Axe a spoon blank - Dave The Bodger method

I learned to carve originally with Robin Wood, the methods shown here are those he teaches with my own tweaks and changes influenced by many other excellent craftpeople. I do not claim to have originated these techniques, I'm just sharing how I do things to help others who are learning.
Please do not try to copy what I'm doing here unless you know how to use an axe safely. I run courses, as do many others, on the basics of spoon carving and how to use an axe and knife safely. This is a demonstration of my method and not a safety training video.

[@trackie1957]

…”then I’m going to clear the front of the bowl…” and proceeds to perform such delicate and lovely slicing chops. Clearly an exquisitely sharp hatchet wielded by a craftsman.

[@gregnelson5295]

I am simply amazed at how many different ways one can carve a spoon blank! This is fantastic.

[@josephshaw9913]

Same!!

[@PoppabearsCave]

masterful axe work. I am in awe. Soooo many hours of practice there.

[@zoltanvonsomogyi7272]

Masterful work. This is the best rough-out technique I've seen yet. Thank you so much!

[@patrickgatons]

Thanks from me as well, Mr. Dave. Great of you to share your experience with the rest of us.

[@ahoyhaddock]

Thanks for sharing your process Dave. Nice economical technique obviously developed over many, many spoons. Definitely picked up some tricks to try 👍🏻

[@pathdoc60]

Thank you Dave. Very efficient method you have and quite useful to those of us who are learning spoon carving.. Cheers, Michael O. Alabama, USA

[@willriseley]

Awesome video sir Dave. Been having a complete mind blank the last few spoons but this has made it a bunch easier and saves me three steps in my old way 👍🏻

[@DTBoss24]

“Eventually!” Tell me I heard a Fawlty Towers Manuel reference in there or I’ll think I’m crazy. Thanks for the great video.

[@RS-or8sh]

Great Dave, came on your course last weekend. ( Exceptional course, would highly recommend) This video is a fantastic reminder of what we learnt. Really helpful.

[@virginiagerardi2056]

I'm ready to have a go at this. Thanks for the explanation.

[@gregjones3453]

Very nice method you have.. thanks for video. Greg

[@stirwoodcraft]

I love your method of carving a blank, try as I might, I've still not managed to replicate.

[@rickw.6401]

like your approach, i think you're right, as much axe work as possible. )

[@jaymurphy9127]

Enjoyed it, Dave !

[@billastell3753]

Nicely done!

[@erinikeuchi6447]

Great video

[@donscottvansandt4139]

Great video Dave! I've been carving for a bit... but just got a axe ! And have never used one carving except for actual cutting the tree ... I got a very old hewing axe head at a garage sale! Lol and carved a handle. I put a original grind one sided . What grind do you prefer?

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Nice work, thanks.

[@chriskystoneadventures]

👍👍

[@Javaman92]

Dave, what are you thinking when you look at the blank to decide which end to put the bowl on?

[@DaveTheBodger]

Looking at the size, is it wide enough and deep enough. What's the grain doing, is there one end where the grain curves up like the bowl. Also looking for knots and how to keep them out of the way, out of the bowl. In this piece of wood there's not difference which end of way around by the looks of things.

[@Javaman92]

@@DaveTheBodger thanks for your detailed response. Now I understand more fully.

[@stoneymasonp8163]

What hatchet?