Beginnings of a Sgian.

[Thor271]

So, I've recently taken up wood carving and decided to make my own Sgian. So here is the first bit done on the handle. Its being carved in Hard Maple.

Sorry for the size... I tried to shrink it, but it just wouldnt take....

I also picked up some Wenge, Purpleheart wood, Walnut, Birds Eye Maple, and Padauk, to attempt carving into handles as well. But the wenge and purpleheart are like carving in stone!

[Dale Seago]

Certainly looks like you're off to a good start!!

[Laird_M]

Looks really nice.

Purplewood is damn hard - remember doing some work with my granddad - even he had trouble working it and he was a master carpenter!

Walnut, while hard, is much easier to carve.

Looking forward to seeing the completed project.

[Mikewood]

That looks pretty good. Are you using hand tools, gouges etc, knives or a rototool? I am also getting into carving but I just make a few simple things for around the home. Nothing as nice As this. As you know "a sharp tool cuts easily and a dull tool cuts you"

[Thor271]

Thanks LM and Mikewood, Dale! I appreciate it.

And Mikewood I only use hand tools, I have two chisels (a 1.5mm #11, and a 3mm Vtool), and two knives (a flex cut general purpose cutting knife, and a Mora "Frost" roughing knife.

[sevenoaks]

Nice job. I use a "Dremel Rotary Tool" It turns about 35,000 rpm but dose some super fine work and works well with stone or the hardest of woods.

I tried using knives and gouges but I make too many mistakes. You appear to have a natural ability, keep upthe good work. It is addictive.

[Taygrd]

Looks great. 7Oaks I have tried using a dremel before and always end up biting into the wood and causing issues. Do you use the handheld pen attachment thingy?

[Thor271]

Thanks Taygrd, and 7Oaks, I tried and tried the dremel 4000, pen attachment and all. I just can't seem to get the look I want when I use it. So I gave up the dremel and am sticking to my knives with the odd gouge chisel and finishing with sandpaper when I want the smoothness. Or in the case of my charactitures no sand paper just the rough knife marks.

Right now I'm working on some purpleheart to use as ferrules for this handle. While also doing a 4 foot long two inch wide spam of Celtic knotwork with leaves in the centre. Carved again out of maple. Since that's what the old man wants.

[sevenoaks]

I use a Dremel to carve and sand wood at speeds of 28,000 to 35,000 RPMs depending on the hardness of the wood. If your bit digs in or gouges the wood or wanders off the lines, try speeding up the tool and applying less pressure. Try not to rush the job. I also work with a knifes and chisels at times if I can't find a bit that gives me a clean enough edge. If I am carving stone or metal always use the Dremel. I do not have a "pen" attachment but would like to have one.
My next project will be a Targe, I know the mel works well carving patterns in the leather but I also have a full set of leather tools. I think that may be on the back burner until winter sets in.

[Mickey]

Really nice work so far. My wife wants me to do a similar handle in the style of a Welsh love spoon. Hope to start that soon and hope it starts out this good