Wood carving shapes wood with cutting tools. The tools range from a simple knife to a full set of gouges and chisels. Carving can be subtractive only, which means the carver removes wood until the shape appears. Nothing is added. That makes planning important. Once a cut is made, it cannot be undone. A carver reads the grain, works with it, and lets the wood suggest the form.

Relief carving keeps the design attached to a flat background. The carver lowers the background and models the raised parts. Chip carving cuts geometric patterns into flat surfaces with a single knife. Carving in the round produces freestanding figures, from small animals to full-sized sculptures. Power carving uses rotary tools and burrs to remove wood faster. It is messier and louder but useful for hard woods and large pieces.

Common carving tools

• Gouges — curved blades for hollowing and shaping
• Chisels — flat blades for straight cuts and paring
• Veiner — a deep, narrow gouge for fine lines
• V-tool — cuts a V-shaped groove for details
• Mallet — wooden or rubber, drives the gouge

Sharp tools cut cleanly and safely. A dull gouge skids across the surface and cuts where you do not want it. Sharpen often. Strop the edge every half hour or so to keep it keen.