Ray Mears Handbook 1: Carving

Ray draws together his well-practised carving skills in this handbook. He teaches basic techniques including safety and choosing your tools, step-by-step instructions on how to carve, from a simple spoon to weighty canoe paddle. It is illustrated with Ray's photos and designs to copy.

How to choose the appropriate wood for the job

How to use different tools - straight knife, crooked knife, axe, saw, hand-drill

How to decorate your carvings

How to preserve your carvings

'When I carve I feel a kinship with the forest. Carving is an earth skill which comes into its own when you make a journey. Native people have a saying that I have long embraced: "do much with little".' - Ray Mears