
What you need to start
Everything you need for your first project, and nothing you don't.
Starter kit
01Green woodFresh-cut birch, cherry or maple. Often free.
02Carving hatchetSmall and light. Splits the log and roughs out the shape.
03Straight knifeAlso called a sloyd knife. Shapes the outside and the handle.
04Hook knifeHollows the bowl. Match it to the hand you carve with.
05Cut-resistant gloveGoes on the hand that holds the wood.
06Strop + compoundA few passes keep your edges sharp.
07Chopping blockA sturdy stump about knee high. Free from a firewood pile.
08Food-safe oilSeals the finished spoon. Plain mineral oil works.
09First-aid kitKeep bandages close. Small cuts happen.
The manual tells you what to look for when you buy each one.
- 1Cutting toward yourselfIf the knife slips, where does it go? Use the safe grips, brace your arms, and keep your legs and lap out of the path.
- 2Carving dry woodSeasoned wood is very hard to carve by hand. Fresh, green wood cuts cleanly. Ask a tree service or a neighbor.
- 3Leaving the pith inThe soft center of the log shrinks unevenly as it dries and splits the spoon. Split through it and carve it away.
