Duck decoy progress

Here is the first shaping of my duck decoy.
I am using a pattern and instruction from Vic Kirkman

Knotts tupelo knife

Here is a picture of my new tupelo knife used for carving duck decoys
It is from knotts knives.
Cant wait to try it out.

Carving in the woodshop

I decided this weekend, that I wanted to do a carving project, so off to the wood store I go. After looking though all of the books, I decide I want to learn to do a caricature carving.
So I pick out a book. I go over to the carving section and pick out a new detail carving knife, I have a couple of knifes already but a new project should have a new knife. I also pick up a block of basswood. Now I'm ready. I have competed several carvings of birds and animals but never cared a caricature before.
The book I picked out is called: Caricature carving from Head to Toe. A complete step by step guide to capturing expression and humor in wood. The author is Dave Steton. Published by Fox Chapel Publishing.
I picked this book because it has step by step pictures of how to carve. It has information on carving knives. How to make models in clay, how to carve faces with expression and goes into painting.
After reading the book, I found it teaches both composition and technique. It also teaches you much more than just he projects in this book. I will start the project today, starting with a rough out.
Randy Please visit my web site.
http://nokeswoodworks.com/

New Sharp Chisels

When you go to the store to buy chisels , the first thing you have to do when you get them home is to sharpen them. Looks like if you bought a new chisel they would come sharp. And the truth is I hate to sharpen chisels. So why don't they come sharp. Well my guess is cost. Well last week I was bought a couple of new chisels and guess what they were sharp! Yea right from the store they were sharp. I have been using PFEIL Swiss made carving gouges for years, now they have come out with a set of bench chisels and they are great. First they are sharp and ready to use. And IF they hold an edge like the carving gouges they will be a pleasure to work with. If you get a chance try one of these babies out, I'm sure you will like it.
Please visit my web site at http://nokeswoodworks.com