More Than A "Whittle" Fun The Big Book of Whittle Fun by Chris Lubkemann is a little "big book" filled with a "wot of whittlin' fun". Small in stature (a great size for taking with you when planning on doing a little whittling) but big in content! This book has over thirty projects and is an inspiration for many more. Games - check Jewelry - check Household items - check fun - check and technique: also check. The first of the book provides tips on knives, sharpening and honing, and modifying the knife if needed. It also talks about the three main whittling strokes used and different types of wood. Some projects do "cheat" a little and use a drill or Dremel-type tool but that's fine with me. Now all i have to do is go outside and find myself a twig or a branch so I can start whittlin' away! Two thumbs up for this book. Maybe we'll have a little whittlin contest at our Get-together in September!
Back in my youth (and I'm surprised that I can remember it) I can recall an old farmer in rural Quebec, sitting on his porch whittling a walking stick while rocking in an old and probably carved rocking chair. It's amazing what can be achieved with a sharp knife. What a great way to relieve the stress of everyday life. Simply pick up a branch from a birch, maple or cherry tree, a sharp knife and whittle away. Lubkemann's "little" book can get you started whittling immediately. There are 31 whittling ideas in the book as well as some basic information. The author suggests what types of wood to select, what type of knife to use and most of all, how to keep the blade sharp. In the author's eclectic collection there is a fully detailed weather vane, a weather station (if the stone is wet, it's raining), a sling shot and a tic tac toe game to name but a few. You don't have to be an expert carver to enjoy whittling, even a novice can get started right away and the author can help. So, pick up your Swiss Army Knife, a stick of wood and throw away those tranquilizers.
