All About Pocket Knives

Used my seahorse whittler to whittle this out. This cedar was a little hard. Does anyone know what I could use for a finish that would give the cedar a nice clear wet look? I used a natural stain but it darkened it more than I would have liked. I know if you leave it it will fade to a dull look over time.
I hope everyone doesn't think I'm hogging this forum. I just enjoy whittling and would love to hear from other whittler's because that's how I learn and always like to see what others make.

Looks good Doug!. Dont know about any finishes that would help you.

DM11 wrote:Looks good Doug!. Dont know about any finishes that would help you.

Thanks David!

Doug I see progress in every item you post in this forum. Keep up the good work.

BTW, nice bird..

I May be able to help with the finish , Shellac In an Rattle can!! Works on hickory handles Also. Very Durable and enhances the grain , nice pieces K.C.

Thanks Phil!
KC: I appreciate the information I'll get some and try it out thanks!

I REALLY like that little bird... great job! Hard to beat the rich beautiful color of a piece of heart from a cedar tree. I like to use tung oil on my carvings... unless it's spoon or bowl then I use mineral oil. Either will work fine. Thanks for sharing your craft with us.

Another great project, Doug. Deep color on a great job.

Thanks for the compliments guys.

Doug, I used to use floor finish on Diamond Willow walking sticks to capture the color and maintain it and it gave a shinny wet look. The Feds outlawed the one I liked best because of environmental concerns (Fabulon) and they made a water based new product with the same name but not nearly as good. Any kind of lacquer should get you a wet shiny look and maybe pronounce the grain a little. It's been years since I've done any whittling. ____Dave

Hog away Doug! Looks great!!

djknife13 wrote:Doug, I used to use floor finish on Diamond Willow walking sticks to capture the color and maintain it and it gave a shinny wet look. The Feds outlawed the one I liked best because of environmental concerns (Fabulon) and they made a water based new product with the same name but not nearly as good. Any kind of lacquer should get you a wet shiny look and maybe pronounce the grain a little. It's been years since I've done any whittling. ____Dave

Thanks Dave I'll try some out on the next one. I really want to highlight the grain in this cedar. On the top of one of the wings the grain came out looking like layers of feathers. You should start in whittling again would like to see some of your work.

Thanks Steve I'm working on it.

nice, remember on a birds neck their is a flowing line of the head feathers, not hard. Deft clear in a spray can is great. Menards. also Krylon Matt finish for wood carvings.

mrwatch wrote:nice, remember on a birds neck their is a flowing line of the head feathers, not hard. Deft clear in a spray can is great. Menards. also Krylon Matt finish for wood carvings.

Thanks I'll keep that in mind. I'm not good enough to carve anything life like. I free handed a outline on a block and started whittling. I do have to say I really enjoyed carving it and will probably work on whittling out a few more birds and try to get them more refined. I'll look into the Deft also thanks
Are you also a fellow carver?

Doug take a little time and go back in this forum and look at some of MR's work. He is not a whittler but a carver, maybe even a sculptor. He has done some fabulous work.

doglegg wrote:Doug take a little time and go back in this forum and look at some of MR's work. He is not a whittler but a carver, maybe even a sculptor. He has done some fabulous work.

Awesome I'll do just that! Thanks

This one is smaller more folk art style I made today.

You keep getting better Doug, keep it up.

This one out of basswood and painted

A bird of a different kind! going to paint this one.

Doug 51, am liking that Black Capped Chickadee very much.

Quick Steel wrote:Doug 51, am liking that Black Capped Chickadee very much.

psssst.... It's a goldfinch.

Doug, you keep this up and we may have to ask you to leave for causing so much controversy. I think it is a black capped gold finch. Can't wait to see the next one.

I've been wrong before, and I'm sure it won't be the last time!

I'm with doglegg -- keep 'em coming!

Steve, lacking the blackwings of the finch I'm going to stick with the chickadee. On the other hand, it could be the rare flightless Rhode Island
Deer Rider. Only Doug knows for sure.