First whittling project

[kamagong]

Here are a couple of pictures of my first attempt to whittle a ball-in-cage. I bought a Queen Half-whittler specifically for this project, but I just couldn't get used to its small size. I ended up using the sheepsfoot blade of an Eye Brand large stockman instead. I estimate that I spent 15-20 hours total working on this.

[carvin don]

very nice slicin' on that project...you obviously have a nice SHARP knife...is that queen a Dan Burke whittler? they are only 'bout 3 1/4" closed, i can see where that would fatigue your hand mighty quick...i like that eye brand, nice choice. Again, Great Job

[kamagong]

Thanks Don, that's high praise coming from you.

You're right, the Queen is one of the Dan Burke collaborations with winterbottom bone scales and 12c27 blades. It's a very nice knife, and the flat-ground wharncliffe blade takes an exquisite edge. I just wish I knew why Queen made it so small. I think this knife would be pretty much perfect if it was a bit bigger, say 3 1/2" closed length. I have medium hands and I find it difficult to use this knife for any length of time.

I chose the Eye Brand in a rather haphazard manner. I tried out the EB, the Queen above, and a large Cold Steel stockman. The Queen didn't work for me as I explained earlier. I settled on the EB for the simple fact that it cut the best. I had previously reprofiled the blades on this knife. I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but I got rid of the bevels and the blades are sharpened in a shallow convex all the way to the edge. They just glide through wood.

I took a really long time whittling this ball in cage. I did it over several sessions, and stopped whenever I got tired or frustrated. I didn't want to risk messing up, or maybe even injuring myself. But I'm happy with the result. I think it's pretty good for a first effort.

[TRIPP]

that looks good is that a good starter project

[biglmbass]

That looks super; well done. What type of wood is that?

[kamagong]

that looks good is that a good starter project

I think the ball in cage is a good starter project -- not too complex, and it doesn't require that much skill. What it does require is a sharp knife and patience. A sharp and highly polished blade that pushcuts wood effortlessly will go through your hand like it's not even there.

That looks super; well done. What type of wood is that?

It's basswood. Carves very well and is higly recommended for beginners.