To watch you sitting there in silence, carving truly is calming. It looks as if the only thing in the world is the movement of your knife and the wood. There are no other cares, or troubles or worries. The title of your channel “calm carving“ truly is appropriate. Thank you so much for sharing the calmness, the peacefulness with the rest of us.
Thank you so much for the time spent creating these kind and moving thoughts. The notion of nothing matters is really felt when carving. Everything disperses into the background and creates a quiet space for the carving to take place. I’m really happy that I am able to translate this through video for you and all to enjoy. Thanks for watching along and for your support. Take care.
Beautiful work! Morakniv is such a Swedish classic, we grew up having them around and they usually had red wooden handles. My grandfather was an artist and he carved little figures in wood, so it brings back wonderful memories watching and listening to you work. Thank you for sharing your craft with us.
Thank you I much! I love Morakniv! I couldn’t believe that they have been going for over 400 years! I really want to add an original red handle knife to my tool collection. I think that some market places in Sweden have old tools an old red tools for sale. Maybe if I visit soon, I’ll be able to find one. Do you have any left? You might have noticed on the Morakniv website that they have actually just released a new red collection of knives!!! They look stunning. I am really really happy and taken that watching these processes can evoke such times. I am really happy that I can bring you back into that space. Thank you for your encouragement and support. Take care friend.
@@samuelalexandershapes Hi Samuel! I wish I still had some of his old knives, but unfortunately they are long gone. If I still had them I would happily send them to you. If you do visit Sweden I am sure you will be able to find some old Morakniv to purchase, and I have also seen old ones online for sale. They usually look pretty worn and rusty though, not as well kept as yours :) If I can help you in any way, let me know. Take care!
I love your work man, you’re very talented. When I can’t be outside carving or doing metal work, these videos help me scratch that creative itch! Keep it up and God bless you brother🙏🏼🤙🏼
Ah thank you so much! I’m so pleased that they can transport you to a place of working with your hands. Thanks for your encouragement and kind words. Happy making to you! 🙏🙏
I have really enjoyed your content for a while now and have been itching to get into green woodworking. I have bought the wood tools axe and their compound curve spoon knife to go with my rehandled 120. I’ve made a couple of walking staffs last year, which I really enjoyed. My grandad was a cabinet maker and I wish I’d followed in his footsteps when I was a lot younger, but now, thanks to your content along with some others I’m inspired to get into wood working. Thanks for that!
Heya pal! Thank for you taking the time to comment. I am so pleased that you’re enjoying watching along. This is great to hear! I’m so pleased that you have started making and that you see this as a create way of reconnecting with your grandad and also finding a beautiful craft that you can enjoy and express yourself within. One day, I think I will move to furniture if I can find some formal training, but for now, I am still hooked on this modern style of green wood working, even after 10 years!! Thank you for sharing your story and I hope to see some of your creations soon. Take care, friend 🙏
Do you reckon you could do a video on what you use to sharpen the knives? And how you do it? I have the morakniv hook knife but have yet to sharpen it properly. Love the content man!
Hey Eden! This has been requested quite a lot. I have started a TLC monthly video series to show these methods. This month, I take a look at my straight knives (coming soon) and then next month, upon your request, I’ll show you how I maintain these hook knives and also the different styles of hook knife bevels. Would that be okay? A small wait until Feb, but I imagine it’s worth it. Is there anything else within the hook knife sharpening theme that you would like me to cover?
Great! I have a couple of "crooked knives" based on North American First People's tool made from ( originally) a beaver's incisor. They are a bear to sharpen!
High Samuel, another very interesting video. I also have Wood carving axe ( Robin Woods) it's beautiful and honed it's razor sharp as one of my fingers would tell you, barely touched it and my finger was open, ( on blood thinners so not good ) I also have one of his spoon knives not the full hook shape but very very good. My hook knife is a Beavercraft one, and try as I might I have never been happy with the edge 😢 seems to be a lot of chatter ?? I've tried rounding the back of the blade so it's one continuous sweep and not two planes, but even that has not made a lot of difference. Any more ideas ?? Or should I purchase a hook knife from a different supplier ?? Many thanks 😊 Les.
@ heya Les! Great to hear from you. How are you? Sorry to hear that you cut your thumb on the axe! They do come amazingly sharp. It’s interesting how consistent they can be with the great quality, considering that they make so many of them! I don’t think I’ve seen a bad one. I have heard mixed things about the Beaver craft hook knives… I must admit that I haven’t really used many but from the images I see online from the people that have them, it looks as if the geometry of the blade could use a bit of development perhaps. I think that every knife could be sharpened to a respectable level but hook knives are quite specific in the overall width and bite point.. sometimes one might feel as though they are flattening the inner bevel, but actually it could be being inadvertently rounded, increasing the angle slightly of the knives bite from the other side of the back bevel, causing chatter.. try a coarse abrasive and see if it needs to be re-flattened on the inner and if you’re still feeling deflated, it might be worth trying some different knives perhaps.
Thank you so much. There is definitely a wonderful transitional feeling that happens when I shift states. It is similar the the feeling of meditation or yoga practices or even some breath works. Thank you for watching along and take care. 🙏🙏
I just started properly carving this year and I have these exact 3 tools, models and all. It feels like one of those “algorithm’s listening” moments but in the most authentic, least cynical way because it’s done helpfully by the internet’s most inspiring greenwood carver out there. Thank you for creating, Samuel; you are my goat. I wait anxiously for these long form videos like a call from the aboritst with free wood. Keep inspiring young people to join the greenwood revolution! Cheers from Tennessee!
Heya Graham! This is a lovely message, thank you for taking the time to type this. I am so glad that you have found carving and that you’ve begun your journey with a great set of tools. Thank you for watching along and for your encouraging words. There will be many more of these long videos, fear not! It’s just the beginning. I aim to make a calm carving once per week… sometimes every two weeks. Next up, I came across a PERFECT ladle crank that I can tell is going to be really really fun and informative. If you don’t see it next week, something went wrong haha I am so pleased that I can use my skills to create a ripple like this and inspire others. Thanks again, friend. Take care and happy carving. Never fear to reach out for advice/critique. 🙏✌️
Bravo! Well met with simple tooling and a sharp eye- the biggest leap any creator makes is to express- and you have done a wonderful job here- Once again- well done. Often the beginner sees a tool as the ability to express their thoughts- and forgets the medium expresses the image- the tools just refine it. Wonderfully done, good sir. As always- be safe, well- and at peace.
I have only been carving for a few months mainly for work. I work for a charity (Northern Roots) and we have access to lots of timber (ash mainly). We are setting up projects to help people with varying degrees of problems (drug and alcohol etc) and we are going to teach carving. The first tools I said we need are the three you are using. They are great tools.
This is so warming to hear! I have heard about Northern Roots. I am so pleased that you’re able to offer carving courses. If I can help with it in any way, please done hesitate to email me.
Por fin veo un artista trabajando con herramientas de precios más asequibles!!! Un trabajo hermoso con esos detalles que realzan aún más la belleza de la pieza… He descubierto tu canal hace poco y solo quería felicitarte y decirte que has ganado un nuevo seguidor… Muchísimas gracias por compartir!!! Espero poder seguir disfrutando de tu contenido por mucho tiempo. Saludos desde Barcelona (Spain)
Thank you so much! The tools are capable of just as much expression and enjoyment as any other. Thank for you watching along and for subscribing! Your support and your encouragement and kind words mean a lot! Take care, friend 🫶
Thank you for sharing these videos. I've been a woodworker for many years but only started carving a little over a year ago.. I;m in my mid 70s and have enjoyed this new opportunity to express my love for working with wood. Carving is much quieter and more relaxing than using power tools. It's simpler way to approach a medium that brings peace to my soul. Your videos embody that feeling. Thank you so much for sharing.
I’m so pleased that you’re able to find such peace in wood carving. It’s a great way to stay connected with wood but in a simpler, more primitive and instinctive way. Not much to worry or think about. Take care of yourself. Thanks for sharing.
I'm watching and think, I like this guy. Saw your name is Sam also! Lol subscribed. Wood carving is a wonderful thing. I try to carve at least one thing a day. Saved me when I quit drinking.
Haha! A nice coincidence. There are actually a few Sam’s who are wood carvers. This is a nice story. I’m glad that making was helpful during your journey. 🙏
This craft is so cool, I can't wait to get started. I have made a few sloyd type knives, and a skew. Next coming is a spoon knife. What grit paper did you use for sharpening, I'm guessing it was around 800 to 1000 grit, thank you for what you do it is very inspiring....
It is indeed such a wonderful an accessible craft. I am happy that you are excited to get started. Well done on making the tools! This is always something that I have wanted to learn. How do you find tool making? It was 1500 for a quick hewn before returning to the bowl. My approach to sharpening is to do it little and often to keep the tools happy on the go. If a knife is dropped or encounters something nasty in the wood, I re-profile it using a tormek and then work up the grits to 3000. Thank you so much for watching along pal! I’m glad I can be of inspiration. Happy carving to you.
Another amazing creation, speaking about both the video and the bowl. I'm also so happy to see so many kind and enthusiastic comments. 💚 I caught laryngitis mid December and while resting is beneficial it's also very boring. Thank you for adding some entertaining content to my most recent days. ☺️
Hello you! Thank you so much. I’m glad you like the video and the bowl. Gah I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been sick! I hope that you are okay and that you begin to feel better soon. I’m happy to provide you with some calm carving energy. Rest well! Sending strength your way. 🤗
I’m so glad that you said this! A perfect reference for the inspiration of this style of bowl. It was his late father that first inspired me to carve through his knowledge sharing. I love the flowing bowl and have seen some larger ones that have such a beautiful curve to them. I have a book called Hungarian Folk Art where I saw the inspiration for the triangle patter many years ago before I started carving but have seen it as a staple in may Swedish folk carving pieces. It really illuminated to me that all chip carving is a form of triangle, in different shapes or patterns. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Take care friend
Vielen Dank für diese schöne Anregung! Es ist immer wieder interessant zu sehen wie man mit dem entsprechenden scharfen Werkzeug zu solchen Ergebnissen gelangt.
I'm primarily a pocket knife whittler/carver, which I've been doing for yrs, and something I picked up from my granddad, who taught me. I got really interested in this kinda carving a few yrs ago, and acquired the Mora carving and hooked knives. Very good knives, in utility, maintenance and value. Been using a relatively inexpensive camp hatchet, which after a lil modifying and reshaping and grinding, it works just fine. It is pretty satisfying that ya don't really need high end, expensive tools to turn out really nice carvings. It's mostly creativity and learning by doing anyway. But Mora is prolly the best quality for most value in my opinion.
Heya pal. Thanks for sharing! I am pleased that you added this style of carving to the whittling too! I think that the feeling of either is very similar and just as tactile. I like how accessible it is and how much people can be absorbed by just three tools and a little space. Nice job on the re-profiling of the camping hatchet too! I like how you say that your grandfather taught you this, isn’t it just wonderful how pivotal these teachings are? I feel like passing skills really helps someone to shape and sculpt the way they see the world. Completely agree with your statement on Mora too. The number one in my mind. So well developed and so much history. Take care friend.
I love your videos Samuel!! A question occurred to me as I was watching this one. How long do you let your wood sit before you start working with it? And do you have any tips for drying your bowls out so they don’t crack? Thanks man!
Hey there. Thank you so much and thanks for watching along and for this question. So I try and work with it as soon as possible from felled. I try not to let it dry too much as a log so I seal the ends or cover it or wrap it. When wrapping, you’re encouraging the moisture to mould and in some woods, it creates a beautiful tone in the wood call spalting, caused by the fungus. This log used to be so pale but now it has a really deep almost brown tone to it. For drying, I try and dry the pieces slowly. I wrap them up in a tote bag of wood chips and then place the bundle in another bag to draw the moisture out and let it escape through the bags membrane. You can also use a paper bag or any fabric that’s breathable. I then place this in an old cupboard in the garage, basement or under the sink. Those damp(ish), dark, sealed places, away from a heat source, light or wind. This will let the moisture escape to match its environment slowly enough to minimise cracking. Some woods however, will crack if they want. It’s all a part of the beauty unpredictability of this incredible material. I hope this helps!!
Thank you! I dry it all slowly. I put the projects in a tote bag of woodchips and bundle it up and place it in a cool, dark cupboard in the garage away from heat and light. This draws the moisture from the wood slowly so it can match its environment without stressing the wood. Hope this helps!
The Scottish and I think the Irish carved these out centuries ago and they were called Quaich’s They were used for food and drink, nowadays they are used at wedding ceremonies for toasting the bride and groom, the modern ones are usually made of silver
Your bowl/cup reminds me a whole lot of a Scots drinking cup. There's a name for it, but I can't remember. I miss the ring of your green handled hatchet.
Yes! You mean a quaich! A two handled friendship cup. Exactly. If it was deeper, it could be a good one. I have a lot of Scottish heritage so perhaps I can connect with that ancestry by making one sometime.
This is great, it's easy to fall into the trap "if only I had that tool" think that was coined by Norm Abram. Anyway before you know it your a tool collector. Still helping the community and artisan tool makers but it's refreshing to see such amazing work done with a humble selection of tools. If you are indeed taking requests I'd be interested in sheaths and edge protection, probably be your least watched video mined haha
I agree completely. Once one gains a better understanding of their personal style and their relationship with tools, they do pile up! I think it took me those two years to really figure out what it was that I was looking for in tools. With this knowledge, I then went on the not only gain a tailored kit for me, but also develop tools with smiths to help push the craft forward. Great suggestion! I have many tools without a proper sheath that I can make for a TLC project. Thank you! I will make something for March I expect. Take care, friend.
Heya Jim! Thanks for watching and for your comment. The wood is European Walnut. It’s Spalted lightly as it was sat on the ground for a while over winter. It is green, a very workable moisture content compared to seasoned woods. Thanks again! 🙏
Thanks for the question! It’s all green and always green. I source it from a local castle woodland grounds where they have a really active tree care team who nurture the plant life. I reached out and they give me wood sometimes if they carry out larger work. I usually seal each end of the logs in a thin coat of PVA or wood glue and keep it in the shade and under a tarp.
Would this carving kit be good for harder woods like oak? I have quite a bit of oak lying around. I am assuming it would work, but I might have to sharpen the knives more often?
Good question! Is the oak fresh and still green? If so, yes! These tools will be okay for green oak. As you say, they might show the signs of needing to be sharpened a bit earlier than say, a wood like birch or linden, but they’re more than adequate for the task. If the oak is dry, I personally wouldn’t want to process it with hand tools! I’ve tried and by body still remembers!
@@samuelalexandershapes Hey, thanks for getting back to me! Ah, that makes sense. Unfortunately the wood has been aging/drying for a while. I'll have to find another wood source if I want to play with hand tools it seems. Take care, thanks again.
Hello! I have carved dry wood in the past, but it isn’t a very fun experience for tool or body! Fresh wood is such a contrasting texture and can be like butter to carve. Drying doesn’t need to be complicated. When wood dries, it is trying to reach the same moisture content as it’s environment. If this is a big contrast and it’s hot, this happens too quickly and the wood grin opens up to match the speed. Your aim is to dry the project SLOWLY. To do so, I have an old tote bag (you can use a paper bag, an old T-shirt or something else of a breathable membrane) full of wood chips and once carved, I pace the finished project in there. I then bundle it up and put it in another tote. This will draw the moisture out of the pours slowly. I then place the bundle in a cupboard, away from heat, sun or outside draft in the garage, or basement, or under the sink. Those cold, mildly damp places around the home. Eventually the wood will release and begin to match its environment and will be dry. Shapes like these and spoon shapes will dry white reliably... I’ll be honest, I got home and I put this item straight on the counter and forgot about it and the next day, it was completely fine! Bigger bowls and cups and anything where the thickness of the project changes quite a lot, will be more at risk of cracking and they can’t easily dry at an even rate. Sometimes, the wood will just crack if it wants. Beech likes to crack, some fruit woods too! Don’t be discouraged, it’s all a part of working with a beautiful but wild material. I hope this helps!!
@samuelalexandershapes it does! Thank you! I have some cherry and apple wood waiting for me green so this motivates me! I love your channel and what you do, and the calm of how you do it. Well done.
Thanks again Sam for another great video! It seems like you had one idea for the handles but then changed your mind. How does that process work for you? Is it more the look or feel of the piece, or something else?
@ fantastic! This is great to hear. I really hope you enjoy working with the apple and cherry! Let me know how you get on please. Thank you for the complements. I really really appreciate it.
@ heya Patrick! How are you pal? Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed watching. Exactly this… I intended to make the handles longer, but then after seeing the hollow and the relationship between the length and width, I reduced it. It’s how I usually work, leave it long and then trim it if I feel like the piece needs it. I also like to leave the length decisions towards the end, because it makes the piece easy to hold onto when axe, carving and refining with knives. It’s somewhat calculated but allows room for instinctive decisions.
great!!! but when you cut with a knife towards yourself, and the cut towards yourself with force from the shoulder, and not with the force of the hand, I somehow got scared, in fact, with such a cut there is no fixation of the hand
Thank you! With the pull cut, I am in complete control. The knife is angled away from my body, the wood is in between myself and the knife, preventing any incident, I’m neither pulling from the shoulder, nor the wrist, but instead keeping them both at the same place whilst drawing the elbow back, brushing my forearm against my torso for control and steadiness. It took a long time to master, but I’ve never come close to cutting myself with it!
Yes 👍 great question! Thank you. Wood doesn’t crack because it’s wet… it cracks because it either dries too fast, or dries at an uneven rate. Sometimes the wood will be stable enough to not crack, I find that my spoons and these styles of bowls will never crack, providing that I don’t leave a thick, heavy section that will dry much slower than the rest… On bigger projects, I discourage the drying process and really slow it down by wrapping it in tote bags, filled with wood chips and storing it in a cupboard in the garage or basement, away from a heat source, light or draft. I’d say that I lose 5% of my makes to cracking. Some woods like to crack more than others… beech, with its interlocked grain likes to open and so do some fruit woods. I hope this helps! Thanks for the question
Thank you! I have tried a right ground axe before… I really liked it. I would be interested to see what the difference feels like with a Chinese style one… I haven’t come across one before but if I do, I will try it out. Take care 😊
Questo video dovrebbe essere visto da quelle persone che disdegnano un simile oggetto ad uno stesso manufatto in plastica, non si rendono conto della maestria , sia del tempo occorso per arrivare a quel livello, che con grande ignoranza dicono "allo stesso prezzo, ne compro 10 in pllastica" e che poi non comprano nè l'uno nè l'altro
To watch you sitting there in silence, carving truly is calming. It looks as if the only thing in the world is the movement of your knife and the wood. There are no other cares, or troubles or worries. The title of your channel “calm carving“ truly is appropriate. Thank you so much for sharing the calmness, the peacefulness with the rest of us.
Thank you so much for the time spent creating these kind and moving thoughts. The notion of nothing matters is really felt when carving. Everything disperses into the background and creates a quiet space for the carving to take place. I’m really happy that I am able to translate this through video for you and all to enjoy. Thanks for watching along and for your support. Take care.
Beautiful work! Morakniv is such a Swedish classic, we grew up having them around and they usually had red wooden handles. My grandfather was an artist and he carved little figures in wood, so it brings back wonderful memories watching and listening to you work. Thank you for sharing your craft with us.
Thank you I much! I love Morakniv! I couldn’t believe that they have been going for over 400 years! I really want to add an original red handle knife to my tool collection. I think that some market places in Sweden have old tools an old red tools for sale. Maybe if I visit soon, I’ll be able to find one. Do you have any left? You might have noticed on the Morakniv website that they have actually just released a new red collection of knives!!! They look stunning. I am really really happy and taken that watching these processes can evoke such times. I am really happy that I can bring you back into that space. Thank you for your encouragement and support. Take care friend.
A beautiful piece of art. Great detail and I love the little chip carve accents. Samuel, you are a true artist. ❤
Wow thank you so much! I’m so happy you like this little bowl. Take care, Stacy 🫶🫶
@@samuelalexandershapes Hi Samuel! I wish I still had some of his old knives, but unfortunately they are long gone. If I still had them I would happily send them to you. If you do visit Sweden I am sure you will be able to find some old Morakniv to purchase, and I have also seen old ones online for sale. They usually look pretty worn and rusty though, not as well kept as yours :) If I can help you in any way, let me know. Take care!
@ this is so kind. Thank you 🙏 I’m sure I will come across some soon. Take care 🤗
I love your work man, you’re very talented. When I can’t be outside carving or doing metal work, these videos help me scratch that creative itch! Keep it up and God bless you brother🙏🏼🤙🏼
Ah thank you so much! I’m so pleased that they can transport you to a place of working with your hands. Thanks for your encouragement and kind words. Happy making to you! 🙏🙏
Very beautiful work, really enjoyed watching a master at work.
Thank you so much!
I have really enjoyed your content for a while now and have been itching to get into green woodworking. I have bought the wood tools axe and their compound curve spoon knife to go with my rehandled 120. I’ve made a couple of walking staffs last year, which I really enjoyed. My grandad was a cabinet maker and I wish I’d followed in his footsteps when I was a lot younger, but now, thanks to your content along with some others I’m inspired to get into wood working. Thanks for that!
Heya pal! Thank for you taking the time to comment. I am so pleased that you’re enjoying watching along. This is great to hear! I’m so pleased that you have started making and that you see this as a create way of reconnecting with your grandad and also finding a beautiful craft that you can enjoy and express yourself within. One day, I think I will move to furniture if I can find some formal training, but for now, I am still hooked on this modern style of green wood working, even after 10 years!! Thank you for sharing your story and I hope to see some of your creations soon. Take care, friend
🙏
Do you reckon you could do a video on what you use to sharpen the knives? And how you do it? I have the morakniv hook knife but have yet to sharpen it properly. Love the content man!
Hey Eden! This has been requested quite a lot. I have started a TLC monthly video series to show these methods. This month, I take a look at my straight knives (coming soon) and then next month, upon your request, I’ll show you how I maintain these hook knives and also the different styles of hook knife bevels. Would that be okay? A small wait until Feb, but I imagine it’s worth it. Is there anything else within the hook knife sharpening theme that you would like me to cover?
Great! I have a couple of "crooked knives" based on North American First People's tool made from ( originally) a beaver's incisor. They are a bear to sharpen!
@ oh wow! I’d love to see these. They sound incredibly interesting. Where ever did you get them?
High Samuel, another very interesting video.
I also have Wood carving axe ( Robin Woods) it's beautiful and honed it's razor sharp as one of my fingers would tell you, barely touched it and my finger was open, ( on blood thinners so not good )
I also have one of his spoon knives not the full hook shape but very very good.
My hook knife is a Beavercraft one, and try as I might I have never been happy with the edge 😢 seems to be a lot of chatter ?? I've tried rounding the back of the blade so it's one continuous sweep and not two planes, but even that has not made a lot of difference.
Any more ideas ??
Or should I purchase a hook knife from a different supplier ??
Many thanks 😊
Les.
@ heya Les! Great to hear from you. How are you?
Sorry to hear that you cut your thumb on the axe! They do come amazingly sharp. It’s interesting how consistent they can be with the great quality, considering that they make so many of them! I don’t think I’ve seen a bad one.
I have heard mixed things about the Beaver
craft hook knives… I must admit that I haven’t really used many but from the images I see online from the people that have them, it looks as if the geometry of the blade could use a bit of development perhaps. I think that every knife could be sharpened to a respectable level but hook knives are quite specific in the overall width and bite point.. sometimes one might feel as though they are flattening the inner bevel, but actually it could be being inadvertently rounded, increasing the angle slightly of the knives bite from the other side of the back bevel, causing chatter.. try a coarse abrasive and see if it needs to be re-flattened on the inner and if you’re still feeling deflated, it might be worth trying some different knives perhaps.
I love to watch you go from the outside yourself to your inner peaceful self when carving. You are a very talented individual. Thank you!!!
Thank you so much. There is definitely a wonderful transitional feeling that happens when I shift states. It is similar the the feeling of meditation or yoga practices or even some breath works. Thank you for watching along and take care. 🙏🙏
I just started properly carving this year and I have these exact 3 tools, models and all. It feels like one of those “algorithm’s listening” moments but in the most authentic, least cynical way because it’s done helpfully by the internet’s most inspiring greenwood carver out there. Thank you for creating, Samuel; you are my goat. I wait anxiously for these long form videos like a call from the aboritst with free wood. Keep inspiring young people to join the greenwood revolution! Cheers from Tennessee!
Heya Graham! This is a lovely message, thank you for taking the time to type this. I am so glad that you have found carving and that you’ve begun your journey with a great set of tools.
Thank you for watching along and for your encouraging words. There will be many more of these long videos, fear not! It’s just the beginning. I aim to make a calm carving once per week… sometimes every two weeks. Next up, I came across a PERFECT ladle crank that I can tell is going to be really really fun and informative. If you don’t see it next week, something went wrong haha
I am so pleased that I can use my skills to create a ripple like this and inspire others.
Thanks again, friend. Take care and happy carving. Never fear to reach out for advice/critique. 🙏✌️
Thank you Samuel, really enjoyed your Carving. Stay safe and keep up the great videos. Fred and family.
Thank you for the encouragement and for watching along Fred! Take care, pal 🙏
Bravo! Well met with simple tooling and a sharp eye- the biggest leap any creator makes is to express- and you have done a wonderful job here- Once again- well done. Often the beginner sees a tool as the ability to express their thoughts- and forgets the medium expresses the image- the tools just refine it. Wonderfully done, good sir. As always- be safe, well- and at peace.
Thank you for this comment and for the summary. You said it well! I really love the accessibility of this craft.
I have only been carving for a few months mainly for work. I work for a charity (Northern Roots) and we have access to lots of timber (ash mainly). We are setting up projects to help people with varying degrees of problems (drug and alcohol etc) and we are going to teach carving. The first tools I said we need are the three you are using. They are great tools.
This is so warming to hear! I have heard about Northern Roots. I am so pleased that you’re able to offer carving courses. If I can help with it in any way, please done hesitate to email me.
@samuelalexandershapes amazing, thank you for the offer. Look forward to your next video.
Ça paraît si simple !! Quelle précision dans le geste !!! Bravo, superbe.
Thank you so much Benoit! 🙏
Por fin veo un artista trabajando con herramientas de precios más asequibles!!!
Un trabajo hermoso con esos detalles que realzan aún más la belleza de la pieza…
He descubierto tu canal hace poco y solo quería felicitarte y decirte que has ganado un nuevo seguidor…
Muchísimas gracias por compartir!!!
Espero poder seguir disfrutando de tu contenido por mucho tiempo.
Saludos desde Barcelona (Spain)
Thank you so much! The tools are capable of just as much expression and enjoyment as any other.
Thank for you watching along and for subscribing! Your support and your encouragement and kind words mean a lot! Take care, friend 🫶
nice one Sam…an excellent idea to show carving with less expensive tools…another banger from the man who makes beautiful shapes !!!
Thank you Martin! I Hope you’re well! We’re counting the days until Spoontown!!
Beautiful work,love the the little details.
Wow thank you so much Linda! Again, so kind. 💚🙏
Very cool. I really love the sound of the tools cutting the wood. Once again, it's a great video.
Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing these videos. I've been a woodworker for many years but only started carving a little over a year ago.. I;m in my mid 70s and have enjoyed this new opportunity to express my love for working with wood. Carving is much quieter and more relaxing than using power tools. It's simpler way to approach a medium that brings peace to my soul. Your videos embody that feeling. Thank you so much for sharing.
I’m so pleased that you’re able to find such peace in wood carving. It’s a great way to stay connected with wood but in a simpler, more primitive and instinctive way. Not much to worry or think about.
Take care of yourself. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for showing the tool sharpening as well!
You’re so welcome 🫶
I am really enjoying this channel, I think I may give it a try
I'm watching and think, I like this guy. Saw your name is Sam also! Lol subscribed. Wood carving is a wonderful thing. I try to carve at least one thing a day. Saved me when I quit drinking.
Haha! A nice coincidence. There are actually a few Sam’s who are wood carvers. This is a nice story. I’m glad that making was helpful during your journey. 🙏
Nicely done. Beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much
Thanks for showing that this project is achievable with the tools I have! Definitely a future project for me
Ah you’re se welcome!! Let me know how you get on
Hola bonito trabajo me gusta mucho verte trabajar la madera Saludos 😊
Thank you very much my friend. Have a beautiful day.
Great youtube, lovely to see your process and using affordable, easily accessible tools. Thankyou
You’re so welcome pal
This craft is so cool, I can't wait to get started. I have made a few sloyd type knives, and a skew. Next coming is a spoon knife. What grit paper did you use for sharpening, I'm guessing it was around 800 to 1000 grit, thank you for what you do it is very inspiring....
It is indeed such a wonderful an accessible craft. I am happy that you are excited to get started. Well done on making the tools! This is always something that I have wanted to learn. How do you find tool making?
It was 1500 for a quick hewn before returning to the bowl. My approach to sharpening is to do it little and often to keep the tools happy on the go. If a knife is dropped or encounters something nasty in the wood, I re-profile it using a tormek and then work up the grits to 3000. Thank you so much for watching along pal! I’m glad I can be of inspiration. Happy carving to you.
This is great! Very relaxing and beautiful carving! Need to try to make one of these bowls with all the branches that fell in the last hurricane
Thank you so much. Sorry to hear about the hurricanes. Sending strength 🙏
Very well done video! I’m a carver, too, inspired to make small bowls now.
Thank you so much. I am glad that I can be of inspiration. I hope that you enjoy the bowl carving. Let me know how you get on!
Hermoso trabajo. Yo no hago tallado pero disfruto mucho viendo tus videos para relajarme un momento. Saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷🫂
Thank you for watching along. I am happy that you feel at peace watching these videos. Carver or not 🙏🫶
love how the sound changes at a certain point of axing out a bowl (maybe around 8:40 in the video) as it crosses the line from chunk of wood to bowl
🙏
You do beautiful work! Thank you 😎
Thank you very much
Another amazing creation, speaking about both the video and the bowl. I'm also so happy to see so many kind and enthusiastic comments. 💚 I caught laryngitis mid December and while resting is beneficial it's also very boring. Thank you for adding some entertaining content to my most recent days. ☺️
Hello you! Thank you so much. I’m glad you like the video and the bowl.
Gah I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been sick! I hope that you are okay and that you begin to feel better soon. I’m happy to provide you with some calm carving energy.
Rest well! Sending strength your way. 🤗
@samuelalexandershapes I sent you a reply but it didn't take. Perhaps it will show up in a little while? 😊
@ I hope so! I don’t think I received a notification
I love the sound a sharp knife (or plane) makes.
I couldn’t resonate more.
Really enjoyed watching you carve!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you
Great project , it reminded me of Swedish Sloyd work like Surrolle does. I also really like your calm carving series
I’m so glad that you said this! A perfect reference for the inspiration of this style of bowl. It was his late father that first inspired me to carve through his knowledge sharing. I love the flowing bowl and have seen some larger ones that have such a beautiful curve to them. I have a book called Hungarian Folk Art where I saw the inspiration for the triangle patter many years ago before I started carving but have seen it as a staple in may Swedish folk carving pieces. It really illuminated to me that all chip carving is a form of triangle, in different shapes or patterns. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Take care friend
Vielen Dank für diese schöne Anregung!
Es ist immer wieder interessant zu sehen wie man mit dem entsprechenden scharfen Werkzeug zu solchen Ergebnissen gelangt.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you find it interesting. Take care 💚
I'm primarily a pocket knife whittler/carver, which I've been doing for yrs, and something I picked up from my granddad, who taught me. I got really interested in this kinda carving a few yrs ago, and acquired the Mora carving and hooked knives. Very good knives, in utility, maintenance and value. Been using a relatively inexpensive camp hatchet, which after a lil modifying and reshaping and grinding, it works just fine. It is pretty satisfying that ya don't really need high end, expensive tools to turn out really nice carvings. It's mostly creativity and learning by doing anyway. But Mora is prolly the best quality for most value in my opinion.
Heya pal. Thanks for sharing! I am pleased that you added this style of carving to the whittling too! I think that the feeling of either is very similar and just as tactile. I like how accessible it is and how much people can be absorbed by just three tools and a little space. Nice job on the re-profiling of the camping hatchet too! I like how you say that your grandfather taught you this, isn’t it just wonderful how pivotal these teachings are? I feel like passing skills really helps someone to shape and sculpt the way they see the world. Completely agree with your statement on Mora too. The number one in my mind. So well developed and so much history. Take care friend.
I really enjoyed that too. Subscribed.
Thank you for watching along and subscribing 🙏
Well played. Well done!
Thank you Trustin!
Very nice and cute! Love it!
Thank you! 😊
Beautiful little bowl.
Thank you very much!
Beautiful work. Love the details.
Thank you very much!
Another top video 👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you 🙏
Gran trabajo gracias por mostrarlo un saludo
Thank you so much for watching along 🙏🙏
Great video, first time watching your channel. Really enjoyed it. subscribed.
Thank you so much!! Welcome. I hope you continue to enjoy these videos.
He is particularly skilled with an axe.👍
🙏
it would be very nice if Mora start to produce a detail carving model...Game changer for all...
I agree! I have seen a lot of folk re-profile their Mora 120 and use it as a detail/chip carving knife.
Thank you 🙏
You’re so welcome! Thanks for watching along Aaron! 🫶
I love your videos Samuel!! A question occurred to me as I was watching this one. How long do you let your wood sit before you start working with it? And do you have any tips for drying your bowls out so they don’t crack? Thanks man!
Hey there. Thank you so much and thanks for watching along and for this question. So I try and work with it as soon as possible from felled. I try not to let it dry too much as a log so I seal the ends or cover it or wrap it. When wrapping, you’re encouraging the moisture to mould and in some woods, it creates a beautiful tone in the wood call spalting, caused by the fungus.
This log used to be so pale but now it has a really deep almost brown tone to it.
For drying, I try and dry the pieces slowly. I wrap them up in a tote bag of wood chips and then place the bundle in another bag to draw the moisture out and let it escape through the bags membrane. You can also use a paper bag or any fabric that’s breathable. I then place this in an old cupboard in the garage, basement or under the sink. Those damp(ish), dark, sealed places, away from a heat source, light or wind. This will let the moisture escape to match its environment slowly enough to minimise cracking.
Some woods however, will crack if they want. It’s all a part of the beauty unpredictability of this incredible material.
I hope this helps!!
Nice work! How do you prevent the fresh wood from cracking when it dries?
Thank you! I dry it all slowly. I put the projects in a tote bag of woodchips and bundle it up and place it in a cool, dark cupboard in the garage away from heat and light. This draws the moisture from the wood slowly so it can match its environment without stressing the wood. Hope this helps!
Great work. How long will you leave it to dry before you put oil on it? I'm assuming linseed oil maybe.
Yes, I dry it slowly for a couple of weeks a and then massage a little linseed into it
This video has made me fall in love with this channel, incredible!!
This is so kind. Thank you very much. I am really glad that you have enjoyed watching. Have a lovely day
Love this! May I ask what is the species of the wood?
Thank you! Of course! It’s walnut. Not black walnut, however, European walnut
The Scottish and I think the Irish carved these out centuries ago and they were called Quaich’s They were used for food and drink, nowadays they are used at wedding ceremonies for toasting the bride and groom, the modern ones are usually made of silver
Yes you’re right! They were a bit deeper and steeper so that the liquid couldn’t spill and often decorated ornately
I'll get the gauze bandages! 😅
Your bowl/cup reminds me a whole lot of a Scots drinking cup. There's a name for it, but I can't remember. I miss the ring of your green handled hatchet.
Yes! You mean a quaich! A two handled friendship cup. Exactly. If it was deeper, it could be a good one. I have a lot of Scottish heritage so perhaps I can connect with that ancestry by making one sometime.
I miss it too!! It’s just been sharpened and I used it yesterday on the other half. Bless it.
SUPER !
Many thanks!
Great, I have been looking for a hobby while off-road camping and sitting by a fire or lake. I can make spoon, fork, chopsticks. Thx!
Ah this is so nice to hear! I hope it brings you even more peace whilst camping in the wild. Take care.
This is great, it's easy to fall into the trap "if only I had that tool" think that was coined by Norm Abram. Anyway before you know it your a tool collector. Still helping the community and artisan tool makers but it's refreshing to see such amazing work done with a humble selection of tools. If you are indeed taking requests I'd be interested in sheaths and edge protection, probably be your least watched video mined haha
I agree completely. Once one gains a better understanding of their personal style and their relationship with tools, they do pile up! I think it took me those two years to really figure out what it was that I was looking for in tools. With this knowledge, I then went on the not only gain a tailored kit for me, but also develop tools with smiths to help push the craft forward.
Great suggestion! I have many tools without a proper sheath that I can make for a TLC project. Thank you! I will make something for March I expect. Take care, friend.
Fabulous video. Is the wood apple?
Thank you! This is European Walnut :)
Awesome Bowl, quick question what type of wood? and was the log/wood still "Green" Or Seasoned?
Heya Jim! Thanks for watching and for your comment. The wood is European Walnut. It’s Spalted lightly as it was sat on the ground for a while over winter. It is green, a very workable moisture content compared to seasoned woods. Thanks again! 🙏
@@samuelalexandershapes Awesome, thank you again for the quick response and the inspiration! Be well!
Do you always carve green wood? Where do you source it and do you do anything to keep it from checking or just throw it in the pile?
Thanks for the question! It’s all green and always green. I source it from a local castle woodland grounds where they have a really active tree care team who nurture the plant life. I reached out and they give me wood sometimes if they carry out larger work. I usually seal each end of the logs in a thin coat of PVA or wood glue and keep it in the shade and under a tarp.
Patience the virtue 🫶👌
🙏🙏🙏
Would this carving kit be good for harder woods like oak? I have quite a bit of oak lying around.
I am assuming it would work, but I might have to sharpen the knives more often?
Good question! Is the oak fresh and still green? If so, yes! These tools will be okay for green oak. As you say, they might show the signs of needing to be sharpened a bit earlier than say, a wood like birch or linden, but they’re more than adequate for the task.
If the oak is dry, I personally wouldn’t want to process it with hand tools! I’ve tried and by body still remembers!
@@samuelalexandershapes Hey, thanks for getting back to me! Ah, that makes sense. Unfortunately the wood has been aging/drying for a while. I'll have to find another wood source if I want to play with hand tools it seems. Take care, thanks again.
*Approaching your shed like I approach my car for my Delivery route.. My baby!
Hahaha absolutely!
Do you ever carve dried woods? I'm new to carving and green carving is much more comfortable but how do you keep the wood from cracking as it dries?
Hello! I have carved dry wood in the past, but it isn’t a very fun experience for tool or body! Fresh wood is such a contrasting texture and can be like butter to carve.
Drying doesn’t need to be complicated. When wood dries, it is trying to reach the same moisture content as it’s environment. If this is a big contrast and it’s hot, this happens too quickly and the wood grin opens up to match the speed. Your aim is to dry the project SLOWLY. To do so, I have an old tote bag (you can use a paper bag, an old T-shirt or something else of a breathable membrane) full of wood chips and once carved, I pace the finished project in there. I then bundle it up and put it in another tote. This will draw the moisture out of the pours slowly. I then place the bundle in a cupboard, away from heat, sun or outside draft in the garage, or basement, or under the sink. Those cold, mildly damp places around the home.
Eventually the wood will release and begin to match its environment and will be dry.
Shapes like these and spoon shapes will dry white reliably... I’ll be honest, I got home and I put this item straight on the counter and forgot about it and the next day, it was completely fine! Bigger bowls and cups and anything where the thickness of the project changes quite a lot, will be more at risk of cracking and they can’t easily dry at an even rate. Sometimes, the wood will just crack if it wants. Beech likes to crack, some fruit woods too! Don’t be discouraged, it’s all a part of working with a beautiful but wild material.
I hope this helps!!
@samuelalexandershapes it does! Thank you! I have some cherry and apple wood waiting for me green so this motivates me! I love your channel and what you do, and the calm of how you do it. Well done.
Thanks again Sam for another great video! It seems like you had one idea for the handles but then changed your mind. How does that process work for you? Is it more the look or feel of the piece, or something else?
@ fantastic! This is great to hear. I really hope you enjoy working with the apple and cherry! Let me know how you get on please. Thank you for the complements. I really really appreciate it.
@ heya Patrick! How are you pal? Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed watching. Exactly this… I intended to make the handles longer, but then after seeing the hollow and the relationship between the length and width, I reduced it. It’s how I usually work, leave it long and then trim it if I feel like the piece needs it. I also like to leave the length decisions towards the end, because it makes the piece easy to hold onto when axe, carving and refining with knives.
It’s somewhat calculated but allows room for instinctive decisions.
Maşallah ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
great!!! but when you cut with a knife towards yourself, and the cut towards yourself with force from the shoulder, and not with the force of the hand, I somehow got scared, in fact, with such a cut there is no fixation of the hand
Thank you!
With the pull cut, I am in complete control. The knife is angled away from my body, the wood is in between myself and the knife, preventing any incident, I’m neither pulling from the shoulder, nor the wrist, but instead keeping them both at the same place whilst drawing the elbow back, brushing my forearm against my torso for control and steadiness.
It took a long time to master, but I’ve never come close to cutting myself with it!
A bread bowl for the fairies.
Beautiful
Can that wood really be dry enough, so it dont crack?
Yes 👍 great question! Thank you.
Wood doesn’t crack because it’s wet… it cracks because it either dries too fast, or dries at an uneven rate. Sometimes the wood will be stable enough to not crack, I find that my spoons and these styles of bowls will never crack, providing that I don’t leave a thick, heavy section that will dry much slower than the rest…
On bigger projects, I discourage the drying process and really slow it down by wrapping it in tote bags, filled with wood chips and storing it in a cupboard in the garage or basement, away from a heat source, light or draft.
I’d say that I lose 5% of my makes to cracking. Some woods like to crack more than others… beech, with its interlocked grain likes to open and so do some fruit woods.
I hope this helps! Thanks for the question
@samuelalexandershapes thank you,great answer. I have the tools and wood,so good info🔪🐻❄️🇧🇻
@ awesome! Let me know how it goes 🙏✌️
How long did it actually take you to carve this bowl?
Maybe 4 hours?
推荐中国木工单刃斧，非常适合砍直线，分左右手。感兴趣可以看看😄
Thank you! I have tried a right ground axe before… I really liked it. I would be interested to see what the difference feels like with a Chinese style one… I haven’t come across one before but if I do, I will try it out. Take care 😊
У тебе золоті руки. Я отримав величезне естетичне задоволення від споглядання твоєї роботи. Дякую!
Thank you Volodymyr. This means a lot! Take care
Questo video dovrebbe essere visto da quelle persone che disdegnano un simile oggetto ad uno stesso manufatto in plastica, non si rendono conto della maestria , sia del tempo occorso per arrivare a quel livello, che con grande ignoranza dicono "allo stesso prezzo, ne compro 10 in pllastica" e che poi non comprano nè l'uno nè l'altro
You’re very right! There is nothing quite like the hand made and I hope to see a time where our economy can see it truly valued.
Dope AF results, @samuelalexandershapes!
Thank you!!!