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The Urban Woodsman: A Modern Guide to Carving Spoons, Bowls & Boards
Hand carving is easy, satisfying and therapeutic when guided by Max Bainbridge.
Create your own unique pieces and carve with confidence thanks to detailed information on tools, cutting techniques and clear step-by-step photography accompanying each project. Start with basic spoons, cooking spoons and spatulas, before moving onto butter knives, chopping boards and small bowls, with only a few simple tools required. Max also advises on the perfect finish for your projects - how to sand, ebonise, scorch and texture surfaces as well as waxing and oiling your new creations. Whether you are a novice or an experienced carver, this book will inspire you to make something that you will be proud of.
Create your own unique pieces and carve with confidence thanks to detailed information on tools, cutting techniques and clear step-by-step photography accompanying each project. Start with basic spoons, cooking spoons and spatulas, before moving onto butter knives, chopping boards and small bowls, with only a few simple tools required. Max also advises on the perfect finish for your projects - how to sand, ebonise, scorch and texture surfaces as well as waxing and oiling your new creations. Whether you are a novice or an experienced carver, this book will inspire you to make something that you will be proud of.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published October 27, 2016
114 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 12, 2018
For those looking to get into carving spoons and other items, this would be a good starting point. The production values for the book are quite high, as it features a sturdy hardcover design, along with above average paper weight.
Although there isn't a lot of highly detailed analysis and such, the book does present a comprehensive overview on the subject matter. One of the highlights is that each of the projects uses a different type of wood, exposing the aspiring carver to a variety of looks and possibilities.
Not only are there sections for the carving projects themselves, but there are also sections on tools, woods, sharpening tools and hand grips, but there are also sections on how to make a beeswax salve as well as a tool roll for storing tools.
One of the visual standouts of the book is the inclusion of many wonderful photographs. The photos were clearly set up with an eye of a stylist and provide not only inspiration for the reader, but a fine collection of carving related photographs. Kudos to Dean Hearne on the photography!
The instruction is decent, but there are too few photos to get an idea of how the carving actually progresses. But then again, this should be looked at as an overview. If you want more detailed instruction and step by step instruction, there are other books that available for that.
Although there isn't a lot of highly detailed analysis and such, the book does present a comprehensive overview on the subject matter. One of the highlights is that each of the projects uses a different type of wood, exposing the aspiring carver to a variety of looks and possibilities.
Not only are there sections for the carving projects themselves, but there are also sections on tools, woods, sharpening tools and hand grips, but there are also sections on how to make a beeswax salve as well as a tool roll for storing tools.
One of the visual standouts of the book is the inclusion of many wonderful photographs. The photos were clearly set up with an eye of a stylist and provide not only inspiration for the reader, but a fine collection of carving related photographs. Kudos to Dean Hearne on the photography!
The instruction is decent, but there are too few photos to get an idea of how the carving actually progresses. But then again, this should be looked at as an overview. If you want more detailed instruction and step by step instruction, there are other books that available for that.
December 12, 2020
This scratched my deep itch to learn more about spoon-making and more. Good for a beginner and a relatively easy read. Only issue was the photos of the spoons being oiled with beeswax salve, which made my mouth water and me feel slightly peckish.
April 7, 2018
This is a slightly better-organized how-to guide than The Artful Wooden Spoon: How to Make Exquisite Keepsakes for the Kitchen for those who want to learn to carve, but I think the author's inexperience shows a bit more. The photographs are luscious, though.
March 26, 2017
Spoon carving is pretty popular right now. It's understandable given the low barrier to entry in both tools, skill, and experience. The fact that you produce something useful at the end is icing on the cake.
There is a lot of information on spoon carving floating around. Youtube is awash in videos and Peter Follansbee teaches classes (and offers a DVD).
That being said, sometimes it helps to have a single resource to go to and this book does a pretty good job. It goes through several projects, gives basic information on tools and sharpening, and provides some ideas for finishing. It includes a recipe for an oil and wax salve that can be used (including wood kitchenware that you buy in the store which shouldn't go in the dishwasher and needs regular maintenance).
Given that it's targeted at a beginner I would have liked to have seen some patterns. There's also little on the subject of ornamentation beyond basic finishing. Overall it's certainly a good pick for someone interested in carving as a hobby.
There is a lot of information on spoon carving floating around. Youtube is awash in videos and Peter Follansbee teaches classes (and offers a DVD).
That being said, sometimes it helps to have a single resource to go to and this book does a pretty good job. It goes through several projects, gives basic information on tools and sharpening, and provides some ideas for finishing. It includes a recipe for an oil and wax salve that can be used (including wood kitchenware that you buy in the store which shouldn't go in the dishwasher and needs regular maintenance).
Given that it's targeted at a beginner I would have liked to have seen some patterns. There's also little on the subject of ornamentation beyond basic finishing. Overall it's certainly a good pick for someone interested in carving as a hobby.
February 16, 2022
Tää oli ihan superhyvä! Selkeät kuvat, hyvät ohjeet, tarpeeksi esimerkkejä, perusasiat aloittelijalle ja loistavia pikkuvinkkejä hyvin tiiviissä, kauniissa paketissa. Suomeksi nimi on Yhdestä puusta veistetty.
August 12, 2017
This lovely book introduces woodworkers and would-be woodworkers to the craft of carving utensils for use in the kitchen and at the table.
Chapters are: Introducing the craft (finding & choosing wood, tools, safety), Projects (eating spoon, spatula, cooking spoon, butter knife, coffee scoop, cutting board, serving board, small bowl), finishing and tool care, glossary, resources. There are lots of pictures showing how to do what he talks about.
Each of the projects features a different wood, mostly cured, but one using green wood. Beautifully done. Now I just need to get somebody to make some of these for me.
Chapters are: Introducing the craft (finding & choosing wood, tools, safety), Projects (eating spoon, spatula, cooking spoon, butter knife, coffee scoop, cutting board, serving board, small bowl), finishing and tool care, glossary, resources. There are lots of pictures showing how to do what he talks about.
Each of the projects features a different wood, mostly cured, but one using green wood. Beautifully done. Now I just need to get somebody to make some of these for me.
November 14, 2020
This is a delightful read. Max's love of his craft is clear in every page, and the pictures are gorgeous! Great for beginners as he explains basic cuts, then several projects that build on those basic cuts. There's a section on finishing and a section on how to sharpen your tools - even a section on how to make your own beeswax salve!
The explanations are straight forward but never boring; I kept turning page after page and was disappointed when I came to the end! Best primer on hand carving homewares I've read so far.
The explanations are straight forward but never boring; I kept turning page after page and was disappointed when I came to the end! Best primer on hand carving homewares I've read so far.
July 8, 2019
The good: beautifully photographed, clear instruction to a beginner woodcarver (which I am) with some good ideas for sourcing wood and different finishing techniques.
The bad: very very repetitive. And no included templates for the spoons he was showing. Step 1 was always “make a template based on the dimensions and photos.” Also no profile photos to get a side view of the handle arc.
The bad: very very repetitive. And no included templates for the spoons he was showing. Step 1 was always “make a template based on the dimensions and photos.” Also no profile photos to get a side view of the handle arc.
February 3, 2020
I’ve been messing around with whittling since I was 12 but recently I began to work on carving my own spoons. I found and the read this book. It’s given me a lot of help and ideas for future projects. It’s a wonderful primer for those of us just starting out in this hobby and couldn’t recommend it more. I see myself going back to it again and again in the future.
October 3, 2017
I need to increase my skills. This is a good introduction to wood carving and the use of hand tools. I am not currently ready to take on such a project, but I will be returning to this book when I start.
Have a GoodReads.
Have a GoodReads.
October 1, 2017
Beautiful book full of beautiful work. Not so much for the beginner, besides the listing of all the tools you will need to procure - he makes it look much easier than it is, I am sure.
January 13, 2019
Max is a man of few words but great pictures which say it all.
March 13, 2020
Very good introduction to woodworking and tools. Esspecially helpful for instructions on tools and how to use them
September 3, 2020
Great book full of techniques and tricks for wood carving, I feel like I have a good handle on how to get started in this craft thanks to Max.
October 27, 2020
Very nice book, inspiring projects that is not too difficult.
August 28, 2021
Lovely photography and a very nice introduction to woodcarving. It encourages a creative and sustainable mindset. Very nice choice for starting out, maybe as a gift or a coffee table book.
July 29, 2022
Great intro to woods and carving basic utensils.
September 21, 2023
I read and reread this book. Inspiring !
March 17, 2024
Great photos, clear descriptions, and a good set of simple projects for a beginning carver. My only complaint is that it was rather short.
February 5, 2025
Read this at Luke’s house while holding the new bb. Now I want to make some spoons
February 14, 2025
Spoon huh
December 29, 2025
Very approachable & empowering. Simple & clear. Excited to get started!
August 10, 2019
A wonderful read
Great starting off point for anyone who wants to get
Into woodcarving, from advice on sourcing materials and tools to clear explanation of techniques, and beautifully illustrated tutorials. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. And look forward to using my new found knowledge to create.
Great starting off point for anyone who wants to get
Into woodcarving, from advice on sourcing materials and tools to clear explanation of techniques, and beautifully illustrated tutorials. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. And look forward to using my new found knowledge to create.
January 14, 2018
This book is a really good place to get started in carving. He details the cuts and tools needed as well as why he chooses the wood he does. The pictures are absolutely amazing! I will one day get some carving done with the aid of this book.
August 31, 2019
A very attractively presented book. Unfortunately virtually no content of any practical value. A real case of style over substance. Spend time watching some YouTube videos instead, unless you just want something pretty to put on the coffee table.
March 5, 2020
What a lovely book. Nothing to elaborate but great tips and description on how to make easier projects. I would so recommend this book if your looking for something not to tricky. This book is rather classy.
November 6, 2020
Clear and easily followed advice on how to hand carve spoons and other small items with chapters on choosing wood, tools and tool maintenance. Now I need to test myself and see if I can whittle some spoons for myself.
December 31, 2016
Fun, beautifully illustrated
September 9, 2018
Good book for beginning carvers!
July 20, 2019
Spoon
Informative and quick read. I feel confident and excited to give wood carving a try after reading the tutorials this book.
Informative and quick read. I feel confident and excited to give wood carving a try after reading the tutorials this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews