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How to Carve Wood. A skill that was essential to the survival of early humans, wood carving
affords pleasure to many craftspeople You will need A tree branch and a sharp, easy-to-hold
knife. Step 1. Find a dead tree and cut a branch that is roughly the size of the object
you intend to make Hardwoods are best for objects without much detail; softwoods are
better for greater detail. Step 2. Remove the bark and outer growth from the branch
with a sharp knife. Cut away small shavings as you slide the knife in the direction of
the wood grain and away from your body. Smooth away splinters, ridges, or knots with sandpaper,
but don't oversand the wood. Step 3. Cut away chunks of wood with the knife to rough out
your design. Use the point of your knife to make a cut, and then make a second cut parallel
to it so that the second cut slants toward the first. Then remove the piece to be cut
out. Step 4. Make small cuts as you add details. Work slowly while holding the knife with a
loose grip. Don't try to achieve perfection as you work. Wood carving is not an exact
science. Step 5. Smooth and finish the object by dragging the unsharpened back of the blade
over the wood. Did you know Did you know? Contrary to legend, George Washington's false
teeth were not made of wood. They were fashioned from the tusks of a hippopotamus.