Carving a Spoon Using an Axe | Paul Sellers

Paul Sellers shows one of the methods that can be used to carve a spoon, using an axe and knives on green wood. This is filmed in the grounds of Penrhyn Castle in North Wales, which is where Paul runs New Legacy School of Woodworking.
Visit our beginner site for a step by step version of how to make a spoon using had tools: commonwoodworking.com/courses...

[@Paul.Sellers]

We've added English subtitles to this video. We work hard to reach as many people around the world and help them learn woodworking. We need your help to translate our videos subtitles to your language and progress our work. Please contribute translations here: kzbin.info_cs_panel?tab=2&c=UCc3EpWncNq5QL0QhwUNQb7w

Nice to have a proper tutorial like this, presented by an experienced expert, who is also articulate. Plenty of interesting knowledge and details - it makes all the difference to novices. Thanks.

[@robmckennie4203]

I swear, Paul makes some of the most interesting long form content I've seen. I've been sitting here for 18 minutes, doing nothing but watching the video. These days, on the internet, not a common thing.

[@betavulgaris7888]

Rob Mckennie So much better than the swathes of people doing them ridiculous micro-cuts and pulling retarded faces in their thumbnails.

[@Paul.Sellers]

Yes, that's a Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia, giant redwood, Sierra redwood, Sierran redwood, or Wellingtonia). There are many thriving here in the woods and up around Penrhyn Castle. Not too old, 150 years since they first were planted.

[@robmckennie4203]

Something that I think this video highlights is the patience in woodworking. Something I personally struggle with is being frustrated and trying to go too fast. Perseverance and patience are key.

[@Indiskret1]

No matter what mood I'm in, just watching you is so inspirational, soothing and turns even the worst days into sunshine. Thank you! :)

[@kochmate5436]

"Anything that doesn't look like a wooden spoon, just shape it off" :D

[@aaronjermain]

+Koch Máté My favorite part of the whole video!

[@wadepatton2433]

Wow. Finally I'm better experienced at something than Mr. Sellers. I've split a lot of wood from green and seasoned rounds. Axes, mauls, hydraulics--but then i burn most of it.

[@DG-mv6zw]

Great teacher. Clear, concise and methodical instructions and explanations throughout. I learned more about axe work in this single video than in all the rest of the video's I've watched on youtube. Many thanks 👍

[@joliver3609]

I've got to say, this is the first video that shows the difficulty in splitting some logs. All the others show people splitting logs that fall apart in two or three strikes. Finally some realism!

[@zacharygrey500]

This made spoon carving feel so much more accessible! Thank you!!

[@MrJonnytattoo]

i love how precise he is with his teaching. They just don't 'em like that anymore.

[@messerist]

Showed your video to my two eldest children (12 and 10) Very helpful. Now they are as addicted to spoon carving as their Dad!

[@robmckennie4203]

Watching this kind of stuff makes me really excited for my next camping trip

[@onebadboy2]

Thank you for the tutorial Paul. Looks like a lot of fun. Appreciate your time. You do great videos.

[@johntailing5283]

“Just like peeling potatoes - can you peel potatoes? I think you can “ priceless! Such a good vid!

[@carbonitegamorrean8368]

I know it's an old vid, but just watched it, and realy liked watching ya do all this.

[@sauravsumughan]

Thanks for teaching me how to avoid “axidents”!

[@scatoutdebutter]

Thanks a lot for your pointed cautions about safety with the axe for beginners! This is exactly the info and teaching I was looking for.

[@ryanreams5041]

Thanks for the video. I've actually been working on my first spoon with a knife recently, and never really considered using an axe for work so delicate. Definitely got some ideas.

[@ljones396]

Been watching your channel for a while, came as quite a surprise when you mentioned Penrhyn Castle. Only 5mins away from my house, crazy!

[@Paul.Sellers]

Yes, they are. Very nice knives!

[@doakwolf]

At 16:26 "Whoooo right into here... Have I done that? Yes I have!" - haha thanks Paul. I watch all of your videos and am learning so much. Please keep making these. It's greatly appreciated from all around the world! You should be so proud of your work and teachings, mate :)

[@to_a_nico]

Thanks so much Mr Sellers. Now INTO the shop I go to make a spoon out of a Black Mulberry (Morus Nigra) branch from the neighborhood.

[@jeghedderhenrik]

im so impressed of your technics, i have learned more from few of your videos, than for many years before

[@HWCism]

You make a great mentor. Thanks

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Never knew about [wood] carving with an axe, and I am intrigued enough to think about trying it. Thank-you...

[@kylefisher4883]

I think Mr. Paul Sellers is the Bob Ross of wood

[@alecguth9306]

Thank You very much for the information. You have a great way of explaining things.

[@MrSkeeter18]

Thanks Paul. I always enjoy your vids. Thanks for sharing.

[@teresakines8888]

Thank you for teaching this well. Very informative. Thank you.

[@romurphy9606]

Excellent tutorial, thanks for the upload

[@jillswan2053]

lovely commentary Paul, Most informative.

[@brownclorox]

"don't want any axe-idents" -- love this guy!

[@bobbieiler]

Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing and educating!!!!

[@Ashysand]

Cool thanks a lot. I’m just getting into carving spoons. This vid has given me some good tips

[@LewisWells-1]

Excellent video Paul, I love watching bush craft videos. Another favourite clip I've watched was Ray Meres carving a new axe handle! I'm going to try making a spoon now! :-)

[@ChicoMillion]

where is the link to see the finished spoon?

[@smellyellow]

What a beautiful backdrop!

[@grupogatodomato]

Very well my friend. Congratulations on the video. Beautiful ax. Again, perfect technique. Greetings from southern Brazil.

[@green_building]

3:37 his technique is excellent 👌 hes swung the axe and in the same time the other hand swung away to the left

[@daviddennis1644]

Love you Paul 😍

[@anthonylin2408]

We don't want any axe-idents! Brilliant.

[@sullysullivan9320]

Very informative video, thank you

[@Paul.Sellers]

OK. Good idea. We will try to do that too.

[@oldgimlet3737]

Great video!

[@MikeWaldt]

Great tutorial Paul Take care Mike

[@bnayal]

Great video, thanks!!!

[@Paul.Sellers]

We just finished a video on replacing a hammer handle on a ball pein hammer, which also works for axes too so we will put that one up soon.

[@cactusbobaz]

Thank you !

[@jimnorlem6802]

Great video ... thanks

[@markharris5771]

I have a very cheap fibre glass handle axe and I’m really pleased with it, the balance is phenomenal and it keeps its sharpness really well. I tend to use axes with a much flatter movement rather that the usual arch, I’m a chef by trade and I approach my axe like a meat cleaver.

[@jeghedderhenrik]

inspired by your video about working in greenwood with a small hand axe, i flatten the profile on one side on the axe to be able to get a more flat angle and use it allmost like a planer / for fine cuttings, BUT i forgot that im lefthanded and not right handet, so i have to use it with arms crossed, starting over tomorrow LOL

[@crystalsoulslayer]

No kidding about the "lifetime" thing. My mom made two wooden spoons and two butter knives in shop class when she was a kid, 60s-70s in Sweden. My sister-in-law put one of the spoons in the dishwasher, but we still have the others and they work perfectly.

[@TheHeraldOfChange]

Thanks for this. Just an observation, when I was a lad, I used to turn the axe and wood upside down after bedding the axe and use the weight and momentum of the wood to help split the wood.

[@lanehaynes6841]

"You get into a real relationship with your wood"

[@christyler5722]

Great job bro.

[@eddyflynn213]

plenty of room in that workspace fantastic how to thanks

[@ViewVideoNow]

"anything that doesn't look like a wooden spoon, shave it off" :D great video... i always enjoy a new one from you

[@mercoid]

Nice video. Very instructional. I'm going to make a wooden fork for my wife.

[@RHBootmakers]

"you don't want any AXcidents..." hehehehe.

[@jfan4reva]

Here in the US they commonly refer to wooden shingles as "shakes". I never bothered to look into where the term came from. Now I know. Thanks!

[@fieroboom]

...and it's extremely important to have a sharp axe, because a dull one will be more likely to glance off & swing toward you instead of immediately bedding in the wood. Sharper is safer!! 👍👍

[@maartieboy]

I use a handmade wooden mallet for this made from a solid piece of wood to baton trough the wood. it works very nice and its easily made

[@dumasflyfishing8861]

Fascinating

[@ToeCutter454]

i was so amazed and impressed with the redwoods that i wanted to see if they would grow here in upstate ny. i currently have five 1 and a half year old saplings(started as 6" seedlings) :) one of which is a little ahead of the rest for height @ 6 feet the rest are all about 3 feet. the ones i have are from the sierra nevada and not coastal redwoods. i have read of a few other sequoia's in nurseries around this area mainly up above me in the finger lakes region and over in the UK.

[@brandonwilson8115]

If you forgot to bring your rubber-faced sledge, it's usually not too hard to make a beater from a beefy tree branch as well.

[@tommoon5120]

Lovely video, thanks. If the axe head is lighter than the wood, you can flip it over and bang the back of the axe-head against the chopping block, using gravity to force the wood onto the cutting edge. Are there any trees that are to be avoided in spoon-making because they are toxic? Especially if you’re hoping to use them to stir stews etc where they might leach poisons into the food?

[@SuburbAllied]

Next lvl in wood carving is "carve a spoon with your teeth". Thx for a great video!

[@craigallred3656]

Hi Paul. I discovered your site recently and greatly enjoyed the videos I have watched so far...learned a lot. I was very impressed with what you are able to do with a spokeshave. I do not own this tool but would like to. I would appreciate a recommendation. Thanks again.

[@meshugunner]

This is a great demo. I've been wanting to add ax work to my wood craft. I realize this demo is to show what an ax can do, but in practice, wouldn't a few cross grain cuts with the saw speed things up a lot?

[@peteward6478]

Thankyou.

[@AtifHasanReflections]

Hey Paul, thanks for posting this video. Excellent work with axe. I was wondering if we can use spoke shave ti shape the handle in a finer way?

[@blounsb99]

Safe to assume that what you called 'Lime' is Linden or Basswood?

[@ianmfmasters]

Hi, I am enjoying your axe-work videos, but when I cut or saw at 90o to the surface for a stop cut to help remove the excess wood - the axe/saw leaves 'bruises' in the wood deeper than the apparent depth of my cut,and these are hard to remove later without impairing the design. So I prefer to cut obliquely, closer to the intended final curve (E.g. in the outer shoulder of a spoon bowl) so as to keep a smooth curve between handle and the sweep of the bowl's exterior. Apart from this doubt, I am profiting from your presentations, and find the flexibility of your methods encouraging, time-saving and great fun. Thank you! Ian Masters

[@Paul.Sellers]

An axe (or US ax) is generic for any and all axes long, short, heavy and light. A hatchet is used mostly by America. There are of course many axe names that better describe their function ranging anywhere from splitting axe to felling axe and carving axe to limbing axe. WIthin Britain there are regional names given to axes too.

[@amryamaha]

amazing forest

[@Zombiekiller707]

your cutting log being shaky was driving me nuts!

[@MrIcefishinman]

we need a drop counter. good informative video

[@greenfilly]

Holy ASMR Batman!

[@wesleyhenriquelameu3651]

este paul sellers é fera.

[@sergejcod2]

Hey, first of all great work! How do you prevent the green wood from cracking when the final product dries out?

[@handygote]

Hello Paul. I've just begun watching your videos. Find the idea of working with hand tools appealing. Less noise, slower pace. But I'm wondering if you ever use a band saw to cut the rough block of wood for spoon carving.

[@StarDustSid]

Nice skills Paul. That tree behind you would make a few coffee tables.

[@JTLand]

instead of beating on the head, flip it all over and slam the axe into the stump

[@sterlingab]

Love your vids, but curious, with the rough splitting, is there a reason you are using slight hits as opposed to more vigorous one-stroke splits and cleaves?

[@pontoterapiabrainspotting]

Great! But is it just me or he resembles Saruman?

[@robertpothier1861]

Davi Costa He does resemble a younger Christopher Lee I suppose.

[@JoeBob79569]

As a kid I grew up with extremely blunt and rusty axes that were a few mm thick at the sharpest point, they were more of a bludgeoning tool for breaking the wood apart with sheer force, and usually had a loose head that was liable to come flying off if swung too hard.. I certainly never considered them to be a tool you would _"work down to the line"_ with!

[@GazianoOutdoors]

I've got a Husqvarna hatchet and fiskars x5, would they be any good for carving with? Been thinking of getting the hultafors mini hatchet

[@sebastianmcgrogan5908]

Cool hatchet

[@nuancolar7304]

Interesting that you used a rubberized hammer to strike the axe. I've heard it's not recommended that one use hammer blows on an axe head because it can expand the axe head and loosen it from the handle. Does the rubber eliminate that possibility?

[@Paul.Sellers]

It does indeed as does nylon which is what I was actually using. Thank you, that was a good question.

[@riverrowanphoenix1876]

It really does. And you can also use a wooden or rawhide mallet, as well.

[@tkjazzer]

Are these axes Single bevel? Broad axe / hewing axes? When do you chose a broad axe style carving axe vs a double bevel one? Love the safety tips

[@Paul.Sellers]

Thank you for your comment. I never use a single bevel axe for my work and i shape my axes as a carving axe. Here is my blog post on shaping your axes paulsellers.com/2013/09/shaping-axes-carving/

[@tonyy5482]

Thumb guard! :D Yes, spoon carving often leads to nasty cuts :( - far more than any other woodworking/carving activity I have come across. Stock up on plasters (US Eng.: bandages). Safe grips with stops is ultimately the way to go but that takes experience/learning and/or a healthy fear of sharp edges. Even the experts cut themselves (listen to the youtube video on Wille Sundqvist visiting Drew Langsners Country Workshop).

[@Paul.Sellers]

Not really so. I found this lime quite hard, certainly nothing like North American basswood. That said, it is fine for spoon carving. I wouldn't necessarily look for lime because there are many other woods you can use that will be more readily available and nice to work too.

[@deanchester8754]

Paul Sellers I

[@TomLeg]

How do you make the curved knives?

[@csheltn]

What is that MASSIVE tree behind you?

[@redrum6051]

his secret lair

[@carbonitegamorrean8368]

Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia, giant redwood, Sierra redwood, Sierran redwood, or Wellingtonia).

[@Furao80]

Wow, cool history! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/how-the-giant-sequoia-came-to-england

[@curiousgeorge555]

I thought Paul was in Europe. The huge redwood in back has me puzzled. Thoughts?

[@williams.1130]

Was that a car alarm in the background? And planes. Noisiest woods ive ever seen

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

Funny how I can split a board from a 4 foot long log without any issue, but some smaller pieces have a way of resisting blows for days before splitting. Hahaha!

[@longleaf0]

The problem log would split a lot more easily if you cut it so that the knot lines up in a straight line with the edge of the axe (at 90 degrees to where it was cut) ideally you want the knot on the side opposite you. It would still split unevenly, but tends to make it a lot easier crack apart. The tree behind him looks like a giant sequoia, not sure if I'd put money on that though, definitely looks like a redwood of some sort though.