Spooning The Soul

Bill Watters

Nov 17

Here’s The Scoop

Published: 11/17/2021
By: Bill Watters

I like being lost in something. It’s not very often that I can get so into doing something that I get lost in the things and thoughts that occupy me. I don’t know why it happens; it’s just a good feeling when using a tool, using my hands, and creating.

I was at a Lie-Nielsen hand tool event in Covington, KY, about 5 yrs ago. They had a deal if you spent x amount, you could pick out a free DVD. Bonus for me because I already knew before arriving that I was going to buy a block plane, which I did, and it’s my favorite tool that I have to use. As a result, I picked out my DVD, “Carving Wooden Spoons,” with Peter Follansbee. I think my initial thought was, “that it could be fun, I could learn something new.” That DVD lead me down a rabbit hole I have yet to get out of.

I liked the simplicity of the tools and the process. I like that you can do it anywhere, and I like creating something usable. I have always felt that if you surround yourself with things you created with your own hands, your life will be more enjoyable. At most, you need a chunk of wood, an axe, a sharp knife, and a curved bladed knife (a hook knife). And from those simple tools, you can make endless possibilities of useful, lasting, and beautiful objects. Maybe even gain some peace of mind.

A few tips:

Greenwood (freshly cut) is easier to cut and carve.

Sharp tools are safer and easier to use.

When cutting wood, think, “if this chunk of wood isn’t here, what and where does the cutting edge stop?” (Answer: It shouldn’t be stopped by any part of your body).

I won’t go into great detail on the steps of spoon craving (difficult to explain in text form). There are increasingly more and more resources coming out that explain that for you. I would encourage you to pick up a book or watch a video before putting an axe and knife to wood. They explain some basic knife holds that will keep you safe throughout the process and will explain the tools that work best. Numerous resources are listed below, and I encourage you to dig your hole through some of these materials; who knows where you’ll end up.

Here are the basic steps.