carving on wood handle

[johnem]

I am making a wooden handle that I am going to be
doing some carving on, and wonder if I should stabilize it before or after I do the carving?
The material is black walnut.

 

[Jerry Hossom]

Definitely before, otherwise you will have to refinish the surface after stabilizing and it may be tedious to get the resin out of the nooks and crannies in your carving. My opinion anyway, but I don't carve...

 

[richard rosvall]

Welcome! Nice to see another Minnesotan around here. I would carve first, then stabilize. Be sure to post some pic's.