What is chip carving? | BC Series #16

Chip carving is a very old technique of woodworking, almost every nation has at some point invented a style of decorating wood which can be considered chip carving. Of course, they didn’t have the best wood carving tools back then. We don’t know when the art originated, but it surely was invented somewhere at the dawn of our civilization. This may give you the idea of how basic and natural to a human being the chip carving is.

What is chip carving? What does this technique do?

No wonder this hobby helps you relax, gain peace of mind and recreate after busy and stressful days. So, select the best wood carving knife and get started. No matter how complicated it may seem, chip carving is easy-to-learn and will not require spending much money. It is one of the simplest wood carving techniques. However, with a little practice and using the best beginner wood carving kit, you will be able to create beautiful handmade pieces, which will look like they were made by a professional craftsman. You will be able to create personalized gifts to your friends and family that will serve not only as decoration but will be used in everyday life.

How to start, and what do I need to start?

First of all, you will need the best wood carving tools, choose the best beginner wood carving kit, because you want your tools to be sharp and convenient. Dull blades or wrong handle shape could ruin all the fun. Sharpening compound and a leather strop will come in handy for keeping your best wood carving knife in good shape. You will also need a brick of wood for chip carving. Basswood is great for beginners, it is not too hard and not too soft, exactly what you need for learning. You will use a pencil and a ruler for drawing a pattern on the wood.

Chip Carving Knives

The realm of chip carving knives encompasses a variety of specialized blades, each designed to excel in specific carving tasks. Let's embark on a journey to discover the most common types of chip carving knives:

• Chip Carving Knives: These compact knives are renowned for their versatility and maneuverability. Their short blades allow for precise control, making them ideal for intricate detailing and delicate work.
• Hook Knives: Characterized by their curved blades, hook knives excel at creating curved lines, geometric shapes, and rounded elements. They are particularly useful for carving intricate patterns and adding depth to designs. Interested how to carve with a hook knife?
• Chip Carving Detailing Knives: As their name suggests, these knives are specifically designed for meticulous detailing and fine finishing touches. Their ultra-sharp blades enable precise control over minute details, bringing your chip carving creations to life.

With an array of chip carving knives available, selecting the right ones for your specific needs can be a daunting task.

Wood Choices for Chip Carving

A diverse range of wood types are suitable for chip carving, each offering unique qualities and aesthetics. Let's delve into some of the most popular choices:

• Basswood: Renowned for its tight grain, uniform texture, and exceptional carving properties, basswood is a top choice for chip carvers of all skill levels.
• Birch: Birch offers a slightly harder surface than basswood, making it suitable for more intricate and detailed work. Its light color and attractive grain patterns add visual appeal to chip carvings.
• Cherry: Prized for its rich, warm color and beautiful grain, cherry is a popular choice for chip carvers who desire a more elegant aesthetic. Its hardness provides good carving properties.
• Aspen: Aspen is a soft, lightweight wood with a fine grain, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It carves easily and produces clean, crisp lines.

By understanding the characteristics of ideal chip carving wood and exploring the diverse range of suitable wood types, you are now empowered to make informed decisions that will elevate your chip carving creations. Remember, the right wood selection is the foundation upon which your artistry takes shape. So, choose your wood wisely, prepare it carefully, and unleash your creativity to transform humble pieces of wood into masterpieces of chip carving artistry.

The basic idea of chip carving

Chip carving consists in cutting out chips (small pieces) from the surface. In your pattern, for each triangle or other figures that need to be taken out, you will do the following. You will have to press your knife along the line of your pattern down into the wood with approximately 45° angle to the surface, pointing towards the imaginary point below the surface inside the figure.

With the last cut, hopefully, you will be able to take this chip out. Find a good tutorial or a teacher, and learn the technique in detail, and then soon enough you will create your first amazing masterpiece.

Using chip carving techniques with the best wood carving tools, you will be able to create all kinds of ornaments on a flat wooden surface. You will be able to use it on all kinds of wooden household objects, starting from boards which serve solely decorative purposes, to boxes, stools, kitchenware, and even precious beautiful pieces of jewelry. You will be able to carve all sorts of patterns from simple geometric style to Celtic and fantasy ornaments. The best wood carving knife is all you need to chip carve letters and signs, abstract pictures of animals and any object you name it. Because with chip carving all is in your hands, well, literally. Start today and you will never regret you did it.

Author:

Roman Law

Wood carving guru


From a childhood enchanted by nature, my passion for wood carving guided me on a path of creativity. With a pocket knife, I uncovered the transformative power of my hands, breathing life into driftwood and forging a lifelong connection with the medium.