Shows you how to create iconic whittling classics like the wooden chain, ball-in-a-cage, arrow-through-the-heart, and more.

In a fast-paced and noisy world that makes your head spin, the classic craft of whittling is the perfect antidote. It makes you slow down, take a breath, and live in the moment. Your hands are crafting instead of typing or texting. Best of all, whittling is simple to learn, lasts a lifetime, and requires only a simple knife. It's no wonder it's become more popular over recent years. No longer something only old men do, whittling has reached parents spending time with kids, techies taking a break from computer screens, and anyone who enjoys being outdoors. In Classic Whittling, author Rick Wiebe - a whittler for more than 60 years - provides the fundamentals for anyone looking to slow down and learn this classic craft. Classic Whittling begins with the basics of a good knife and how to keep it sharp. Wiebe then covers the best woods to use, ranging from sticks to blocks of wood, along with the basic techniques that will get you started. After that, there's no limit to what you can do. Projects start out with toys, a whistle, and "treens" -- simple forks, spoons, and other utensils used while camping. From there, it's on to the more challenging projects: the chain, the interlinking hearts, the ball-in-a-cage, the sphere-within-a-sphere and several other classics. This handy and fun guide covers them all step-by-step. By the end of Classic Whittling, your knife will become a magic wand that turns firewood into fun, fascinates your family and friends, and lowers your blood pressure.

You can whittle just about anything—the only limit is your imagination. It’s so easy to get started in this relaxing and rewarding hobby. All you need is a knife, a twig, and this book! We’ve assembled a team of 12 leading woodcarvers to bring you a complete starter guide to whittling. They present 24 easy whittling projects for beginners that you can make in just a weekend, complete with step-by-step instructions, how-to photographs, ready-to-carve patterns, and helpful tips. Start off with fast and fun projects that build confidence and teach fundamental carving techniques, like a simple flying propeller or a 5-minute owl. Then move on to create whittled wonders like a musical frog or a slingshot. We show you how to whittle complex designs in easy steps, so that you’ll soon be carving attention-getting favorites like chain links or the classic ball-in-a-cage.

Whittle away the hours! Now available in a handsome new hardcover gift edition, this friendly guidebook features 18 step-by-step whittling projects for knives, forks, birds, animals, trees, flowers, and more. Also includes chapters on proper whittling tools and materials, what woods are best to carve, and how to start projects by selecting and safely sharpening the best knife for each project.

A refreshed edition of a practical and delightful introduction to the time-honored craft of wood carving—now with brand-new step-by-step illustrations. Whittling can help you relax even as you create useful and beautiful art with just a knife and some timber. The Whittling Handbook helps beginners explore this time-honored craft and learn foundational skills, from gathering the basic tools to choosing the right wood to keeping your knife sharp. Begin with straightforward projects like a kitchen spatula, and then progress to more complex and intricate items such as a linked chain and a whistle. Easy-to-follow and full of friendly guidance from seasoned woodcarver Pete Benson, this guide is perfect for first-timers.

Learn the fast and simple way to whittle in this fun introduction to woodcarving. Discover how to whittle in less time while you have more fun! One of the joys of whittling with a pocketknife is that you can do it just about anywhere. You don’t need any fancy equipment, and you don’t even need much spare time. Author Tom Hindes demonstrates his easy-to-learn, quick-cut method for whittling expressive little figures from wood in just 20 minutes or less. With his friendly instructions and step-by-step photos, you’ll learn to carve an endless array of charming wizards, gnomes, gargoyles, ornaments, dogs, leprechauns, and more. These super-short whittling projects are perfect for learning basic woodcarving skills. They also make wonderful little gifts for random acts of kindness. Leave one along with your tip at the local restaurant, or give one to your favorite cashier. Children especially enjoy receiving them as souvenirs.

A gift edition of Fox Chapel Publishing's 2015 publication.