Carving a Wooden Spoon Without a Spoon Knife

You know how frustrating it can be if you discover you have left your eating spoon at home. All is not lost. You need not starve or resort to burning your fingers dipping them into your lunch. With as little as a knife and a stone you can be back in business in no time. Watch as I carve an expedient eating spoon from a pine branch in just a few minutes...without a spoon knife

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Please note, the spoon shown on the thumbnail was not the one carved in this video

[@randomfox9970]

Mark Young very interesting video I has a Mora eldris neck knife its great tool greetings from UK England Essex fellow Carver I cuts myself on paper never my knife 💕👌🐺

[@samu-yx8zv]

Scummy way of making people click tbh

[@anarchyfox325]

Mark young oak is. A open grain like open grain wood ain't suitable for spoons as food gets in grain along with bacteria make ya sick 🐾🐺👍

[@TheKi77en]

I was very happy with the fact that you have constant reminders to be mindful of where you cut, how you cut and to take your time. I'm new to this and I need those reminders 😊

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

It can be so easy to forget when you start concentrating on the work. Thanks for commenting

[@BackpackDad]

Mark this video was so useful and I appreciate you stressing the safety of your work environment. Thank you! My wife and I love your content.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

Now I want to carve everything into spoons!! 😁

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I can understand that feeling but be careful, it can be an addictive hobby😆

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Mark that was a very practical look at the using requirements for shaping a working spoon out in the bush. I have recently begun wood carving, starting with spoons, and I do tend to make the bowls too deep. Reaching farther into the wood without nicking wood from the lip of the spoon can be problematic. Thanks for the instruction.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Careful..spoon carving can be addictive😉. Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Good advice and tips. Interesting advice about using the rock for sanding purposes. Looked like it worked well for you.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks Lonnie. The spoon won't win any beauty contests but it was only meant to be a one time use thing.

[@renzoids]

A bow drill burn would sandpaper smooth out the spoon too. If you can’t find a good enough rock.

[@DarkMetaOFFICIAL]

You're a really good teacher, very comprehensive and detailed. Excellent pace for beginners or anyone for that matter. I love it, and look forward to sharing in all your bushcrafting adventures! I'll be out here in the wilderness, doing basically the same thing, every day.. and watching your videos. ✌😅

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words. I hope you enjoy your time in the woods as much as I do

[@markluke8447]

Great video Mark, thank you for sharing these safety tips and your instructional tips.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting

[@noneedtoknow6098]

Well done and thanks for sharing the knife handling safety techniques very valuable.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for commenting.

[@HMSRedbeard]

Great tutorial Mark! After watching all the different carving steps, cuts and techniques that are used to make the spoon, it is little wonder why it is still a great first carving project for a Lad or Lassie! Special bonus points if one can still count to "10" afterwards. I have made serviceable spoon bowls by drilling with a large diameter spindle, bow, sand and slow turning speed, but I admit, the rock adds a certain neanderthal flavor to it! I really enjoy these moments you share with us, Thank you!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree. Carving a spoon uses most of the basic knife skills plus leaves you with a usable tool. I may yet do a video showing the bow drill method and maybe the hot coal method. Thanks for commenting

[@asosashadow]

I decided to BRANCH out and try some new wood working techniques. I am glad i came across this video. Wooden spoons aren't really needed in the city but i like making wooden utensils or tools so this spoon carving will come in handy.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Where are you located? I find spoon carving both addictive and relaxing. I am not very talented at it but I know those who are can earn a considerable income from them. Thanks for commenting

[@asosashadow]

I am located in los angeles. I have made wooden rings and tobacco pipes but spoons are new to me and this video is probably the most helpful of all i have seen tonight thank you for the tips and tricks

[@craglett]

The stone advice alone made watching this video worthwhile. Thank you for such an informative video. Shame about the hole but that's life 🙂

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

As you say, that's life. If the spoon had been a keeper I probably could have plugged the hole but it was only meant to be an expedient or one-use spoon in any event. Thanks for commenting

[@disco4535]

What an excellent tutorial. So many great techniques in such a short period of time. I really want to try and carve a spoon using only my Condor Bushlore knife just as a fun challenge to see if I can do it. Will definitely be referring back to this video!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@cloakofshadows7276]

Thanks for the tips Mark. I recently did my first spoon w/ my Mora companion and zero instructions. I think I made the bowl too deep but it is useable. I just made it outta Fatwood though so it's not really usable unless you like eating turpentine. Lol But it was mainly a prototype to learn with. Thanks for the video!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad the video was helpful. I think most people, myself included start out making bowls too deep. My first spoon may not be a user but it special and remains in my collection. Thanks for commenting

[@tln25]

I really enjoy your videos, please keep ‘em coming.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I will do my best. Thank you for commenting

[@chetnash5991]

Great video! Most carry a knife, not many carry a spoon knife

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You never know when a meal will break out😆 Thanks for commenting

[@Ladythyme]

Great video! A lot of work for a one time use.... Unadventurous me would probably venture in another direction and choose to burn the bowl... but really glad to know it can be done by this technique...thanks so much!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

It was a bit of work but not really that much. I will likely do a couple of more videos showing the coal bowl method and bow drill method. Thanks for commenting

[@dereklapointe6001]

great video. I liked the use of the rock to round out the bowl. I'll try it with the burning method as well.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. Let me know how the burn bowl and rock combo turns out.

[@captainthreethumbs175]

Learnt a lot from this video, 2 different knife holds and how to create the concave on a spoon, cheers!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you. Spoon carving is a great hobby. It teaches a lot of knife skills.

[@coltonblair8234]

Great in the bush/in a pinch spoon carving video. Good knife technique lesson as well. And way to keep cool after the hole appeared in the bowl after all that work! Haha thanks for the vid 👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I guess I just considered it good practice that day. If I had really needed as spoon because I had forgotten to bring one, and I have done that a few times, I would likely have been a bit annoyed. In truth I would likely have used it with the hole. Thanks for commenting

[@BlueLakeRV]

That was great bush spoon. A little pine glue to fix the hole! I left mine long at first and carved the the hole in the middle so I can utilize the handle on both sides. Then cut it off and carved!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You are right. I certainly could have repaired the spoon at least for a short term user. I have tried the double-ended method of spoon carving and like how it works when using my knife in one hand. Lately, I have been practicing using my knife in both hands. It creates less of a need to have wood on both ends of the bowl. Thanks for commenting

[@BlueLakeRV]

Mark Young That a great idea. I haven't mastered my right hand yet so it'll be a while before training my left. LOL.

[@LGSkywalker82]

Absolutely fantastic and helpful. Thank you!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed and thanks for commenting

[@tomritter493]

Great job mark just noticed your one of my subbs that got dropped over 150 I lost just refunding them take care brother

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks...I will take care of my sub-to-you issue right now. Thanks for commenting

[@NomadicWoodsman]

Great job, i find it very difficult To carve out the hole with only the knife. Thanks for sharing that rock idea ! :) cheers my friend. Working on a spoon this week for a video :)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I am learning and practicing new ways of spoon carving with just a knife. I will likely make an update video with a couple of more techniques that people can try. Thanks for commenting

[@johnlynch1585]

Good job Mark. Function over beauty.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Barley functional LOL...thanks for commenting John

[@underthecarolinasky2363]

Excellent tutorial Mark. I did not know any of the basics before watching this. Thanks for posting.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks Mike. There are much better tutorial videos out there. I was just hoping to show some basics for carving an expedient spoon. Let me know if you give it a try. Thanks for commenting

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Good info, cheers Mark

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for commenting

[@HeatherWrightArt]

This was awesome, thank you for the techniques, I can't wait to forget my spoon when I go camping! How about cedar? I have some cedar limbs cut down about a month ago... would it work?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The very first spoon I carved was from cedar, so, yes..cedar would definitely work. It is light, soft and porous so it will soak up a lot of oil if you plan on keeping and using it later.

[@HeatherWrightArt]

Mark Young Thank you so much!!! I can't wait to try, thank you for a really neat video! I have a paint pouring channel but it is so hard to just do one kind of art... I prefer at least 6 different projects at one time!

[@nakedinthe90s74]

Nice work Mark. Subscribed.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Your kind words are appreciated. Thank you for subscribing

[@steve45ca]

Great tips Mark! you're creeping on 1000 subs! Congrats!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. Yeah, getting there...Thanks for commenting

[@BrosephRussell]

very nice on the demo love them Knives also

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. I'll be doing a review of the Condor shortly. Thanks for commenting

[@thehostin1622]

Great video thanks for showing us how to do it 👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for commenting

[@colinwilkinson3648]

thanks for the informative knife cutting /handling techniques really must get out and try this instead of watching you tube vids !!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I have made a few expedient spoons after forgetting to pack one. All part of the fun and learning in the woods. Thanks for commenting

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Very nice video.Thanks a lot !!!!!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. Thank you for commenting

[@mathetos]

Nice knives, good technique

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you very much

[@matteoelprincipe]

Thank you Sir, you are a real master!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words

[@Borealwalkabouts]

Great work sir !

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting

[@user-bs7zw3gr6o]

I carve all my spoons and knives out of sassy. Frass works really well. I’m working on fort right now. It seems to be turning out the way I want it’s really a challenge carbon afford.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

No sassafras here. Would love try it some day. Thanks for commenting

[@sidepackcrafted168]

Very good information

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for commenting

[@joeyc818]

You made that pretty quick thats great I would use it still I eat fast anyway 😃

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

For sure. As a single use item it would be fine. I probably could have found a way to plug the hole as well. Thanks for commenting

[@Skelet0n420]

I liked the instructions

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@ScottRauber]

Liked, commenting and subscribed!! TY!!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Awesome thank you!

[@JavierBonillaC]

That was very useful, thanks

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@hereslookingatyoukid]

I forgot my spoon for the first time and decided to carve one myself.. It worked well but it wasn't the most pretty that's for sure! Can't wait to get out there and make another one!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, that has happened to me as well. On more than one occasion. Part of the reason I made this video. I also made a video using a hot coal to burn out the bowl. That spoon I kept. Thanks for commenting

[@saraandmikeyvlogs364]

I just found a dead branch by my big tree in my yard that I’m going to try and use for a spoon

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Sure. I started with spoon carving with a piece of cedar kindling. Still have it. Hope you enjoy. Thank you for commenting

[@0IIIIII]

Very cool thanks

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for commenting

[@BobbysWorld_of_Art]

Love that sable knife 🔪

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The Sable is a great little knife. Thanks for commenting

[@benparkhurst649]

Thanks for info.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome

[@cfltitan]

Awesome video. What is the neck knife you used? Looks very nice!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. My neck knife is the Triple X Knives "Sable". I do have a separate (older) review on it. Great, sturdy little knife. Thanks for commenting

[@lancecorporalveteran0621]

I have lot of knives the ones I use aren't handy enough for carving because I mostly do a lot of sun up to sun down round trip day hiking where I carry a kabar since I do a lot more brush clearing of the path or need to carve a quick hiking pole so carrying a hatchet, saw or machete is optional but not needed and I usually carry a folding knife as a stand in for a small bladed fixed knife since carving or whittling wood is not mainly what I do but if I ever plan on doing a over night long range hike learning how to carve with both large and small knives will definitely come in handy.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You give me inspiration to do something like this with a folding knife, Thanks for commenting

[@lancecorporalveteran0621]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft your welcome

[@AvoidingChores]

good demo, too bad about the tiny hole. Looking forward to see the condor mod video in a little while.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Nature of working with pine I guess...I do much better with the burn bowl method. Thanks for commenting

[@LaurentGouzouAKALynx]

Great carving demonstration Mark 👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌💪💪💪 many many good advises in this video and your so right about the deepness of the bowl. And that hole it happened to me few times 😂😂😂 Ciao from Québec ⚜

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey Laurent. Good to know these thing don't happen just to me😄 Thanks for commenting

[@DarkMetaOFFICIAL]

Awesome video! I subbed

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for subbing

[@zeqillanes4312]

Did you ever make the video on how you modified that Hudson Bay? I looked and couldn’t find it...

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

No, I did the mods before I started shooting KZbin videos. I could answer any questions you have though

[@zeqillanes4312]

Mark Young I am interested in seeing the handle more closely to see where you moved it up? Is there any type of finger choil? How long is the handle now? Does the knife come with a factory micro bevel or was it a straight flat grind?

[@preacherjayk]

when I have a hole pop up in my spoon, I like to use a splinter and some pine resin,then heat it a little it'll patch right up,

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, if this had been a spoon worth keeping or if I truly needed the spoon to eat. I would have used a trick like yours. Thanks for commenting

[@BingWatcher]

Although this appears to be way beyond my current abilities, such is life with MS, it was enjoyable to watch as I have no experience with such things. Just wondering, in the first half of the video, when you were doing the bulk removal, was the purpose of the elbow-shape log, on the ground, there to act as a "stop" in order to protect the large knife 🔪 from striking the ground? If so, is it preferable to use a soft or hard wood? Thanks in advance for your continued assistance!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I didn't realize you had MS. I can truly appreciate your situation. I often take whatever piece of wood I can find at hand to use as a base but if I have a choice, softwood would be easier on the edge of the knife/axe. On the other hand, it doesn't last as long from repeated strikes. I am glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@BingWatcher]

Thank You for your continued assistance. Yes, I have been living with MS for almost 15. Just in case you are interested in passing my information along, I know you have friends and family members who are battling MS, I have been writing about Living with Multiple Sclerosis and Narcolepsy with large busy family. Most recently I wrote for Everyday Health. I have taken the last 18 months off from writing. My columns are listed in the next comment, as it will probably be listed as spam my YT, since it has a link. But if you Google "Every Day Health Sleeping with MS" you will find it. Link to follow in next comment

[@BingWatcher]

Link is www.everydayhealth.com/columns/brad-robynn-mann-sleeping-with-ms/

[@nigelwylie01]

B. Mann, Hi. The other reason for using a block of wood for chopping against is shock reflection. Chopping straight against the soil doesn’t work very well, because a large amount of the force of each blow is absorbed by the ground, as the work piece sinks into it slightly. By using a block of wood as a type of anvil, the force is spread over a much wider area, so it cannot sink into the ground so easily, and so more of the force is reflected back into the blade, resulting in a much more efficient cutting action from each blow. The best chopping block to use is a large stable one, such as a sawn tree stump. But they are not always to hand!

[@chriscopeland1455]

mark im sure you know this but drill that hole out stuff slightly larger green twig in there and carve/grind with stone smooth PATCHED spoon had to do this once on a camping trip awesome video my friend

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great suggestion and yes, I probably should have mentioned that option. Because this was a demo for an expedient spoon made from pine I did not feel like putting more time into it. Had it been a birch spoon that I wanted to keep, then yes I would have figured how to plug the hole. Thanks for commenting

[@russellsage4953]

Inspiring ☮️

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting

[@VictorNolochemical]

☺️🙏 Great video

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@bouyant8659]

HOW DOES THE NECK KNIFE STAY PUT IN THE SHEATH?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

It has a leather tab with a one-way dome snap that fold over the large finger choil. I was not convinced it would be secure when I received it but it has never fallen out. Thanks for commenting

[@dandeutschmann5835]

If you use a long piece of wood and carve bowl out close to center , will make it a lot easier and safer to handle it. You then cut off excess when done.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, that is another way of carving a spoon. Thanks for commenting

[@suecollins3246]

Isn't there some pine resin you can rub on the spoon to block the hole?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I could have tried resin or pitch or even glue from home. Thanks for commenting

[@ronp4672]

What knife did you use to baton the wood?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

That is my Condor Hudson Bay knife that I customized. If your interested I did a video on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ2WgKhng9yad6c

[@Trafficaloco]

Sandstone or a rock with sand. Kworth the video!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@bluejeans8001]

So will the next vid concern First Aid “How to remove splinters from lips &tongue? Just kidding

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Just a little extra fiber in the diet😉. Thanks for commenting

[@WesleyBlom]

I love it, Have you done a fork video?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I have carved a few forks but have not made a video of it yet. I am planning to make another video on simple spoon carving and will be sure to add a fork to it. Thanks for commenting

[@WesleyBlom]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Awesome! Thanks for all the knowledge. Much love

[@cvcoco]

Could you use some tree sap to seal the hole?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, it would be possible, however, the sap may melt if dipped in a hot liquid. It will also likely give the liquid a strong flavour. My fault for using pine in this case, but it was only meant to be an expedient, one use item. Thanks for commenting

[@FernandoMori]

Muito bom

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Que bom que você gostou. Obrigado por comentar

[@Cooliemasteroz]

Man you could really cause a stir with that thing.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

😅 Thanks for commenting

[@ronaldgoodrich5460]

You and Jed Clampet would have been friends.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@terryglenweaver]

Now, if I make my spoon from fat wood and let it catch on fire... will I have a heated spoon? Should I carve a convex spoon for folks on a diet or just give them one with a hole in it?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good one

[@steppib.4598]

the hole doesn't matter, if you eat porridge or any kind of mash 😉😉

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree. I could eat a lot of things with the small hole still there. I could probably plugged the hole with something as well. Thanks for commenting

[@montyherren26]

Why couldn't a guy make the bowl with a bow drill with a large spindle .

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, that could work. I have also used the hot ember method successfully. Thanks for commenting

[@jonathancardy9941]

If you want a spoon to stir things with or get something out of liquid then a hole in your spoon can be a feature not a flaw.....

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good point. Thanks for commenting

[@kekipark77]

cool video, terrible knife LOL (just kidding)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting

[@johnjacobs3502]

...

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for almost commenting

[@ysidromartinez1557]

😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

😫

[@Angrygerman1930]

I not pine ?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Pine will certainly work for a short term use spoon but because it is so porous it will absorb flavours from the food more readily. Also, pine is often very resinous and that can leave an unwanted taste in the food. Thank you for commenting

[@jmmjjmmj8994]

Its a spoon if you have lots of imagination.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting