Whittling, the ancient art of carving wood with a knife, has been practiced for centuries all over the world. Unlike woodcarving, whittling uses only a knife, with no chisels, gouges, or mallets to shape the wood. The craft of whittling is both simple and very beautiful. Every knife stroke can be seen in the finished piece; whittled objects are known for their rustic simplicity.

The first step to learning how to whittle is getting the right knife. While you can buy whittling kits with specialized knives, whittling is most often performed with a small pocketknife. Look for one with a thick handle and short blade, which allows for precise control and pressure. The knife must be very comfortable in your hand to prevent fatigue. There is no specific brand or type of knife that is best, although you should avoid stainless steel blades, which will not hold their razor sharp edge for as long as other types of knives. Whittling requires a very sharp blade.

So, what does it take to whittle wood? Once you have a knife, it's time to choose the right wood for your project. Soft woods like pine, basswood, and balsa are also popular. Some hardwoods, including birch, cedar, and maple, are also used. No matter what variety of wood you choose to whittle, look for a piece with a straight grain and even color. A knife with a wide-beveled edge is best for soft wood, while a narrow-beveled knife edge, which is stronger, is better for cutting hardwoods. Woodworking shops will have a wide selection of appropriate woods; your local lumberyard may also have scraps perfect for small whittling projects.

Now, it's time to learn safety before you begin practicing basic whittling techniques. Always wear gloves when whittling; you will be working with a small, very sharp knife, and especially while you're learning to whittle, the possibility exists for cutting yourself. Always be mindful of where your fingers are in relation to the blade.

While whittling, grip the knife with your thumb against the spine and the cutting edge facing your fingers. With each stroke, the knife should be away from your body, never towards it. For better control over the knife, lock your wrists. The goal of whittling is to gently remove layers of wood to expose the finished carving.

When you are done whittling for the day, always clean your knives. Apply a light coating of lubricant and store them in a case to protect their sharp edges. Always store your whittling knives out of the reach of children - these knives are very sharp, and therefore should be treated with the utmost of care.

If you notice the wood becoming harder to cut, or your blade begins chewing up the edges of the wood rather than slicing cleanly, it's time to sharpen your whittling knives. This can be done with nearly any knife sharpening system. If you enjoy whittling while on-the-go, look for a portable or pocket sharpener. You'll also need a strop to hone the knife blade to the razor-sharp edge needed for precision whittling.