Whittling Handbook

by Peter Benson

What better way to while away your time than to whittle? Peter Benson, author of Whittling Handbook , gives the first-timer the perfect introduction to the simple, yet pleasurable woodcarving pastime. Colorful photographs show each step in the process of making a host of items with nothing more than a knife and a piece of timber. The handbook guides the user through the basics for simple projects then progresses to more intricate items. The first seven chapters explain the tools, knives, and wood needed as well as how to start and what to have in your toolbox. Clearly presented, easy instructions show the whittler how to complete 20 fun projects, Whittling is an art form and the handbook explores the time-honored craft of creating attractive objects at little cost. Peter Benson iterates that basic premise in the The big advantage of this hobby is there is no great initial expense. You can get under way with just a sharp knife, a safety glove, perhaps an apron, and a piece of wood. Even the wood can be found in the garden or countryside for no cost at all.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Crafts, Woodwork

128 pages, Hardcover

First published May 24, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Peter Benson was born in 1956 in Kent, UK and is the award-winning author of seven novels. His work has been described as ‘a far-reaching exploration into unlikely relationships’ and is characterised by the precision of its language, characterisations and approach.

Reviews

[Robin Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has raised my enthusiasm and inspired me to get back into one of my hobbies. I have the technical ability, but zero artistic skills. Now, with the patience and attention to detail that Peter Benson extends to each project, I realise that I too can produce a very pleasing end product relatively simply, without copying designs exactly. Something that will be both satisfying to me in its creation, and something that will be appreciated by others.
Somehow, magically, the author has struck a 50/50 balance of the practical and the ornamental, whilst at the same time giving us a selection of projects to please and suit all ages in there usefulness, appreciation and attraction.
This book contains a wealth of information, including the obvious, which I especially like. As an `old-timer', I often overlook the obvious. It also makes it a valuable asset for the beginner to read.
Additionally, at the end, the book has a useful index, and a decent supplier list for the UK, USA and Australia and New Zealand.
A book that will suit readers with a wide range of skillsets, and will also be of interest to those curious to know more, but undecided, before venturing into this hobby.
An expert isn't just somebody who knows how to do something, they also know what to do when things don't go to plan, and the author explains these scenarios as he progresses through some of the projects, showing that changing your mind because you don't find the proportions right, or modifying your ideas as a piece of wood splits unexpectedly, even finding a pithy core that did not show when the project started, all can still lead to a great finished product, which no one else will realise had anything wrong with it.
Safety is strongly covered and emphasised too, another plus for a beginner.
This is an inexpensive book, amazingly covering a vast range of details, some you will need your `thinking head' on for, as these are not plans you have to follow exactly, though you may. The author guides you, leaving plenty of room for your own creativity, in fact, actively encourages it throughout, and suggests variations in designs for you to consider.
I have learnt a lot from this book, and I have dabbled with whittling and woodcarving for more than 50 years.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

butter spreader
kitchen spatula
garden dibber
paper knife