Start whittling
All you need is a sharp knife, a block of soft wood and a comfy chair. Carve a little gnome in an evening, then another one tomorrow. Here's the video that hooks everyone, and everything you need for your first carving.
Space neededA chair and a trash can
First projectA gnome in an evening
Skill levelBeginner, one knife
Good forQuiet evenings, travel, porches
The video that hooks everyone
A five-minute gnome, carved with only a knife
A small gnome with a pointed hat, a nose and a full beard, carved from a block of light wood with just one knife. 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. It's a knife, wood and the gear that keeps your hands safe.
Starter kit
01Whittling knifeA fixed blade about 1 1/2 in. long. Short blades are easier to control.
02Cut-resistant gloveGoes on the hand that holds the wood.
03Thumb guardLeather or rubber, for the thumb on your knife hand.
04Basswood blocks, 1 x 1 x 4 in.Soft, even and easy to cut. Buy a pack of ten or more.
05Leather stropKeeps the edge sharp between carvings.
06Honing compoundA crayon-like bar you rub on the strop.
07Pencil + small rulerMark the lines before you cut.
08First-aid kitBandages within reach. Small cuts happen.
The manual tells you what to look for when you buy each one.
- 1Cutting toward your handsPicture where the blade goes if it slips. Your other hand should never be there. Wear the glove and thumb guard.
- 2Fighting the grainIf the wood tears instead of slicing, turn the block around and cut from the other direction.
- 3Taking big bitesThin shavings are faster in the end. Big cuts split off chunks you can't put back.
