Wood Wizard in A Branch

I often get asked, "What's the best wood to whittle?" My answer is always, "Any wood that isn't going to ruin your blade or be unsafe."

By ruining your blade I mean obstacles such as nails or a wood such as hickory that'll need more force to cut. I'll also watch for pieces that crumble or have knots.

My favorite wood to whittle is basswood (is what it's called in the U.S.) It's a hardwood that's soft and holds the details well. But the reality is...

No wood is safe from the blade - Unless it's still living. I won't cut up a live tree.

On this morning's walk with the pup, I noticed this pile of branches in the driveway. I don't know why they're there, or piled up like that, but it's wood and it's got something in it.

I pulled out a branch, finished walking the pup and grabbed my pocketknife. I like to test the piece before I go digging my flexcut carving knife into it.

After some cleaning up and a few cuts here and there, a wood spirit began to take shape.

And when done, this fella showed himself.

So yeah... Any wood that isn't going to give you a bad day whittling is good wood to whittle.