I did it! I followed the directions on this video and a carved very nice spoon, all with handtools. I carved my spoon like our forefathers Have done, with no power tools, for that I am so very proud.
And so you should be! Also, getting in touch with your forefathers adds direction and stability to your life. Congratulations - I hope your spoon gives you many years of fulfilment, joy, pleasure and a sense of accomplishment.
Watching that precision and at the same time listening to that heap of useful information is a better way to relax than yoga and an aquarium with fish combined. Hats off...
Carving a spoon or a lesson on the philosophy of life? Develop sight ridges, understand where you're going, the spoon isn't the destination, the journey you make to craft the spoon is, and strop often (keep yourself sharp), etc. I'll never carve a spoon or a bowl (I turn wood) but I love these videos! Thank you, sir.
I'm 54 and just picked up woodcarving. I've searched through what what feels like thousands of videos, probably more like 50-100 to find the detail you had here. I appreciate the time you put into making this video and the explanation. At my level of carving, to me this was perfect. You provided just enough definition and pointed out things that I hadn't thought of yet. It really helped me see the different "phases" or "dimensions" as you called them of the process. Thank you and I'll be following you and watching a lot more of your videos! Thank you, -dave
We are witnessing years of practice wielding an axe. Very impressive! Nobody can just thrust an axe with that kind of agility and accuracy. Masterful shaping of the spoon. Fun to watch.
As a new carver I have been watching video after video on how to carve things- including many a spoon videos. You are by far the most insightful, clear, and knowledgeable carving teacher on the internet. I have been learning incorrect techniques!! Until now, that is. Gonna bookmark this video so I can keep referring back to it. THANK YOU for producing this!
I'll probably get a cutout sometime, slice a finger, trash the spoon and end up with nothing, but I'm sure this video made me better at it. What a fascinating way to spend over an hour of my time. I love watching craftsfolk and artisans doing the craft they've mastered over years and years of practice.
This is by far the best video on woodcarving I've ever seen ... just awesome, really really great work many many thanks for showing and please keep up the good work ;-))
Hello from Eagle River, Alaska!! What a beautiful spoon and your wonderful explanation on how to carve it. I am still a beginner but learning a lot from your videos. Thanks :)
I am often guilty of picking the wild grain wood and wondering why it gets so tedious trying to get the shape right, and I struggle with symmetry due to not sticking to one dimension at a time. Despite years of carving, I still keep thinking that the wild grain will somehow magically make it better in the end. But as you just showed, the beauty comes from doing a good job, and I thank you for the lesson.
I have just started carving and this is what I have been longing for. To have someone who is seasoned who shares what they have learned to make the process more enjoyable. I also really like your style.
Literally last night, I was watching videos and said "I need to find an old mountain man with a big beard that makes videos" Not so much on the "old" front, but this is exactly what I was looking for.
I really love the efficiency of your actions. No energy is wasted, each cut either makes a score or knocks off a chip. Very little over strike into the block. Your ability to cut to the line is superb.
I can't help but instantly appreciate the craftsmanship and the lessons you are teaching here. Even if I never pick up a carving knife or a hatchet. I look forward to watching more.
your explanation on how to handle the checks and still get a good piece of carving wood out of it is what made me instantly subscribe to your channel. well done
Thank you SO much for taking the time to teach us how to safely and properly carve a beautiful spoon. The wisdom you share about how to develop skill during each step is precious.
I found your video 2 years after it was uploaded. I’m looking for a spoon video because I’m having trouble with symmetry. You sir are a very good teacher. This video helped me to understand and apply what I learned successfully. Thank you very much for your help.
If you have any questions about tools or carving or anything in general along the way feel free to ask and we will do our best to help. Thanks for the comment and also thank you for your interaction we really appreciate that
Wow I thought you took about 30 minutes or so to carve the spoon, then I realized the video was an hour and sixteen minutes long. Time flies when you are watching or doing something that grabs your interest. Really enjoyed the video and yes I hit that subscribe button.
Appreciate the safety note on angles, hand placement, and stability. Our ancestors had this down. Moving from high tech to low (better) tech comes with hazards that the transition introduces.
There are few things more satisfying than the feel of a sharp tool cutting into wood and the sounds of wood chips flying off a project. So happy I discovered your videos. Going to make time to do some carving this weekend. It's been way too long and there are more important things in life than "work". ~Harris in Texas
Following a circle's line with a hatchet is quite the skill. And crazy scary, too. I don't get surprised often, but this one did it. Congratulations for developing this skill to such level.
Excellent and so well explained. I am a arborist come woodturner and one of the best videos out there, thank you for sharing from your Irish friends in Nova Scotia, Dave.
This is heavenly stuff to watch. I'm enjoying all your videos immensely. I'm actually a cabinet maker and furniture restorer by trade, so a lot of this looks familiar- except for your insane axe work. I'm bluffed! You take this to the next level. I have just one remark to make concerning the finish aspect: firstly, thank you for sharing the ingredients you use yourself. When I use anything similar products I apply them hot (hot air gun)- especially beeswax. This method really helps the wax, or even oil, to penetrate much deeper, therefore longe lasting. When I carved my oak chimney surround here in France (450 kgs- about 1,000 lbs of freshly sawn oak) with quite a few details, because I DON'T sand carved stuff, I burnished the whole structure with various bits of hardwood (ebony and boxwood) till every millimetre shined. Push very hard. This gave a nice sheen to the wood. Then came the hot beeswax treatment with some earth pigments. 3 weeks to dry then I removed excess wax and buffed the whole lot. By heating you get a deeper finish. I hope this information will be useful to some. Please keep your fantastic videos flowing (just like the beautiful lines you use on your spoons). God bless. Greetings from France
Having a solid plan, or direction, before starting should be applied to so many more things in life. It should be more of a priority in schools and homes everywhere. If you start out with that mindset at an early age you’ll be way ahead of the game. Great video by the way. You share a lot of free, useful knowledge that I really appreciate.
I’ve done a lot of wood carving with mallet and chips and knives but I never thought to use A hatchetThat’s a wonderful thing thank you I will have to try it
I am glad you explained how to understand what you are doing in one dimension from your eye's point of view. It is clear to me from watching, doing is how I learn mostly.
When I sell or gift a turning of mine I represent it as hand made. My logic for the past 35 years has been that the chisels and gouges are held and manipulated by my free form hands. The lathe merely spins the stock. I've always been a bit smug about that. After watching just two of your videos I'm reconsidering that claim and will definitely loose my undeserved smugness!.😉😉😉You are a Master Carver sir! Wakodahatchee Chris
Second time I've watched it. I see more detail each time and will refer back. Thank you so much for sharing your craft and knowledge. I am a practicing blacksmith and will have a go at the blades as well. Well done.
Very interesting. Great learning opportunity from both what you're saying and observing your techniques and hand positions. Thanks for doing all of this.
Thank you for your expertise and also thanks to the person operating the camera. I suggest they are also an expert as they know what angles to shoot at and how close to get when your talking about a certain cut etc. Well done to you both.
I have just watched this video a second time after trying my hand at a small spoon carving. There was so many things I missed the first time and so many mistakes I made by not following your advice. This is a superb tutorial. Thanks
Thank you for the positive feedback and also thank you for taking the time to write such a kind comment and thank you for your interaction we really appreciate that
I did it! I followed the directions on this video and a carved very nice spoon, all with handtools. I carved my spoon like our forefathers Have done, with no power tools, for that I am so very proud.
And so you should be! Also, getting in touch with your forefathers adds direction and stability to your life. Congratulations - I hope your spoon gives you many years of fulfilment, joy, pleasure and a sense of accomplishment.
You are more patient than me! Pretty sure I'd break out the drummel about half way
This guy is amazing with an axe.
for sure
Watching that precision and at the same time listening to that heap of useful information is a better way to relax than yoga and an aquarium with fish combined. Hats off...
Carving a spoon or a lesson on the philosophy of life? Develop sight ridges, understand where you're going, the spoon isn't the destination, the journey you make to craft the spoon is, and strop often (keep yourself sharp), etc. I'll never carve a spoon or a bowl (I turn wood) but I love these videos! Thank you, sir.
I'm 54 and just picked up woodcarving. I've searched through what what feels like thousands of videos, probably more like 50-100 to find the detail you had here. I appreciate the time you put into making this video and the explanation. At my level of carving, to me this was perfect. You provided just enough definition and pointed out things that I hadn't thought of yet. It really helped me see the different "phases" or "dimensions" as you called them of the process. Thank you and I'll be following you and watching a lot more of your videos! Thank you, -dave
This man is a master. It was so nice watching and listening to his wisdom.
We are witnessing years of practice wielding an axe. Very impressive! Nobody can just thrust an axe with that kind of agility and accuracy. Masterful shaping of the spoon. Fun to watch.
best spoon carving tutorial on the internet,first class!
Kudos to the camera operator. Great job getting close enough and the proper angles. 👍🏽
As a new carver I have been watching video after video on how to carve things- including many a spoon videos. You are by far the most insightful, clear, and knowledgeable carving teacher on the internet. I have been learning incorrect techniques!! Until now, that is. Gonna bookmark this video so I can keep referring back to it. THANK YOU for producing this!
Thank you for the positive feedback. If you have any questions about anything feel free to ask
This was very pleasant to watch. I learned s lot. Thank you for taking the time to share your craft.
I'll probably get a cutout sometime, slice a finger, trash the spoon and end up with nothing, but I'm sure this video made me better at it. What a fascinating way to spend over an hour of my time. I love watching craftsfolk and artisans doing the craft they've mastered over years and years of practice.
My paternal grandfather worked with wood and I think he would have loved watching this man.
Incredibly well done. I just witnessed a master craftsman in his element.
This is by far the best video on woodcarving I've ever seen ... just awesome, really really great work
many many thanks for showing and please keep up the good work ;-))
Watched the whole show. I will say I learned more here than any other channel. So I'm now subscribed
Thanks for the positive feedback we really appreciate it
You're a REAL craftsman, a rarity in this modern world- I've learned from you and am subscribing now. Thank you!
I appreciated your video, I’ma self taught spoon carver. I learned a lot from this video. I turned 78 today, so old dogs can learn new tricks.
Best video on carving spoons I’ve seen. Thank you
Hello from Eagle River, Alaska!! What a beautiful spoon and your wonderful explanation on how to carve it. I am still a beginner but learning a lot from your videos. Thanks :)
Brilliant, your not only an amazing craftsmen, but a great teacher
You can tell this guy is a great father, husband and dude in general. Cheers, great content and insights.
I am often guilty of picking the wild grain wood and wondering why it gets so tedious trying to get the shape right, and I struggle with symmetry due to not sticking to one dimension at a time. Despite years of carving, I still keep thinking that the wild grain will somehow magically make it better in the end. But as you just showed, the beauty comes from doing a good job, and I thank you for the lesson.
Easily one of the most informative and useful spoon carving videos out there.
I learned so much from watching that video! It’s not the first time I watch it and won’t be the last! Thank you! 👍
This is one of the best spoon making videos I’ve seen. Thank you!
Always enjoyable watching someone who knows what their doing and can explain it very well. Thanks
I’m 30 minutes into the video. I’m amazed. Your teaching skills are as finely honed as your axe. Thanks.
I have just started carving and this is what I have been longing for. To have someone who is seasoned who shares what they have learned to make the process more enjoyable. I also really like your style.
Literally last night, I was watching videos and said "I need to find an old mountain man with a big beard that makes videos"
Not so much on the "old" front, but this is exactly what I was looking for.
This is the best hatchet carving tutorial I have seen. Really clear, well explained. Thanks!
i love the crisp sound of wood being smoothly. gently and deftly cut...
You are so talented and the best teacher…thank you
I enjoyed watching this video again and again and again. It is a marvel to see a master at his work. Truely and remarkably well done.
Got to admit looks like you've done this before. Love watching people that know what there doing. Good video ,
I really love the efficiency of your actions. No energy is wasted, each cut either makes a score or knocks off a chip. Very little over strike into the block. Your ability to cut to the line is superb.
My wife loves the left handed spatula, made by Carving paths, for her birthday. Quality folks with quality talents. Thanks. Skip
I’m amazed that a spoon can be that aesthetically pleasing. Great great video
There are so many techniques out there, but this one just talks to me as true. Love it.
thank you for an inspiring video, couldn't stop watching.
Beautiful job, what a craftsman!
Your a great teacher. thank you
I can't help but instantly appreciate the craftsmanship and the lessons you are teaching here. Even if I never pick up a carving knife or a hatchet. I look forward to watching more.
your explanation on how to handle the checks and still get a good piece of carving wood out of it is what made me instantly subscribe to your channel. well done
Thank you so much for this life lesson!!! Love love love !!
Your accuracy with the carving axe is actually unreal. Great video!!
Beautifully done with tons of useful lessons thruout. One video was all it took to hit the subscribe. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, absolutely amazing style of the video, thank you. I've enjoyed!
I have much respect for a craftsman's work or works of art.
That was really great. You're an excellent teacher.
Stumbled on to this, but I was impressed. Thank you. Extremely informative and helpful.
It's always nice to watch a video with someone that knows its craft. Great video
Thank you SO much for taking the time to teach us how to safely and properly carve a beautiful spoon. The wisdom you share about how to develop skill during each step is precious.
I found your video 2 years after it was uploaded. I’m looking for a spoon video because I’m having trouble with symmetry. You sir are a very good teacher. This video helped me to understand and apply what I learned successfully. Thank you very much for your help.
Mycket informativ och bra video Pettson
I think I learned more from this this video than I ever did from my father 😂 👍 thank you!
Am very new to the craft. This was 1hr 16m of wonderful learning. To a contemplative, meditative level. Thank you. My Quest is just beginning!
If you have any questions about tools or carving or anything in general along the way feel free to ask and we will do our best to help. Thanks for the comment and also thank you for your interaction we really appreciate that
Wow I thought you took about 30 minutes or so to carve the spoon, then I realized the video was an hour and sixteen minutes long. Time flies when you are watching or doing something that grabs your interest. Really enjoyed the video and yes I hit that subscribe button.
This is an excellent lesson. You are really a great teacher. Thank you very much!!!
Very well done! Even the filming was superb. Thank you!
Hi, this video was worth watching. I'm getting more into carving when I'm out doing bushcraft. Many thanks.
Wow....very useful video....I am thanking you for measurements and guidelines you shown...👌👌👌
Man, very impressive. Amazing how much of that you got carved with just the axe. It looks great.
You are unbelievably great at this
Appreciate the safety note on angles, hand placement, and stability. Our ancestors had this down. Moving from high tech to low (better) tech comes with hazards that the transition introduces.
There are few things more satisfying than the feel of a sharp tool cutting into wood and the sounds of wood chips flying off a project. So happy I discovered your videos. Going to make time to do some carving this weekend. It's been way too long and there are more important things in life than "work". ~Harris in Texas
Damn! Your precision with the hatchet is spot on! So cool to see the entire process. Great video!
You are the best teacher and a nice team ! Thank you for your very good videos.
You are amazing with a hatchet i have not seen such good control before. wow
Wow! A fine job of carving and explaining the process. Thank you. It makes me want to have a go at it.
Brilliant video and the camera person had their job near perfect. :)
Layout is EVERYTHING! 🥄
Following a circle's line with a hatchet is quite the skill. And crazy scary, too. I don't get surprised often, but this one did it. Congratulations for developing this skill to such level.
I agree, that was unreal!!
Down in new-zealand watching your video carefully! Lots of things have been said thanks you so much for sharing your knowledge and your passion!!!
Thank you so much for this inspiring video. No need to apologize for the length at all. I could take away a whole lot from it.
What a joy to watch! All the best to you and family! Amazing! Best of youtube!
I really love your carving and black smithing videos you are seriously a wonderful teacher
Absolute master at work. Thanks for the great vid
Love your videos and teaching style... Hope you can start making more soon!
Thank you for the educational video, it was quite the treat.
Before I watch the video I want to say that I just received my wood carving kit today with a walnut spoon block. Excited to get started.
Let us know how everything turns out. Thanks for the comments and the interaction
Excellent and so well explained. I am a arborist come woodturner and one of the best videos out there, thank you for sharing from your Irish friends in Nova Scotia, Dave.
This is heavenly stuff to watch. I'm enjoying all your videos immensely.
I'm actually a cabinet maker and furniture restorer by trade, so a lot of this looks familiar- except for your insane axe work. I'm bluffed! You take this to the next level.
I have just one remark to make concerning the finish aspect: firstly, thank you for sharing the ingredients you use yourself. When I use anything similar products I apply them hot (hot air gun)- especially beeswax. This method really helps the wax, or even oil, to penetrate much deeper, therefore longe lasting. When I carved my oak chimney surround here in France (450 kgs- about 1,000 lbs of freshly sawn oak) with quite a few details, because I DON'T sand carved stuff, I burnished the whole structure with various bits of hardwood (ebony and boxwood) till every millimetre shined. Push very hard. This gave a nice sheen to the wood. Then came the hot beeswax treatment with some earth pigments. 3 weeks to dry then I removed excess wax and buffed the whole lot. By heating you get a deeper finish.
I hope this information will be useful to some.
Please keep your fantastic videos flowing (just like the beautiful lines you use on your spoons). God bless.
Greetings from France
I’m a new carver and new to your channel, thank you very much I learned a lot
Great, just great! I am learning a lot just from this video. Highly impressed by your skills. Thank you for sharing and spreading great knowledge.
Having a solid plan, or direction, before starting should be applied to so many more things in life. It should be more of a priority in schools and homes everywhere. If you start out with that mindset at an early age you’ll be way ahead of the game.
Great video by the way. You share a lot of free, useful knowledge that I really appreciate.
I’ve done a lot of wood carving with mallet and chips and knives but I never thought to use A hatchetThat’s a wonderful thing thank you I will have to try it
I am glad you explained how to understand what you are doing in one dimension from your eye's point of view. It is clear to me from watching, doing is how I learn mostly.
This to me is a great wood carving class by a great teacher. Thank you 🙏
When I sell or gift a turning of mine I represent it as hand made. My logic for the past 35 years has been that the chisels and gouges are held and manipulated by my free form hands. The lathe merely spins the stock. I've always been a bit smug about that. After watching just two of your videos I'm reconsidering that claim and will definitely loose my undeserved smugness!.😉😉😉You are a Master Carver sir!
Wakodahatchee Chris
Second time I've watched it. I see more detail each time and will refer back. Thank you so much for sharing your craft and knowledge. I am a practicing blacksmith and will have a go at the blades as well. Well done.
Very interesting. Great learning opportunity from both what you're saying and observing your techniques and hand positions. Thanks for doing all of this.
Thank you for your expertise and also thanks to the person operating the camera. I suggest they are also an expert as they know what angles to shoot at and how close to get when your talking about a certain cut etc. Well done to you both.
Absolute pleasure to watch you do a such a masterful job. Great teaching style too. It is obvious you are passionate about your craft.
I have just watched this video a second time after trying my hand at a small spoon carving. There was so many things I missed the first time and so many mistakes I made by not following your advice. This is a superb tutorial. Thanks
Thank you for the positive feedback and also thank you for taking the time to write such a kind comment and thank you for your interaction we really appreciate that
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. I really learns a lot from you. Once again thank so much. And have a blessed day.
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for letting us see your craftsmanship.
Such a comprehensive tutorial, Thank you very much! Enjoyed every second of it.
Thank-you for the video. Really opens my eye to being g careful on the sight lines and I like your overall design.
You deserve much more views. Some of the best and thorough carving videos out there.
You are such a good teacher. Thank you very much. I want to watch more of your stuff. I am hoping you have done or do a ladle spoon video.