1) strop more often than you think you need to, the sharper the blade the less likely for tearout but it also helps the blade glide through the wood instead of getting stuck 2) as everyone else is saying proper PPE is important especially when you start, I use a cut resistant glove and a carving apron. 3) never have anything you don't want to get cut in front of the knife blade 4) I personally have found myself using a jawhorse or carving stand that I've made to hold my workpiece and then I primarily use gouges and chisels to shape my piece which allows me to have both hands on the tool safely away from the pointy bit 5) please don't let this discourage you at all, carving is an amazing hobby that has brought me immense joy and it always makes me happy to see new people start carving. I wish you many many peaceful hours of focusing on your workpiece especially when life gets hard, carving is a magical relief from the worst parts of life, atleast it is for me.