Basswood

Basswood is a type of wood from the American linden tree, known among carvers as one of the best woods to carve. It’s a pale, lightweight wood with a very fine, even grain that’s easy on your tools. Basswood cuts like butter under a sharp knife or chisel, and it doesn’t have many hard knots or sap pockets to get in your way. Thanks to its softness and consistency, basswood has long been a favorite for carving detailed figures, whittling projects, and even some delicate musical instruments. If you've ever picked up a beginner carving block or whittling blank, chances are it was basswood.

For anyone new to carving, basswood is often considered the best wood for beginners, largely because it’s so soft and easy to cut. You don’t have to fight the material – a sharp knife or gouge glides through basswood with very little effort, which is encouraging when you’re just learning. Basswood also holds detail well without much splintering, so even if your technique isn’t perfect yet, you can still get a nice result. It’s forgiving when you make a mistake; small slips are less likely to chip out big chunks compared to harder woods. Plus, basswood is affordable and widely available (often included in starter carving kits), so you won’t have trouble finding it when you want to practice.

Because basswood is so beginner-friendly, we feature it in many of ours products for new carvers. If you pick up a BeaverCraft whittling or carving kit, you’ll often find basswood blocks or blanks included, so you can start carving right away. The basswood provided is high-quality and carves smoothly, giving beginners a great first experience. BeaverCraft’s tutorials and guides frequently recommend starting with basswood too, knowing it sets you up for success and fun rather than frustration. Once you’re comfortable, you can explore other woods, but many carvers always come back to trusty basswood because it’s just so pleasant to work with.