Butternut Wood

Butternut wood is a pale, lightweight hardwood often called white walnut. Its soft texture and straight grain make it one of the easiest hardwoods to carve, prized for decorative projects and beginner-friendly practice.

For beginners, butternut wood is forgiving and easy to work with. It cuts smoothly with knives, chisels, or gouges, holding detail well without much risk of splitting. Its soft consistency helps new carvers focus on technique rather than struggling with the material, which boosts confidence and learning speed.

BeaverCraft often recommends butternut as a step up from basswood, letting novices try hardwood carving while keeping the process enjoyable. Though not as common as other woods, butternut blanks are available for relief panels, decorative pieces, or practice blocks.

With BeaverCraft’s sharp tools and beginner kits, carvers can explore the warm tones and smooth texture of butternut. It’s a great introduction to hardwood carving that feels manageable even at early stages.