Whittle Folk Monks are three-inch-tall characters that are subjects used for instructional purposes as a beginning carving project that were introduced in 2009 [click on MONKS 1 and MONKS 2 for earlier postings.] The photos above show the front view and the back view of the row of monks in their finished poses of the 2017 versions of Monks. Read the rest of this entry »
VIPER III ~ Wood Bee Carver Signature Series Knife was used to carve these six Whittle Dwarfs while working at the Primary Election poll in between voters casting there ballots [which means it was a slow turn out of voters.] Whittle Dwarfs are an inch and half tall by inch square block of basswood and are basically all head with feet protruding under the jaw line. Howard Feed-N-Wax was used as the finish. VIPER III is made by HELVIE KNIVES and may be ordered by calling 765-675-8811
Nine carving students survived a three-day class on the “A – B – C’s of Face Carving” in the wood shop of Ken Taylor in Paris, KY., on April 26, 27 and 28. Pictured in the photo above are (left to right on first row) Don Powell, Joan Whitman, Randy Whisman and Jim Bounds; (second row) Harold Polus, Kenneth Taylor, Ray Copenhaver, Dick Mathy and Bryan Taylor. Read the rest of this entry »
GREEN HORNET Signature Series knives designed by the WOOD BEE CARVER and made by HELVIE KNIVES were tested again with two new carving projects. This is a continuation of the previous posting about the introduction of the GREEN HORNET KNIVES. Read the rest of this entry »
HELVIE KNIVES announces the introduction of the latest WOOD BEE CARVER Signature Series Knives ~ the GREEN HORNET and GREEN HORNET 2 pictured above. Read the rest of this entry »
The photo above shows a three inch tall Troll Brother in between the two proto type knives being tested with the BUSY BEE on the left and the BUZZ BEE on the right. The WOOD BEE CARVER has been a serious knife carver for over forty years during which time he experimented with knife blade designs to aid in his carving projects. Very early in this journey it became very evident that the cutting edge of the knife blade is most efficient as it is used in the slicing action as in slicing a tomato, bread or baloney. Through trial and error, it was discovered that a curved cutting edge created the most efficient slicing action when compared with the straight cutting edge in the common carving knife. In order to do slicing cuts with a straight cutting edge blade it is necessary to skew the angle of the straight edge to enhance the slicing action. A curved cutting edge, by its design, is already skewed as the cutting edge follows the arch of the curve of the blade. Thus, all the knives designed by the WOOD BEE CARVER are designed to create the easiest slicing action. With the designed blades that have a straight cutting edge, the angle of the straight edge angles back towards the handle creating a reverse skew angle so that as the blade is pushed or pulled through the wood a slicing action is produced. With the curved cutting edge blade designs the curvature of the cutting edge is a series of skewed cutting edges along the curvature resulting in a slicing action as it is pushed or pulled through the wood. Read the rest of this entry »
Whittle Doodles are doodling with a knife in a block of wood to carve a variety of subjects and themes as a demonstration of carvings done using only a knife. Whimsical in nature and yet a way to illustrate the art and practice of carving in a small and restricted area. This Whittle Doodle was carved using two experimental knives whose design is being tested. The basswood block measures two-inch square by three inches tall. Artist oil paint color raw sienna was mixed with boiled linseed oil for the colored stain which was followed with a coat of Deft brushing lacquer. Read the rest of this entry »
WHITTLE DWARFS are whimsical carvings in a one inch square by inch and half tall basswood block. Dwarfs are carved with two feet sticking out underneath the chin of the large head and eyes are covered with the bill or brim of the hat. Each one is a little different from any other of similar pose. Using only a knife to shape each dwarf allows for the texture of the whittled facets to give color to each carving while Howard Feed-n-Wax provides the protective finish. Whittling has always been viewed as a relaxing style of carving and is a fun way to relax. As my good whittling friend Billy Stephens said in an original saying, “There is never a dull moment with a sharp knife and a piece of wood,” Whittle Dwarfs are a fun way to whittle away time in a care free manner.