The Little Book Of Whittling – A Book Review

The Little Book of Whittling is a fascinating book. I didn’t realize how fun and relaxing whittling is until I tackled a few of Chris Lubkemann’s projects (see pics of my projects at the end of this post).

When it comes to whittling, most people conjure up the image of the old timer sitting in a rocking chair on the cabin porch, shaving away on a stick—beside the character from Deliverance strumming the banjo. After reading Chris’ book on whittling, I have taken on a new appreciation for this craft. Here is a hobby that appeals to many folks and requires very little expense or effort to take up.

In the book, Chris highlights the advantages of whittling:

• The materials are readily accessible and don’t take up much storage space.
• It’s a very portable craft / hobby. You can take it with you just about anywhere you go.
• No need for a fancy shop.
• Minimal tools and skills are needed. Basically, a knife and two hands.
• Not much cleanup involved.
• Requires very little investment.
• These crafts make wonderful gifts and keepsakes.

And allow me to add one more huge advantage or benefit—stress relief. For some reason, carving and shaping something directly with your hands creates enormous emotional satisfaction. It’s difficult to understand until you’ve tried it.

Pressing on. In the book’s ninety-seven pages, Chris shows you the following things:

• How to select the right wood.
• Choosing the right knife.
• How to sharpen your knife.
• Using good whittling techniques.
• How to decorate and finish your works.

The rest of the book involves seventeen projects and Chris takes you through them, step-by-step, with nicely-done photos. The projects are just plain fun and simple. And let me emphasize—the book is very pictorial, without long written-out instructions. Chris shows you how to make wooden knives, letter openers, slingshots, back scratchers, spoons, walking sticks, whistles and a host of other decorative-type crafts.

When I first read the book, I decided to make a letter opener, back scratcher and the whistle. I didn’t have photos of my letter opener and must have given it away, but I did have pics of the back scratcher and the whistle (see below).

If whittling sounds interesting to you, I highly recommend Chris Lubkemann’s book, Little Book of Whittling. Get a copy of the book; you won’t be disappointed.

You might also check out a couple of Chris Lubkemann’s other books:

Big Book of Whittle Fun: 31 Simple Projects You Can Make with a Knife, Branches & Other Found Wood

Whittling Twigs & Branches, 2nd Edition: Unique Birds, Flowers, Trees & More from Easy-to-Find Wood

How about you? Have you done any whittling or can you share any resources / ideas that would be helpful?

Also, if you’d like to receive my latest articles and tutorials in your inbox, please sign up, using the form at the end of this post. And when you sign up, I’ll send you my free Home Shop Safety & Tool Checklist.

Blessings!

Stephen