I just LOVE this book. Anyone who has ever owned a knife or will ever own one should have a copy, in fact everyone should buy it now! Here’s my review.
Our copy was a gift to Wild Daddy from his Mum. At his cousin’s wedding in September (a very outdoorsy, celebrity affair) there were giant Jenga blocks instead of a guest book.
Wild Daddy engraved a commemoration onto our block (using the carving knife for the roast), which apparently impressed Wild Mother-in-Law so much that she bought him the book with a set of craft knives for Christmas – immediately requisitioned by me!
Clean and Simple Layout
Chris Lubkemann’s The Little Book of Whittling
It is American-published but this in no way affects its UK appeal and the author’s 40 years of whittling experience and obvious love of his craft shine from every page.
A Variety of Tutorials
It details the process for whittling a selection of 19 projects including a back scratcher, whistle, mini canoe, cooking utensils, cutlery and knives, figurines, a slingshot and nature-inspired carvings. There’s even a ‘miniatures challenge’ at the end, enthusing the reader to get started.
Not my carving (I bought it) but one I’ll certainly be trying now I (We!)’ve got the book
Top Tips Included
With humourous anecdotes, the book also includes outdoor tips on everything from preventing whittlers’ blisters, what not to feed the ducks(?!), campfire songs, first aid kits and how to keep animals away from food on the trail, to recipes, knots, animal tracks and camping advice. A brilliant addition to any camping backpack.
The 10 Extremely Important Rules of Carving
This is one of my favourite list compilations from the book: –
All in all an excellent book; interesting, fun, informative and definitely one to keep. Welcome to the world of whittling!
Carve a Wooden Mushroom
If you need to try some whittling before buying this book, the following tutorials from UK Forest School leader Richard Irvine are brilliant and include an inspiring time-lapse video as well as a printable ‘Minizine’ guide.
More Reading
If you’re keen to try forest school or other outdoor activities with your children take a look at why getting outside is important, which leads on to several posts with outdoor activity ideas.
Richard Irvine’s 15 things to do with Elder Wood at Forest School
Carve a Mushroom video
Mushrooms printable Minizine – it really works.
Why not post photos of your own attempts on our Facebook page, Kids of the Wild?
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It is the second time I’ve read about this book in a matter of weeks, so it’s definitely going on my Christmas wish list, or one of my kids’! Is there any recommendations in it on what knife to get, especially for kids?
#outdoorbloggers
It’s a great book, really humourous and detailed but in a simple, easy to use style. Good question about the knives – no recommendations specifically for children. He says his main tool is a two-bladed pocket knife or a swiss army knife, using the 1.5″ blade most of the time and a larger 2 to 2.5″ blade the rest. Mainly he says whatever blade you are comfortable with, and the brilliant 10 important rules, all of which are ‘a sharp knife’!! I believe there are some changes to law on carrying blades which may affect whittlers, I’m researching but worth checking before you buy a knife. Thanks for reading #OutdoorBloggers
What a wonderful post. I adore the tree and love the rules. Not a craft I have thought about trying before.
Sarah
The tree’s gorgeous isn’t it!