One of the exercises in the “A-B-C’s of Face Carving” is to begin with a half inch thick by two and half inch by an inch and half rectangle block of basswood.  A grid is drawn to divide into three proportions vertically and horizontally to learn about the Rule of Three proportions.  Next the corners of this rectangle are whittled away to begin shaping an oval depicting the half of a hen egg shape.  On the face of the oval a vertical center line is drawn which is followed with a horizontal line at the top of the middle third proportion representing the eyebrow bone structure.  At the bottom of the middle third proportion a V line is drawn to represent the flair of the nose nostrils. (As illustrated in the top illustration in the photo above.) Read the rest of this entry »

For a complete description of all the WOOD BEE CARVER Signature Series Knives made by HELVIE KNIVES look under “COOL LINKS” in the right hand box and click of “Helvie Knife Guide.”  The guide is written in such a way to present combinations of knives that complement each other or are similar in appearance and use. The guide can be printed as well as simply read on the computer.  Knives may be purchased by contacting Helvie Knives at 765-675-8811.

The Fisherman carved by carving friend Jim Hecker is a good example of the influence of Scandinavian flat plane carving.  In this case Jim pushed the envelope a little towards softening the flatness into a more realistic contour of the planes.  The carving itself tells a story right off in the pose of the fisherman looking back wide eyed at the hook that has caught him in the seat of his pants. It is appropriately entitled “Hooked.  ” Humor in carving is a unique way to capture the foibles that often come or could come in ordinary activities. (click on each photo to enlarge.) Read the rest of this entry »

Whittle Doodles are doodling with a knife while shaping a block of wood with a variety of carving designs.  The Mini Whittle Doodle is carved into an inch square by three quarters of inch block of basswood using a small bladed knife to carve four faces and embellish with freehand chip carved designs. The knife was made by the carver using the same blade material Bud Murray uses to make his knives (planer blade steel). (click on each photo to enlarge) Read the rest of this entry »

HELVIE KNIVES has posted on their website the twenty one knives of the WOOD BEE CARVER Signature Series which can be viewed and ordered by clicking on MERTZ Signature Series.

The complete HELVIE website may be accessed by going to COOL LINKS to the right of this column and click on HELVIE KNIVES.

HELVIE KNIVES announces the introduction of two more knives in the WOOD BEE CARVER Signature Series.  Each knife is a continuation of the basic design and concept for a carving knife that is used in a “slice and roll” action.  The cutting edge is curved in a quarter moon shape to allow for a slicing action in both the push and pull stroke.  The back edge mirrors the cutting edge with a scimitar blade shape to allow for greater access in tight areas while carving. Read the rest of this entry »