The SIDE WINDER and SIDE WINDER II were put to the test to do a small relief carving in a quilt square block measuring four inches by four inches and three eights inch thick. The relief is of a log cabin with a tree to one side and grass and bushes in front. The photograph visual tutorial will show each Side Winder blade positioned on the completed carving to simulate the part of the blade making a particular cut on that portion of the relief picture.

The SIDE WINDER blade design is intended to be a versatile carving tool for doing supplemental slicing cuts to compliment other carving knives. The SIDE WINDER contains a variety of cutting surfaces whose versatility is discovered the more the knife is used in various carving endeavors. The blade design lends itself to be used in the roughing out process as well as doing those finesse detail cuts in areas where another blade shape will not reach

As a point of beginning reference look at the photo showing the Three Cutting Edges labeled as A ~ B ~ C. Cutting Edge A is the longer portion of the blade which is a straight cutting edge with a reverse skew angle that facilities a natural slicing action. Cutting Edge B represents where the straight cutting edge and the curved skew cutting edge on the front end of the blade meet to form a mini bull nose gouge. Cutting Edge B can also be used for making controlled stop cuts. Cutting Edge C represents the curved skew of the front end that acts as a mini bull nose gouge, a small detail knife and the tip where the cutting edge and back of blade meet represents a mini bull nose gouge. Any portion of the blade is to be used in a slicing action for the most efficient use of the blade. With some slicing cuts the approach of the blade may be upside down or sideways in its approach to the area to be carved.

The SIDE WINDER with its larger blade will be highlighted first with a variety of simulated cuts to illustrate how it was used in the carving of the Cabin and Tree relief. The first photo shows the Curved Skew [C portion of blade or Front End of blade] being used as a skew to smooth the background. Note that the dog leg shape of the blade can be turned either left or right to reach into various areas. The second photo shows the Mini Gouge [B portion of blade] simulating its use in making a controlled stop cut. The third photo shows the Curved Skew [C portion or front end of blade] simulating the slicing cut to shape the side of the log cabin.

The first photo above shows the Straight Edge [A portion of blade with Reverse Skew angle) simulating the long slicing action of shaping the border at an angle. The second photo shows the Curved Skew [C portion or front end of blade] being used to slice the grass in front of the porch of the cabin down at an angle to create the sense of depth in a relief carving. The third photo introduces the SIDE WINDER II with its smaller blade simulating the Curved Skew [C portion of blade] being used as a mini slicing knife to separate the blades of grass with two angled slicing cuts.

The first photo above shows the SIDE WINDER II Curved Skew [C portion of blade or front end] simulating the slicing cut of mini knife separating the boards of the front porch. The second photo shows the SIDE WINDER II Curved Skew [C portion of blade or front end] simulating the slicing cut of mini knife between the boards on the gable of the cabin. The third photos shows SIDE WINDER II using the Mini Bull Nose Gouge [B portion of blade] to shape the warped shape of the shingles. The Front End of the blade or the Curved Skew was used to slice the separation between the shingles and trim off the ends of the shingle at random lengths to give the appearance of weather shingles.

The first photo above shows the SIDE WINDER II Curved Skew [C portion or Front End of blade] and the [B Mini Bull Nose gouge] being used in a sideways slicing action to shape the grouping of leaves on the tree. The second photo shows the Curved Skew [C portion of Front End of blade] being used upside down to shape the fork in the tree. The third photo shows the Tip of the Curve Skew being used as a mini gouge to shape the texture of bark on the tree.

The photo to the left shows the SIDE WINDER II simulating the slicing cut of the Curved Skew [C portion and Front End of blade] being used to slice and reduce the background between the narrow space between the cabin and the frame. This blade size was used in other narrow areas to shape the background, shape the bushes and texture the leaves and any other area where a small and detailed slicing cut was required. The simulated cuts depicted in the various positions of each blade illustrate only a portion of the various cuts that can be discovered while carving with the SIDE WINDER. The curved pistol grip of the handle is designed for comfortable use in the various twists and turns used to position and guide the slicing action of this versatile carving tool. It is not intended to be a tool to end all tools, rather it is to supplement and assist other carving tools to accomplish the creative endeavors of the carver.

The SIDE WINDER and SIDE WINDER II were designed by the WOOD BEE CARVER and are made by HELVIE KNIVES as a part of their Signature Series. Orders may be placed by calling HELVIE KNIVES at 765-675-8811.