The Best Wood
There are certain types of wood that are better than others. It would help if you cared about the material because that shapes how it will feel, its weight, how sturdy it is, and many more things. So, let’s cover three of the best wood for whittling.
Basswood
Basswood is a light brown softwood with fine grain. It is very easy to cut, and I highly recommend it for beginners. Because of how soft it is, basswood is recommended for beginners.
Balsa
This is also a softwood that is a lookalike to basswood, with the only difference being slightly darker. The grains are fine. Balsa tends to turn yellow-brown as you whittle, which is completely normal.
Butternut
It is a popular whittling dry wood. It has bigger grains, but it is equally easy to work with because it is soft. It is also a popular wood that can be found in most lumberyards.
The Best Tools
Although a regular knife or a pocket knife may be good enough, it definitely will not give you optimal results. If I were to decide, the current knife I own, the Markov Wood Carving 106 Knife with Laminated Steel Blade, is an excellent option.
You should also get some 80, 120, and 220 grit sandpaper for a smooth touch and a marker or pen for the design and a cleaner cut. You will also need a protective finish for a shiny touch. A chisel it optional, although it would make your job much easier.
Thank you so much! This helped a lot.