Swedish Carving Techniques (Fine Woodworking) Kindle Edition

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 never thought I would be able to get a copy of this book.Way back in 1992 I bought Jogge (Wille's son) VHS tape: Carving Swedish Woodenware.I have watched it dozens of time.I did not buy this, the companion book by Wille Sundqvist...what a fool was I.Last year (2013), I was looking to get the video on DVD- without much luck.This book was available, USED, at several sites....for close to a THOUSAND BUCKS !!!Then I read on a couple sites Taunton Press was considering reprinting this book, and reissuing the video on DVD.Man, did I jump on them both when Amazon had them on its site !Woo-Hoot....I got lucky and got them both !If you have any interest in Carving, Woodenware, techniques, tool construction- do not hesitate to purchase these (the book and the video on DVD) while they are still available.You too will refer to them often- because they are Masterwork !

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!!!

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.

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.

Bought this for my son-in-law who just started carving spoons. He informed me it is a very good book and has helped him a lot

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.

Republished at last! This treasured 1990 softback book remains the bible of Swedish woodcarving in the English-language. Although the content is similar to that of the later hardback German version - which didn't go out of print - the format, many images & content are different. While out of print, the advertised prices of this book reached hundreds of dollars/pounds - it is much loved and highly recommended by all.Although the book is quite slim, the content is full of useful insights. It simply answers many questions I have had while learning and settles many discussions & debates I have read. It confirms some lessons that I have "learnt the hard way" and other thoughts & ideas I have had along the way. For example: which way a grinding wheel should run, relative to the user; advantages & use of oil stones; techniques for drying green wood carefully; bevel angles/depth/shape for carving; etc.It is not perfect - nothing is - but it's hard to fault. I'll try:- no index (but as it is quite slim, not really a problem),- no dimensions for the shave horse (nor did Drew Langsner's book that it comes from but it does re-appear, updated with dimensions in Jogge Sundqvist's excellent book - Jogge is Wille's son)- no colour, all diagrams & photos are black & white, except for the cover (clarity is more important that colour to me - although the author's son uses colour well in his more recent book).Best £14 I've spent in some time. If you only buy one book on Swedish woodcarving/bowlmaking/spoonmaking, let this be it. But also get Jogge Sundqvist's excellent & inexpensive DVD which complements this book perfectly. Buy it!

Although I've carved in the past, I have only recently started again using rather cheap crude blades. This resulted in some rather painful cuts due to blunt blades and poor technique. I wanted a book that covered the basics and gave sound old fashion advice on simple solid tools. I have as a direct result of the advice given, obtained good (very sharp ) chisels and blades, taught myself the holds and techniques described in the book. I have also invested in the materials needed to keep the tools in the best condition. This has resulted in carving that is cleaner and more detailed. Best of all, less nasty cuts to my hands. They say a craftsman should never blame his tools, however unless you know how to use the best tools in the first place, you will never get a good result. The book can't carve for you, but it's an essential guide that will show you the techniques, the best quality tools and how to keep them in good shape. It may appear old fashion, but craft is a gift that is past from generation to generation not something you buy in a box.

Great book so informative, an essential read , the bible of carving

The sections on tool care and the different strokes and grips is excellent. There are only a few basic projects included which let it down compared to modern texts but I would recommend it anyway.

Perfect book takes you through all the facets in a nice comfortable way will take you from zero knowledge to knowing what your doing.