Woodchuck question: carving a wooden model

Mr.BadExample

Mr.BadExample

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Sep 11, 2002
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I'm going to try to carve a wooden model of the "Scagel Finagle" camp knife design I posted in the other thread. I have some whittling tools, but I was wondering what wood you'd recommend, and if there are any tricks the woodchucks could share.
I don't have access to a lathe for doing the handle. The handle will probably be a lot like the seax's, maybe a little longer, maybe chiruwa style.
I think balsa may be a little too soft for the job, and I don't want to carve a 2x4" either. What would be a good middle ground? :)
 
My experience is limited, but I formed a fishing knife handle out of red oak, which is pretty hard, using just a coping saw, wood rasps, and sandpaper. Your project is much bigger, but the lack of power tools shouldn't kill it.

I first roughed out the shape with the saw, then went to work with one of those combination rasp/files, which is flat on one side and curved on the other. The rasp part removes wood very quickly. Sandpaper you already know about.

Surform makes several tools for quick wood removal. The cutting parts look like cheese graters with squared, sharpened holes. I have one with about a 2" square head which would be great for that. They also make a plane, which would be great for the blade.

As for materials, I've heard basswood spoken of highly for ease of carving. No firsthand experience.

Good luck.
 
I worry about the Malla type cho. What if the kamis cut it too deep? I'd be paranoid about snapping it. Not that the kamis don't know what they're doing but I never pass up an oppurtunity to worry about something. :p
 
Bruise, you're right though. If I can even carve it right, I'll make sure the remainder of the blade is 1.25" wide at the cho, if not more. If they make it 1/4" thick, and chiruwa style tang, it should be pretty hard to break.
As much as I like the ferrule tang handles, this one may require chiruwa or maybe a pinned tang like the AK Bowie or BDC.
 
Go with basswood its easy to find from most wood suppliers and is a fav with carvers of all types...the wood is fine grained has a consistant density as well as being easy to work with sharp tools....it is a bit harder than some think it is but and excellent model making wood.
 
Originally posted by Mr.BadExample
I have some whittling tools, but I was wondering what wood you'd recommend, and if there are any tricks the woodchucks could share.
Click to expand...

Thomas make it easy on yourself. Go to the nearest large Home Depot, Lowe's or whatever and buy a small sheet of luan. Luan is about 1/4" thick with two thin veneers glued over a thin solid core.
Cut out the blade and the handle shape together and then simply glue handle shaped pieces on each side of the handle.
If you paint it up the kamis will decide whether to make it chiruwa or stick tang.
If you draw pins on the handle the kamis will make it chiruwa style.
I'll email you the pix of the model tools I done for the YCS if you want to see how I did them?
 
Originally posted by Yvsa
I'll email you the pix of the model tools I done for the YCS if you want to see how I did them?
Click to expand...
CC a copy of that email to me, Yvsa. :cool:

I got my basswood at Michael's Crafts. Just bought a 3" x 1/4" piece right out of their box. I traced the pattern on it, cut it out and then used the rest to "build up" the handle. From there you can paint it however you want.

Dan
 
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