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How many carving tools do you need?

Blackswanwood

Blackswanwood

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Name
Robert
I’m currently in Marrakech and spotted this guy working hard in his workshop.

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He is an artisan rather than a stall-holder in one of the souks and was actually quite shy. Using a mixture on O level French and sign language we had a good chat.

I have c25 carving gouges and probably use 10 much more than the others. Here’s his work bench with all his carving tools on show …
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… and some of his work …

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The box will be carved in accordance with the customers specification in due course.

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The metal hammer is used for most carving but (as above) a suitably weighted piece of wood is used for more delicate work.

Most of his pieces are made from Cedar (his workshop has a great aroma) with some in Walnut.

I’m humbled by what he can achieve with so few tools. Obviously his tools are selected for a particular style of carving but next time I convince myself I need another gouge I’ll perhaps think twice.

It’s also great that a shared interest in woodwork (I’ve had similar experiences in Italy, India and Cambodia) quickly makes friends.

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It's always interesting to see how a professional works. I've seen similar on YouTube but envy you going and seeing it all in person.
 
Indeed. I bought quite a few carving tools, mainly for lettering, and pretty soon found that I only really use about 5. Interesting his advanced sharpening set up!
 
Coincidentally, I was watching this video yesterday - is it the same sort of work? The patterns and the use of a bit of scrap wood as a mallet look similar.

 
It's as good as time travel, isn't it, watching these ancient methods.
 
Wonderful.......I've always said we've all got more tools than we need. :)

Djmaa el F'naa tonight, Robert? One of the more special places on the planet.
 
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