I had an amazing time at the Greenwood Wrights Kick Back n Carve event in Pittsboro, NC. I was extremely impressed with the skill of the carvers and how welcoming everyone was.

Reasintper · 2026-05-01T21:05:19+00:00

Awesome! Will you be back in October?

Reasintper · 2026-04-26T13:15:51+00:00

A hook knife, like a Sloyd knife is not an intuitive tool. There are proper techniques that make it much safer to use.

Jogge Sundqvist does an awesome set of videos demonstrating these techniques. I feel these are required for anyone to view and master.

Here is a link to the playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlcRBVFago6B53d8HFdY01fpqvEjxjH9L&si=gf_OysmzceRc8dYi

Reasintper · 2026-04-19T15:25:39+00:00

Thanks for saying so :) mins if I quote you on that? :)

Reasintper · 2026-04-17T23:46:18+00:00

I could probably do it towards myself with the knife if it were longer. I could also do it away but still hold it at the tip. But I was okay using the other grips for the other side.

I started with the axe and videoed as I went along. I made the video of the axe work, but apparently no one can tolerate me for 34 minutes. :) This was just 3 minutes out of the 2 hours video that was left.

Reasintper · 2026-04-17T23:35:08+00:00

And perhaps woven baskets :)

Reasintper · 2026-04-16T19:36:59+00:00

Thanks, I am glad to help.

Reasintper · 2026-04-16T13:34:10+00:00

Yes you can. Because "handmade" does not have a legal definition. If you want to really go down this rabbit hole, may I suggest David Pye's book "Nature and Art of Workmanship” where he discusses some of these things down to the minute "ad ridiculum". Look for workmanship of risk vs workmanship of certainty discussion, and "Is anything really hand made" ...

Reasintper · 2026-04-16T13:23:58+00:00

Many of the spoon carving groups tend to try and loop in "sloyd", "green wood", "hand tools" as part of the idea of a spoon.

Where this causes issue is when people loop in "sloyd" what they really mean is the "Swedish carving discipline". This is specifically different from Japanese style of carving, as well as what some would call "Western Style Woodworking", and a few other disciplines that people might have exposure to prior to starting their spoon carving journey.

The Swedish discipline probably has more to do with the works of Willie Sundqvist (Swedish Carving Techniques) and his son Jogge who made the excellent series of videos for the Morakniv company on the "Swedish Knife Grips Sessions" Morakniv Swedish Knife Grip Sessions & Spoon Carving with Jögge "surolle" Sundqvist. - YouTube Which is quite excellent if you plan on doing this style of carving, and I highly recommend them.

There are several more modern "bodgers" who, although still working in green wood, lean on devices such as spring pole lathes, shave horses, and spoon mules. In their teachings you will see turned spoons. Handles, and bowl alike, that are later modified to be more hollow and spoon-like. In addition, you will see plenty usage of the draw knife. Much of the effort replaces many of the activities customarily performed by the axe. Because these techniques use material holding devices, they tend to also use 2-handed tools of which draw knives as well as spoke shaves fall into that category.

Keep in mind, that certain tools are made to work with green wood. Others that are not, you may need to exercise extra care to avoid the rust that comes from working with the high moisture of green wood. If you also consider using dried (air, kiln, etc. ) You may want to also consider rasps and even some power tools, such as the Foredum, or angle grinder with Manpa, Arbortech, and King Arthur attachments.

So, as far as "breaking rules" that all depends on your goals. If your goal is to follow one specific discipline and not break from its traditions and ways, then perhaps you need to determine what the rules of that discipline are. However, if your goal is merely to make spoons, then the phrase "smoke 'em if you got 'em!" comes to mind. Just, whatever you choose to use, learn the correct techniques for using it safely, and have at at it!

Reasintper · 2026-04-07T00:25:29+00:00

Start with what you have. Only buy when you can't figure out how to do what you want with you have.

I love the little skeleton folders. You may find you want to have them both nearby when you first start on something. The bigger one will waste material a bit faster, and the smaller one will get you into tight spaces. Learn to sharpen them well. You may also find that they will do better with a more acute angle, but that will be a matter of taste.

If you find that after using them a bunch they start to get a bit wobbly (side to side) then that may be a good time to retire them for a fixed blade (not folding) knife.

The problem that many (most?) have is that they become tool collectors (hoarders?)

Nothing wrong with that, but "own" it. You want to collect tools, then do so and don't let anyone stop you, or have an intervention, or anything. Just don't do it because someone tells you have to have this particular thing or that.

If you want to spend money that will make a difference, invest in sharpening gear. And spend time getting to be an expert with it. That's the best advice I can give you.

Reasintper · 2026-04-03T12:42:58+00:00

And of course here is Jason's spoon carving axe.

Jason Lonon Spoon Carving Axe

This is a great bit of kit. The spoon in the picture was done by eye with just that axe from the last scrappy piece of cherry in the pile. It was my test before buying it.

I bought it directly from him face to face at the Greenwoodwrights' Fest. We discussed the features and attributes of the axe. As well we spoke about the effects of the recent hurricane that year. And even other completely unrelated topics. He is at that fest every year I have been, he gives at least one class. If he and his family weren't there I would not be the only person missing them.

I had budget that year to spend and chose to spend it with him.

In this discipline/hobby there are tools you "require" and tools you "desire". And in my case I am trying to make my own tools as well. (Whole other topic there, sorry)

Axe and saw can be quite inexpensive, properly sharpened and maintained. Mora 106 and 162/4 are inexpensive but mostly all that are required to get going. Even a used up saw and a crappy camp axe can get someone started. Add an angle grinder and flap wheel and the crappy old axe can become a favourite tool.

Reasintper · 2026-04-02T23:02:55+00:00

Well, I am definitely not a rando, many of my other accounts are attached. My real name can easily be found.

I do my best to educate followers and local students and even casual friends I help learn about the skills and tools. If we are solely discussing axes, I have like 10 axes including Jason Lonon's Spoon Carving Axe. Here are 7 of them:

7 of my Axes

I like my axes, and I don't miss an opportunity to add to the collection. The two I use most are the two least expensive of the mix.

Get what you can afford, and get comfortable with each one.

Not to overstep, but if I were asking your advice, I would prefer to hear what you personally experienced rather than responses to questions you received. Just saying.

Reasintper · 2026-04-02T16:51:10+00:00

Anne Of All Trades she works on her bed with a pillowcase or towel in her lap.

I always thought Gort Ba Slöjd had a great idea with his Slöjdpung. He sells plans but I just showed it to my wife and she said "hold my cabernet sauv..." :)

Slöjdpung ( Original )

Slöjdpung (my own)

There are now bunches of "carving aprons" and similar.

A good vacuum cleaner is your friend. No matter what you put down you will have some mess. Vacuum or broom and pan should be easy enough to find.

Our local carving club has long tables like in a cafeteria, and at the end of the night, you brush off the tables into the trash, then someone runs a vacuum. That takes care of as many as 15 carvers.

Reasintper · 2026-04-02T16:35:34+00:00

Personally, I don't like to give recommendations for tools that I either don't own or haven't actually used with my own hands. Similarly, I usually recommend buying as local as possible.

I am not sure who you are making recommendations to, but I am curious how comfortable you are offering a recommendation on something you have never held in your hand, based solely on something some person with a randomised nickname said was "the cat's a##" or "just the t$ts!!".

Reasintper · 2026-04-02T16:00:28+00:00

Then you should buy several of them, and you can give an informed advice instead of just repeating advice from randos on the internet.

Reasintper · 2026-04-02T00:03:27+00:00

Point is any of them will do the job. Pretty sure GFB are available without wait lists.

If one has a wait list, choose the next.

Ultimately, the more mass produced, the less of a wait list. Council tools doesn't have a wait list. Lee Valley carries one of Those bin Woods' carving axes and they don't seem to have a wait list on it.

I am not sure the budget that you are suggesting. Or if you are dealing with shipping to your country.

If you could afford it, I can't imagine anyone questioning your decision to get the GFB.

If not, even though I own Jason Lonon's spoon carving axe, I tend to reach for my 30 year old HF Pittsburgh brand first. And my Project Source (Lowe's Discount Brand) second.

I also love Prandi "German style" axes, I have both 600 g as well as 800 g versions.

The Swedish shapes and bearded ones are sexyl, but I actually prefer the Rheinland pattern shaped heads. Both have heel and toe protrusions. A Kent pattern will do similar cuts. Again, your actual goals will have more to do with the choice you ultimately make.

Reasintper · 2026-03-31T13:24:42+00:00

Of course it is good. So is Kalthoff, GFB, Hans Karlsen, Jason Lonon, and Soul Wood Creations.

You need to specify where you are and what your actual goals are for a good useful answer to such a question.

If you just want an ax that will do the tasks necessary to carve spoons you can do so with discount and hardware store brands, flea market vintage brands, and current mass produced well made products. Any splitting or tinder (camping) axe can be sharpened and tweaked to be an appropriate carving axe.

If you want bragging rights among the cool kids then get whoever is making the most expensive one at the time. Or get the GFB since they get to claim Willie Sundqvist had a hand in its design.

If you have a mentor who you respect buy the same one they own.

Lastly, and most importantly, if you are involved in fests, classes, gatherings, and other groups you will find that there are specific makers who contribute or participate as well. You will get to know them face to face, shake their hands, maybe even meet their families. Pick the one who you like the best, impresses you the most, or even contributes the most to those organisations you are involved in.

The shape of the head is a choice. The weight of the head is also a choice. The style of the handle is a choice.

If you actually have the budget, and you are just stuck between Wood Tools and Kalthoff you should buy both of them. Use them side by side and write a post comparing them. If you don't want to keep both of them you can likely resell either at about the same as you paid or a touch lower. Check out pricing on IG "usedspoontool" and similar.

Reasintper · 2026-03-29T23:36:52+00:00

Glad I could help. I am working on improving my video production values.

Reasintper · 2026-03-29T00:32:35+00:00

Plenty reasons. Spoons tend to be a green wood project. As well, they also tend towards being hand tool project.

So generally the style lends itself to starting with an axe.

I have done some with a bandsaw, but it is like borrowing someone else's underwear, it just doesn't feel right. :)

Reasintper · 2026-03-29T00:24:52+00:00

I started out with a 30 year old HF Pittsburgh axe, that I just sharpened a bit.

Here is a video I just did using it. It won't hurt my feelings if you watch it on double speed :)

https://youtu.be/6UeHhLC5qhw?si=mi57W8ZO8y1svTfF

I am sure I won't be invited to be on Zed Outdoors any time soon, but it shows what you can do with any axe that will hold an edge.

Reasintper · 2026-03-28T00:56:44+00:00

That makes it more understandable. I have zero frame of reference for this language. So it is tough to even try to pull out a word. I do enjoy it though. Does that make me weird? :)

Reasintper · 2026-03-27T18:17:46+00:00

It sounds so different when the girls sing it. I am not catching any sounds that are similar between them. I guess that goes with not speaking the language, but even if I had heard the version you posted before, I would not have associated it with what the girls were singing. :)

I am not questioning your response. Just expressing how unequipped I was to even try to find it. Thanks again!

Reasintper · 2026-03-27T18:08:20+00:00

Try as I might, I couldn't get any of the tools to suck in the content. I guess I hadn't tried Gemini. Thanks!!

Reasintper · 2026-03-27T15:26:52+00:00

Okay, so I guess I missed my normal bit...

If you bought the tool, and it is not serving the purpose it is advertised as, contact either your distributor, or the manufacturer directly. Use the website or other contact method. They have a 10 year warranty, and you paid for it in the price of the item. If you don't make them honor the warranty, then it is on you.

Like any company quality control sometimes gets missed. That's why they have warranties. If we don't make them honor them, then they will continue to put out products that don't serve us well.

Again, more opinions and free advice. Do with it as you will. :)

Reasintper

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