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 fine, even grain that’s easy on your tools. Basswood cuts like butter under a sharp knife or chisel, without many knots or sap pockets. Thanks to this softness and consistency, basswood has long been a favorite for detailed figures, whittling projects, and even delicate musical instruments.

For anyone new to carving, basswood is often considered the best wood for beginners. It’s soft, easy to cut, and forgiving — a sharp knife or gouge glides through with little effort. It holds detail well without much splintering, so even if your technique isn’t perfect, you can still get a clean result. Basswood is also affordable and widely available, which makes it perfect for practice and learning.

At BeaverCraft, we feature basswood in many of our products for new carvers. Our whittling and carving kits often include high-quality basswood blocks or blanks, so you can start carving right away. The wood carves smoothly, giving beginners a great first experience. Our tutorials and guides frequently recommend starting with basswood, since it sets you up for success and enjoyment rather than frustration. Once you’re comfortable, you can explore other woods, but many carvers always come back to trusty basswood because it’s simply so pleasant to work with.