The Art of Wood Carving: Through the Eyes of a Carver

Interview with Kostyantyn,
Wood Carver at BeaverCraft

Wood carving is more than just beautifully shaped wood, sharp tools, or practiced technique — it’s about the hands that guide the blade. It’s a slow, intentional craft that connects people to something real — a rhythm, a focus, a sense of creating with purpose. And behind every carved piece, there’s a person putting time, care, and a bit of themselves into every cut.

At BeaverCraft, one of those people is Kostyantyn — a skilled carver who’s been with us for years. The quiet force behind many of the projects you see in our videos and wood carving tutorials. He brings experience, creativity, and a calm presence to every project — and today, we’re sitting down with him to talk about carving, how he got started, and what keeps him going after all these years.

Katherine: Hey, Kostyantyn! Really glad we could find time for this. So, let’s start with the basics — how long have you been carving? Was it something you grew up with, or something you picked up later on? Like... was wood carving just a random hobby or something passed down?

Kostyantyn: I’ve been carving since I was a kid — around 12 or 13, I think. My dad was a wood carver — he taught me everything. At first, it was just our shared hobby, something fun we did together. But over time, it turned into something more. It turned into a real passion, it became part of me... my craft, my job, my life.

Katherine: Do you remember the very first thing you ever carved — and do you still have it?

Kostyantyn: I do, actually. It was a marshal's baton — I was really into The Three Musketeers at the time. I carved it and ended up trading it with a friend for a bunch of toy cars. That moment stuck with me — not just because it was fun, but because I realized carving could bring value... even at that young age. That little trade left a big impression on me. It wasn’t just a hobby anymore, it had potential.

Katherine: You carve a lot for BeaverCraft’s YouTube tutorials and social media — does that change how you approach a project? Knowing people are watching to learn or maybe just to be entertained?

Kostyantyn: Not really in how I carve, but maybe in how to show it — how to position hands, how to angle the tool, even how to pause between steps. The actual carving — the cuts, the feel — that stays the same. I still carve the way I always do. But when I know someone might be watching to learn, I try to slow things down a bit so they can really see what’s going on and follow along without getting lost.. It’s still real carving — just with more focus on making the process visible and helpful for someone else. It becomes less just about the finished piece and more about sharing how you get there.

Katherine: When you carve on camera — do you ever feel pressure? Or does it motivate you more?

Kostyantyn: Honestly… when I carve, I’m totally in it. It’s like meditation — I focus on the cuts, the form, the feel of the piece. Sometimes I kind of forget the camera’s even there. But watching the footage back later actually helps me improve — it’s like watching game tape. You see things you might not notice in the moment.

Katherine: Let’s say someone’s never even touched a carving knife before — what do you think they should carve first? What’s a good “first win” project?

Kostyantyn: If we’re talking about adults, I’d say start simple — maybe a spoon, a butter spreader, or even a door-stopper with a custom design. Something small but useful. And for kids, carving a little animal figure like a bear is always a hit — the shape is simple, it’s fun to make, and everybody loves bears. Projects like that keep it light and rewarding.

Katherine: What’s your go-to tool or knife from the BeaverCraft lineup? Like the one you grab without even thinking.

Kostyantyn: There are two tools I never go through a project without — the C7 Small Detail Knife and the K12/02 Compact V-tool. I use them in almost every project. They’re kind of like my magic wands when it comes to fine details. The blade shapes, the versatility — they just make sense in my hands. Whether I’m outlining, refining, or adding textures, those two cover a lot of ground.

Katherine: Are there any types of wood you personally love carving with — and any you try to avoid?

Kostyantyn: Basswood is a favorite — it’s soft, smooth, has a nice light color, and carves like butter. Then there’s cherry and walnut — beautiful grain, rich patterns. I usually leave those natural, just add a protective finish to bring out the color. As for woods I avoid… anything too knotty or unpredictable. You want the wood to work with you, not against you.

Katherine: What’s one carving project you’re especially proud of — maybe not the fanciest, but one that means something to you?

Kostyantyn: One that stands out? It was a comb I carved years ago — not a flashy piece, but it was for someone close to me. I put a lot of thought and detail into it. Every time I see it, it reminds me how meaningful something so simple can be when it’s made by hand.

Katherine: Do you ever hit a creative block? Like, sit down to carve and nothing comes? What do you do in those moments?

Kostyantyn: For sure — that happens. Creative blocks are just part of it — I think every carver hits that wall sometimes. When I’m working on a commission or tutorial, it’s easier because there’s a clear goal and a specific idea to follow. But when I need to come up with something from scratch and the ideas just aren’t flowing, I’ll step outside. A walk in the woods, or even just through the local park — some fresh air. Nature has a way of sparking something again. Just being outdoors refuels that creative energy.

Katherine: We’ve seen you carve animals, spoons, faces — all kinds of things. Is there a style or subject that feels the most you?

I think I feel most at home with relief carving and figures — animals, especially. There’s something about breathing life into a piece of wood… When it starts to take shape and feel alive in your hands, that’s really satisfying. But honestly, I enjoy mixing it up too — every project has its own challenge.

Katherine: Let’s talk mistakes — is there a carving fail you still remember? Something that totally didn’t go how you planned?

Kostyantyn: Oh yeah — plenty of those. Mistakes come with the territory. In the beginning, and even now, things don’t always go the way I expect, and mistakes happen. But that’s the beauty of wood — it’s forgiving. Unlike stone, you can take a step back, reshape, adjust… it gives you a second chance. You can usually find a way to fix or work around most issues. The ones to be careful about are the safety mistakes — those are the ones you want to avoid at all costs.

Katherine: In your opinion, what makes a good carving tool... good? What matters most to you?

Kostyantyn: For me, sharpness is definitely crucial — without it, even the best-made knife won’t do the job properly. The edge, the sharpening angle — that’s what makes or breaks a tool. But comfort and balance are just as important, especially for long carving sessions. A handle that feels natural in your hand, and a tool that’s well-balanced, can make a huge difference when you're carving for hours. It's the combination of sharpness, comfort, and balance that makes a good carving tool truly great.

Katherine: Last one — what keeps you carving after all these years? What still feels meaningful, even after all the projects and tutorials?

Kostyantyn: Carving has always been more than a job or a hobby for me — it’s a part of my life, a part of who I am. I don’t see myself ever stopping. As long as I can hold a knife, I’ll keep carving. It never stops being satisfying.

That was inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story, Kostyantyn. For everyone moved by his journey, stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from the people who make BeaverCraft what it is.

Interviewer:

Wood carving and outdoor enthusiast, content creator


Passionate about wood carving and the great outdoors, I’m always up for an adventure—whether it’s a hike, a camping trip, or a DIY project. When I'm not exploring, I craft content for our community and share the stories of fellow makers.