Swedish Carving Techniques

by Wille Sundqvist

For all those looking for this much sought-after handbook, the wait is over. Originally published in 1990 and out of print for almost 10 years, Swedish Carving Techniques by Wille Sundqvist has enjoyed cult status among carvers and craftsmen and is widely considered the bible of spoon carvers.  Now a brand-new issue - just like the 1990 version - can be yours directly from The Taunton Press, the original publisher.

Sharpened axes and knives are the oldest hand tools known to man. As the author says, “I have come to recognize that there is an enormous lack of understanding and skill in using hand tools....This, along with a realization of the close relationship between hand tools and the keen sense of design that was our forefathers’, has prompted me to write this book.” Swedish Carving Techniques brings a new appreciation of this age-old craft and how working with knives and axes fits into todays high-tech world. 

Lessons from a life-long carver who loves working with his hands. In honest, straightforward style, Wille Sundqvist shares his love for basic hand tools and the practical objects they can produce from branches, burls, and crooked pieces of wood. He brings this simple art to life by showing

The hand tools he works with and how to sharpen themCarving techniques and different kinds of strokesTips for designing spoons for maximum strengthHow to shape dough bowls, butter paddles, and ladlesTechniques for adding decorative detailingPlus safety tips for enjoying this age-old craft Re-discovering traditional handcrafts and “rewards not possible with machines.” Carving, as practiced by Wille Sundqvist, has great appeal in a complex world because it doesn’t require a huge commitment of time or a special shop. But it does improve dexterity, build strength, encourage creativity, reduce dependence on technology, and keep alive the rich cultural heritage of Swedish craftsmen.

Genres: Woodwork, Reference, Nonfiction, Crafts

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[William Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine book but not Kindle version

This book was highly recommended, and the author is an expert carver, but his descriptions rely on photos to show how he carves, and the photos in the Kindle version are horrible, way too dark and mostly worthless.

[Serge Pierro · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Swedish Carving Techniques" is held in great esteem from many within the spoon carving community… and with good reason. Wille Sundqvist is a legend among spoon carvers and in this tome he shares a tremendous amount of information on various subjects, all backed up from his years of experience.

The breadth of subjects cover include: various hand grips (more than I have seen in any other book), sharpening tools, wood, projects, etc. Lots of useful information communicated in a concise manner.

The only drawback is that the photos are in black and white and some of them are sometimes a little unclear as to what you are looking at. Color photos (and more of them) would go a long way to making the instructional photos clearer and more useful.

This is a must read book for any aspiring spoon carver!

[Jason Stehly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book might be life changing in a way for me. While I read it through once I am sure that I will be returning to it for years to come.

[Mary A. Olsen]

Very good book

Instructions on using tools. How to

Rough out wood safely. How to carve bowls and spoons. what Woods to use

[Jacob Lines · Rating 5 out of 5]

To those that carve spoons or do any work with green wood, Wille Sundqvist is a god, and this book helped lead to his apotheosis. The man has devoted his life to preserving and teaching traditional woodworking techniques from Sweden. This relatively slim volume (133 pages) contains years’ worth of knowledge about wood, tools, and techniques. On the first page of A Christmas Carol, Dickens notes that “the wisdom of our ancestors is in the simile.” So too, the wisdom of our ancestors is all around us in the shapes of things. Why is a spoon shaped the way it is? Why are knife handles shaped the way they are? You haven’t ever thought of that? Neither had I, until I read this book and realized the thought and the work and the brilliance of the generations that have gone into even the smallest curve in the handle of a spoon. Of course, the only way this book does you any good is if you make the things it illustrates. The book does it really well. Wille explains, with very good text and abundant photos, the how and the why of knives, knife handles, axes, adzes, gouges, and hatchets. He teaches you how to sharpen your tools and how to make things with them. There are long detailed sections about dough bowls, butter paddles, and spoons, as well as shorter sections about buttons, a clothes hook, a peg board, and how to properly sharpen a pencil (really – you don’t even know what you don’t know until you read this part). He also gives advice on how to find wood and how to best use it. This book shows that the true craftsman is alive both physically and intellectually. There is so much to be gained from learning the hows and whys of traditional craft – not only can you make interesting things, but the experience can open your mind and spirit and make you a bigger person as a result. I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in making things with their hands or just learning some of the wisdom of their ancestors.

[Robdguk · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book particulary when used with the companion dvd

[Dan Carey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really the form of carving I'm interested in. But based on my skimming, I can vouch for its being packed with useful information for those wanting to carve with knives, adzes, and hatchets.

[Jason Cobill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book reviewing the basics of hand carving - lots of useful and practical advice for working wood with a knife, including how to handle tricky hand-held cuts safely. Will be referring to this multiple times while I develop my skill set.