All About Pocket Knives

My son turns six in April, his birthday present from his Granddaddy is going to be a Case XX (40-64) half whittler. I want to start him out whittling and being so young I need to know what is the best wood to start him with. I may try to find some balsa to let him get the feel of it, what would be good for a next step? Hopefully he will be the third generation of knife collectors, I remember going with my dad to Siloam TN to knife club meetings in the 70's and want to get my boy interested. Thanks in advance for any advice.

I would suggeast you asking CARVIN DON on here for any carving advice. If you have ever seen his work you will know why.

Basswood - light and soft, almost no grain in some of it. Commonly used
for guitar body construction. Excellent for beginning carver. My 2cents.

I like to use red cedar. Whittles easy and smells good too!

Griz

I agree with tc3500 ... get him some good kiln dried Northern Basswood. Nothing wrong with red cedar, but the basswood is more even grained and more carver friendly, I believe.

For safety, you may want to get him a carving glove...and above all, teach him how to sharpen and maintain an edge on his knife.

Happy Carvin'

(thanks fer the kind words Gino )

Thanks for the advice everyone, I will check with a local woodworking store fore some basswood.