Swedish Carving Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide to Spoon Carving, Knife Skills, and Understanding Wood Grain (Fine Woodworking)

Working green wood, wood that has not yet dried from being a live tree, has really grown in popularity in the last 25 years. The author is one of a small group that really helped that growth. It is fun to read about the various simple things to make, that made life on a Scandinavian farm easier. I do lots of green woodworking and I refer back to this book more than any of my dozen other books on the subject. The chapter on different ways to hold and work a knife is explained simply, but it is a skill that with practice can read again and get deeper understanding.

Very in-depth study of sharpening techniques and knife grips. Book contains a few projects to get one started in carving, which require certain grips (which are again explained with photos). I purchased book after I had started carving - not really knowing how. After too many close calls of having to visit ER, I decided to break down and get a book - why reinvent the wheel? These techniques are centuries old and teach one to safely use the right tool for the right job. Grain direction, wood selection, finishing etc are laid out with photos to help explain each subject.This is one of those books where I can quickly review a certain topic as needed, but I feel it's best to read from start to finish before ever picking up a knife - save yourself the trouble of developing bad habits as well as a lot on band-aids and get the book. While some of the grips seem awkward at first, SAFETY is at the root of each and foremost in the books overall theme.This book will not guide you step by step on how to say "make a spoon", but will give you guidelines and the info needed to do so, while leaving room for your particular style to grow from the base knowledge supplied.Highly recommended for anyone considering hand carving greenwood. Mr Sundqvist is a true master at his art and a very good teacher - I know there is at least one video DVD and possibly a 2nd, which would likely compliment this book very well.

I am so pleased. This is a gift for my husband who already has a lot of wood shop experience. This is The only book I’ve been able to find that delivers the equivalent of taking a course in carving. My son looked through it before wrapping the gift. He was impressed and said “check out how much he covers on just these two pages!” We highly recommend this book if you are interested in instruction more than a coffee table/design inspiration book.

I received this book as a gift from my husband. I just decided recently that I would like to start learning to carve wood and maybe make some spoons for my kitchen and for others as gifts. This book is really good for the person learning to carve. There is so much information to take in. It was written by someone who has been carving for most of his life and also teaching. His instructions are very clear and concise and easy to understand. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in carving.

A classic tutorial book, and very helpful for a brand new carver. Descriptions are excellent however would be tough to relate to if you don't have a basic understanding of knife holds. I appreciate the instructions especially what makes a good and and a bad spoon... very informative to see why a spoon will not work so well (bad design) as I have done this very thing and can now understand why they have not functioned well! GREAT STUFF!!!

My father wants to take up carving and I did some research before purchasing a text. This book, once out of print, is referenced in almost all of the other titles and seemed like the perfect place to start. Easy to follow with an old-style layout, it is not glossy and flashy but it has the information you want. A perfect start to the spoon carver's library.

With all the rave reviews I expected more. It's not a bad book. It does give advice about being careful not to cut yourself. I honestly suggest you spend the money towards a good knife and sharpening stone and just learn 90% of what the book tries to teach you by just practicing. Practice will be required anyway to get good at carving and there are on line sources for anything else you could have a question about.

Wow! This book is amazing and it truly is a joy to read. The book has incredibly clear instructions and does not assume the reader has previous knowledge of spoons or woodworking. I found the instructions very helpful and clear. In fact, I am currently making my first spoon and watching it emerge from the wood is exciting and inspiring.I only wish I could sit down with the author but this book is the next best thing!

Everything you need to know about slöjd. From sharpening to shaping and everything in between. Something good to know it’s in black and white so if you’re looking for colour photographs then you’re out of luck.

very helpful book

Un bon livre très précis et technique sur les gestes de la scuplture au couteau. Plus des 2/3 du livre sont centré sur la technique et pas sur les projets à réaliser comme dans d'autres ouvrages couvrant le domaine. Beaucoup de photos (plusieurs par page) très claires. J'ai acheté 4 livres sur le même sujet en même temps, je recommande celui-ci : ce n'est pas un livre artistique avec de jolies photos, pas non plus un survol des techniques, vraiment une bonne base de référence pour amateur qui souhaite s'investir, progresser et pratiquer.

Given that this book was written around 40 years ago, some of the information is a little dated but still extremely relevant today. The dated material is in regards to the availability of wet wheel grinders here in North America (not nearly as prevalent as it was when the book was written) but almost all of the other information I found to be very useful. It covers everything you need to get started in the art of Swedish-style spoons, bowls and other treenware, taking you from the log segment right to the finished product - showing you each step of the way how to approach the tasks required. Willie clearly is a master of his craft, and has a gift for explaining his approach in a clear and concise manner that I loved. It was also interesting to see pictures of his son Jogge scattered througout, working on a number of the projects discussed in the book!

Very good and detailed book. It covers everything. From materials, to sharpening, to design...For the absolute beginner to the experienced carvers. Everyone should read this book.