Using a knife efficiently is a core skill for anyone interested in slöjd-style woodworking. The knife is arguably the most basic tool available, and used across many projects, traditions, and ideas. This course is meant to help students improve their knife skills – whether they are at the start of their carving journey or well on the way. We will cover twelve knife grips and learn to use them for carving green and dry wood. Through practice, students will become more comfortable with the safe use of a knife when carving in any direction. We will cover sharpening in depth. There will be many demonstrations throughout the class, including certain joints, finials and other decorative techniques. This is an excellent opportunity to advance one’s skills in a way that will translate across many projects. Moderate hand strength is needed for this course. Students ages 16+ may register for this course independently.

Required Tools

• A Mora 106 or 120
• (Beaver Craft, Flexcut, chip carving an flat plane knives will not work for this type of carving)
• The sharpening stones you use at home on your carving knife

Optional Tools

• Folding saw, small ax or hatchet

This course will be part of Wood Week. Plan to (arrive a day early) for the Carvers Conference on Friday, March 6, which features demonstrations, speakers and community gatherings all day, offered as a benefit to students enrolled in Wood Week coursework