The
Little Book of Whittling
by Chris Lubkemann
Softcover
125 x 225mm
97pp
Published by Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., East Petersburg PA USA
R.R.P.$19.90
ISBN 1-56523-274-7
Knife
Spreader
Spoon
Poker
Captain's Bed
Stick Figures
Toppers
Duck
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 125
This
book begins with a definition :
Whittle:
To pare small bits or shavings from (wood) with a knife
So what's the difference between that and woodcarving? Well, woodcarving uses tools other than a knife, except of course, chip carving which can be done with just a knife - but that doesn't make it whittling.
The point here is that we all know what whittling is, even though it's not very easy to encapsulate the craft in a simple definition. But that doesn't matter, because however you define whittling, it is a time honoured pursuit that has brought enjoyment to probably millions of people over many, many centuries in countries all over the world.
Chris Lubkemann, like a lot of other whittlers, learned the craft at a very early age. He kept on whittling when he grew up and he's now been writing about it for over 30 years.
As you might expect, this little book reflects not only its author's talents as a whittler, but also his long term writing skills. It starts with a quick discussion of the type of knife to use and the woods that are best for whittling, then goes on to an equally brief, but clear description of the cutting strokes that can be used, before beginning on the projects.
The first of these projects is the Knife , the making of which is described by intelligent notes accompanied by some 30 well-posed photos.
The same treatment is given to the rest of the projects: a Spreader, Spoon, Poker, Fork, Stick Figures, Duck, Songbird, Tree, Canoe, Whistle... there are about 20 pieces in all, ranging from the very simple to the more complicated. It's often been said that whittling is the simplest and cheapest form of woodworking.
After all, the only things you need are a knife and a piece of wood. But readers should find The Little Book of Whittling will help them quickly achieve greater proficiency and inspire them to try their hands at more ambitious projects.
Photos: Colour
Contents
About
the Author
Introduction
Getting Started
The
Projects
Knife
Spreader
Spoon
Poker
Stick
Figures
Toppers
Duck
Songbird
Jumping Fish
Flower
Tree
Canoe
Walking
Stick
Slingshot
Whistle
Back Scratcher
Miniatures Challenge
Index
Songbird
Jumping Fish
Flower
Tree
Canoe
Walking Stick
Slingshot
Whistle
Back Scratcher