Easy Spoon Carving - Without a spoon knife

Spoon carving is a ton of fun, and you can even go as far as to leave your spoon at home when you hit the trail if you have a knife on you. It just takes a bit of practice.
In this video I take you along as I carve a crude, yet simple wooden spoon using only my Mora Bushcraft Black knife. That's right, no special spoon knife needed. Although spoon knives are wonderful to use, practicing this skill will allow you to leave that spoon at home on your next trek out into the wild.
Here is the knife I primarily used in this video: amzn.to/1Hsay2S
Some benefits of mastering this skill...
- one less thing to pack
- one less thing to keep track of
- every ounce counts :-)
I'm no pro, but my guess is that if I can do this, you can do it, so get out there and try it. If you think about it, send me a picture of your spoon to my facebook page. I'd love to see them.
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If this is your first time with us, my name is Dave, and David's Passage is the name of my vlog. This passage in life started with a desire to share my love of the outdoors with the world. My hope is that those who tune into my videos will be inspired to venture out and enjoy all of creation for what it's worth. This video blog features videos on an array of outdoor-related topics, as well as DIY projects that might just help you more fully enjoy the outdoors. New videos come out on Tuesdays at 3pm EST, so please subscribe and be on the lookout for new content soon!
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To keep up, subscribe and visit: www.davidspassa...
Twitter: / davidspassage
Facebook: / davidspassage
See you outdoors!
Intro music for this video was written and recorded by myself.
Other music in this video came from the KZbin Creator Studio.

[@Stjernholmification]

If you are lazy, you can put a small hot charcoal in the hole of the spoon, let it lay for a while until it has burned a bit down, take it of, and then use the rock as you did like sandpaper. Then you win time, effort and energy ;). It gets more even, and the rock removes the last burnt parts, and if not, you can remove it with the knife! I just wanted to share this tip that I got from a survival expert :)

[@WindsongSoundBath]

Good idea thanks!

[@chloedemeter5473]

Can also use a bowdrill spindle the size and curve of the hole you want. The hole won't be oblong though so if you want that you'll have to do 2 holes and keyhole join them.

[@dadaddy4296]

if i use a random branch can it be poisonous?

[@todd5198]

I have done it with a swiss army knife, it was not easy, but I wanted to prove to my self that I could do it a simple pocket knife, I recommend caution when using the blade tip on a folder though, and expect it to take a lot longer this way, I just did as a challenge and did enjoy it. I do a lot of back porch whittling in place of TV when weather allows.

[@kameraddog624]

i did this too! just finished mine. I’ve ended up with a really nice result, although i can’t really feel my thumbs anymore haha!

[@jonathonlang1844]

Used a basic victorinox to do a spoon like this in my first phase of survival training. We arent supposed to pack any extra tools so we hollowed the bowl out with a bit of hot coal, and just kinda scraped out the burnt bit, but the rock idea is genius, ill definitely keep an eye out for some smaller coarse stones when i go back to the field.

[@AndyJohnson3leftturns]

A few years ago I took the scouts into the High Uintahs for their first backpacking trip. We got to carving and I made a spoon with a bowl that look like the face of a duck. We called it the duckspoon and someone would say duckspoon... then everyone else would say ooooooooh! ~ just like the 'Ducktales' theme music from the 90's. Good times. I used a Gerber epic and a Gerber Multitool. I have a Condor bushcraft and a Mora 164 now. Much easier.

[@davidspassage]

That's awesome!

[@joed5098]

I just made a fork and spoon this weekend with a Victorinox Camper Swiss Army Knife. Thanks for the great "how to" vid!

[@taoyakaprincess]

That's the same knife I used 😁😁😁

[@toddklekotka3340]

Good tutorial! I've been wanting to make some spoons to use for cooking and what not, mainly to replace the ones my woman has since they are getting old. Im sure she will appreciate some nice spoons, especially ones I made for her myself!

[@davidspassage]

Todd Klekotka They are sure fun to make :-)

[@biblicallyaccurateangel2476]

“my woman” aww 🥺 that’s so cute omg

[@nunyabiz6592]

Better than my man lol

[@taoyakaprincess]

I used a Victorinox Camper Swiss Army Knife and it was definitley more difficult using a folding blade, but in the end I got it and I'm very proud! Thank you so much for this tutorial, it was so helpful and I'll be using this in my upcoming hiking trip!

[@elderhiker7787]

A very packable spoon knife is a modified SAK Trekker. The knife maker William Collins has a how-to video about how he modified the screwdriver and the can opener into a chisel and a spoon knife. So, in effect he has a main blade, a small saw, a chisel, and a spoon knife in a very useful tool that is highly packable. When at home in my shop, I use traditional carving tools such as small gouges and chisels. I don't have a spoon knife (hook knife) because I find them too big for small spoons. They are okay for kuska and bowls, but spoons need a smaller cutting edge. The Trekker mods that I learned from William Collins' KZbin channel are ideal for the trail.

[@danielcamara9695]

I just made a spork using the victorinox ranger grip knife. Thanks for the great “how to” video

[@yo-jz8ti]

Listen, all i had is an old, small kitchen knife, a grindstone and enough boredom and determination to make a spoon.. AND IT WORKED!!!! it did take really long and the spoon is a little small but i can gift this as a salt spoon or something!! thank you so much, without this video there wouldn’t be my new small spoon! i have two days left, let’s see how many more spoons i can make :)

[@Cam-gb1cu]

The sound of the knife on those corners was amazing

[@jamesmiddleton6464]

I made several with some knives I "made" using lauri blades. I ordered the blades and made handles and sheaths. The knives were very satisfying to do and the spoons were a great functionality test. All in all a good time with a useful result and a new skill.

[@maureenmango1]

After you have sanded or worked with the knife enough to get those straight cuts out a piece of lined paper can polish your wood. You would need to fold the paper up and it will work very nicely in polishing it up a bit. I've made a nice picture frame and polished it with the lined paper and it came out beautiful.

[@Redarkrome]

Very interesting project! With my best compliments. I think that it's the right way to learn how do a wood spoon. In real emergency situation, of cours that nobody have many special tools for do that ;-) You are a great! Thanks for sharing. Greeting from North West Italy. Bye, Dario.

[@zactryon7784]

Thanks for the video. I have not been wanting to buy a hook knife just so I could make spoons lol. Seeing the quality of your work here tells me that with time patients and practice, I can knock out spoons just as well as with a hook knife. The rock idea is awesome too. really a great piece of knowledge to add to the skills list. Thanks again!

[@davidspassage]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words. :-)

[@fog360]

I use any of my bushcraft knifes but I draw the spoon part and make a cross on it.I then do some deep slices to hollow out the spoon part.Then just tidy up the edges.You did a great job on yours.Amazing work brother.

[@nunyabiz6592]

Yeah, made a ton of those spoons. Typically use my puukko due to the size and supreme edge it has. Nice video, thanks for putting it out there

[@waynebrettonwood2178]

I think it's grest you used the bushcraft black and nothing else. great job

[@drytool]

Dude's a little fast and loose with his carving technique, I'm astounded he didn't cut himself!

[@Gent-gl4hv]

Nice to see detailed instruction on items you will need and can use. Please do more of this type of video!

[@davidspassage]

Sig Sauer Stay tuned ;-)

[@branch42]

jeff white's knives are tanks! that cut. I have used a little Icelandic style belt knife sim. Palli Kristjánsson's, worked well on green apple and cherry.

[@CabinDweller]

Been looking for a video on doing this without a spoon knife, awesome tips!

[@rockyjean3664]

I really appreciate that you chose not to use the hook knife. I have only a pocket knife. You are the first i found doing it that way. Thank you so much!

[@eveannekelly6832]

I'm using a mora 122. Love the video, thank you!

[@felipesader5617]

I used a martiini arctic carving knife. It was my first time carving and this tutorial really gave me the confidence to give it a go. thanks!

[@terryshrives8322]

Awesome! I use the Mora 511 for this sort of carving. It works great!

[@eoinoceallaigh2472]

haven't done spoons but have carved a few pipe bowls with my Condor Bushlore, best knife I've ever owned for woodwork

[@Anon-gf6uo]

I'm having a go at whittling now (just for fun) and I'm doing a spoon using a opinel no.9 brilliant knife very sharp :)

[@or4]

I made one from a sharpened screwdriver, it took about 2 weeks to make but it is my favorite spoon

[@GalacticSmallPeePee]

I love mora knives, i also use a Mora Knive. Its a Mora Companion Spark

[@Airik1111bibles]

Even though my Garberg is heavier I like to use it because of the belly, it really does great with scooping out bowl shapes. Another good thing to do is not make the stick short, make your spoon scoop in the middle of the stick, that way you have better purchase, once its close to done than cut off the extension. This helps from causing the spoon to not split as easy, also I turned my Garberg into a scandivex it really works great and gives ya lots of control when carving. Its a very small convexing on the fine edge blending it into the scandi grind, I love the Garberg more and more each day, its an awesome EDC. Just MHO😉

[@ogrebloodchief]

Dude that was impressive. Nice job. EDIT: Also using a Mora.

[@montanafamilytrails]

Swo-o-o-op it around. I love it! I’m going to try this next time I’m sitting around the campfire.

[@jumpoffa5011]

I have used a old pen knife for the small spoon and fork while in the U.S.Army. Saved my life.

[@shadowblastmobilegaming7445]

I used the Becker BK-9 to carve mine. It was a bit of a challenge but it helped a lot while I was making stew. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@davidspassage]

+Shadow Blast Cool! Thanks for sharing :-)

[@johnmoder5306]

The Trick with the rock is very cool. Thanks!

[@danieldelapena8369]

I've used the knife on my leatherman before. I was just messing around but it came out pretty good. also a tip you can use after you get it smoothed out is to use the wood shavings as sand paper and it puts a very smooth and polished finish on the wood. oh and it's been put to good use my little niece uses it to play kitchen.

[@davidspassage]

+Daniel De La Pena I've never "sanded" with wood shavings before. I will have to give that a "go". :-)

[@stgeorge6947]

Daniel De La Pena yea that's how they did it before sandpaper was invented

[@Doomsdaygirl8186]

Very good video I was using your tips while carving! spoon turned out great.

[@terrygwilson9628]

I just subscribed and liked. Thank you for the video and superb teaching skill. I am a rank beginner as of yesterday, after ordering some basswood. It was suggested to me to give this a go, as I recover from a long illness. My anticipation level is high. I already own several Mora’s, so ready set go. Thanks again.

[@Weemanfaescotland]

Thank you very much for that video, Kind Regards James Fae (from) Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Part of the uk 🇬🇧 😊 👍

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

The Mora Kansbol works very well. I also used the Mora companion. Take care.

[@MrFlacen]

Thanks for the idea. Just finished mine with a Norwegian sheath knife from Helle. Added some olive oil as well and it turned out pretty nice.

[@davidspassage]

+MrFlacen Sounds beautiful!

[@madferret2045]

+MrFlacen Damn do I love those knives. Which one did you use?

[@Beyondthebackyard-au]

Great to watch, I will try it with my elk ridge bushcraft this weekend and let you know how it goes.

[@Smitty-hr2mg]

did same thing with Ka-Bar short. 5.25 in blade, 1095 carbon steel blade. Best 50 $ knife I have purchased.

[@davidspassage]

Caleb Smith I've never owned a Ka-Bar, bu my friends who own them really like them.

[@Smitty-hr2mg]

If you find yourself needing a larger heavy duty blade, I recommend them. They produce Stout, high-quality American knives.

[@redfive5527]

What Model is made with 1095? I cant seem to find it?

[@VoGusProspecting]

That is absolutely inspiring. I found myself without a spoon hiking here in Australia last year and whittled something that worked but didn't look anywhere near as nice as that! Subscribed to your channel too.

[@K3V0382]

I've done it with a swiss army knife. It turned out well, but took a bit more time to do so. Remember to rub the spoon with oil after you carve it.

[@EdwinDueck]

I used a Swiss army pocket knife, it worked. It wasn't great, but in a pinch it works fine.

[@davidleasure9138]

Awesome job on that spoon

[@kennyb2497]

A1 stuff. Used my Carbon Mora Companion. Good idea about using the knifes spine to smooth it out

[@goo5976]

+David's Passage I am not sure of the name of the wood. I'm not really versed in how to identify different types which is making this a drawn out process. I think your suggestion of sanding it more would be the only realistic solution due to my lack of knowledge on different woods. Also, when making the bowl for the spoon, it really is difficult to cut into the wood without splitting it. Benchmade is very expensive but lasts for a lifetime and never chips or loosens for the most part. Barrage 580 has lasted me years and it has only the smallest iota of blade play up and down. Beautiful, but expensive. Best knife I've ever owned. Thanks for the reply, and sorry for the late response on my end. Take care.

[@matthewpittman2481]

I made a similar spoon on a long ago campout back in BoyScouts, using my old Ulster BSA Deluxe pocketknife.

[@guusdejong2523]

I'd probably use a Case canoe or stockman pattern, small blade (pen on the canoe and spey on the stockman) for the spoon part and the larger spear blade on the canoe for the rest. On the stockman I'd use the sheepsfoot for carving the rough shape, the clip blade is my food knife

[@cmcclellan9721]

I've made two. One with a french trade knife, and one with a Bush One. Both turned out great and the Bush One spoon I am still using. I carved a similar spoon ton the video with two exceptions. 1): I carved the underside of the spoon from halfway point of the bowel to the end at a flat spatula type angle. great for scooping up and getting right down to the surface. and 2): at the other end (handle) I carved it flat like a "mini" spatula. Gets that "partially" stuck-on bits of food. Not a biggie but...................looks interesting. Didnt use a rock, but nice idea. will do that next one I make. Thanks for the tips.

[@vikingcalibur3009]

I have used a Bear Gryll's knife, Les Stroud folding pocket knife, and knife with paw prints engraved into the side. To thin the wood to the right thickness I used a tomahawk.

[@ron78]

I’ve used mora black, ltwk patriot, and several others. Depending which had at hand. Great video keep them coming

[@surge1899]

I like my Ontario Bushcraft Field knife best for these types of tasks. Cool video.

[@davidspassage]

I've heard a lot of good things about that knife.

[@handicamper101]

Super great tips.. thank you.

[@davidspassage]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@lachlanthomas4164]

David's Passage I used a bear Grylls survival knife and it is working out fine. Great video

[@randomfox9970]

+David's Passage I has a swiss army knife with a excellent saw on it less to carry can get a scary crazy sharp edge on it too with my DMT diamond sharpeners highly recommended 👍🐺🐾

[@zahravereecken3515]

I always use my Opinel

[@ipalmclips]

Which Opinel?

[@rowanfernsler9725]

ipalmclips his opinel

[@jonasalexanderjonassen846]

i begin making the spoon, but cut off litelbit of my finger with my victorinox. but nice and helpfull video. thank you

[@TC-th1ey]

Oh dear. Has it grown back?

[@cleoharper1842]

It will. I've cut the tip of my thumb off twice.

[@The_real_onefs]

Use a smaller knife man

[@r2Kd0ugernaut]

biggest tip i could give you is leave your stick what ever length you find it, carve the spoon, then cut the handle at the length you want. if youve got a longer working piece you can cam it between your legs or under your arm to create more leverage for carving the cup of the spoon.

[@alexanderpadonkoff5593]

Great work,great knife and great video )) Only knife and no fire.

[@davidspassage]

+Alexander PadonkoFF Thanks :-)

[@conorreilly7337]

u seem like a really nice guy, i love u videos and i can always follow them thx soo much man u rock

[@davidspassage]

+Conor Reilly Thanks for such a kind compliment :-)

[@lukasrowe2959]

I use my Helle Harding as my primary bushcraft/spoon carving knife and it works wonders for me

[@willames363]

Great video, I've made a crude spoon a couple of times using my Victorinox Hiker Swiss Army Knife!

[@kitta9016]

I did this with the mora 106 and it worked very well :)

[@bobbyrayoutdoors5954]

I have recently purchased a hoof knife and am going to attempt to carve a spoon with it I will try and post a video of it

[@davidspassage]

+Robert Paris Send me a link when you do. I'd love to see how a hoof knife performs for this task. I have yet to get one of those.

[@Biblicalgiants]

That's awesome! I'm gonna try to use an Esee 4 for one of these spoons..I've never done this though..lol..good video!

[@enzoswoodshop1052]

nice spoon! Usually I use a hook knife, but every now and then I do it similar to how you did in this video. Usually, I use my daily carry knife, which is a Short Ka-Bar (model 1256). When I'm in the woods I carry a Buck 124, but in daily life at work, home, and around town I carry that short Ka-Bar. It has similar dimensions to your Mora Bushcraft.

[@jamesingram5463]

Opinel number 8. It has a thinner blade and carves well. The blade is flexible and that was nice when carving the bowl.

[@davidspassage]

James Ingram Cool! I just picked one of those up. I will be giving that a try on future spoons :-)

[@monet108]

I made a spoon out of pecan wood, that was heading to the fire. Used a pipe hawk and made the bowl with a piece of coal. Used sand to smooth it out and rubbed it with olive oil for the finish.

[@metakonijn998]

This is a very good video for people that are just starting like me

[@gavingaming123]

Thanks for sharing, subbed your channel. All the best from Scotland. Garry

[@DaveOmoldydogpoo]

i use a spyderco bushcrafter and i also i carry a jack knife, it has many different blades in 1 handle. good knife for in field use.

[@davidspassage]

Dave O I hear a lot of god things about spyderco blades.

[@DaveOmoldydogpoo]

They are great knifes. Ihave had mine for a good year and it has served me well. Carry it every day. I like them so much I have 2

[@davidspassage]

one for each hand :-)

[@DaveOmoldydogpoo]

David's Passage i have my back up just in case i need it. I keep one with a true scandi ground (no second bevel) and the "back up" is keep sharp but with a small micro bevel (good for wet wood and heavy processing).

[@coydog6665]

Made a few with everything from a Case stockman, Buck 110, Battle Horse Knives Woodsman and even a TwoHawks Long-hunter tomahawk

[@fleischer444]

This is why I always pack a Victorinox Huntsman on my camping trips. :) The small blade on the huntsman is great to whittle with.

[@alighafuri7656]

I love it to, it's what I use

[@Angrygerman1930]

I use the Swiss army tinker

[@danielratliff9842]

I like to make the dimple and then put a coal from the fire in it and then sand it down

[@davidspassage]

+Daniel Ratliff Do you ever have problems with the wood cracking? I've tried several bowls this way, and can never keep them from cracking for some reason.

[@danielratliff9842]

I've just done it with spoons but I would say it is an issue with both

[@tamageskadub]

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@UNDERST0RY]

I know it's an old vid, but in response to your question: After a lifetime in the bush, I've never once felt the need to carve or pack a spoon. It's a good skill, I just don't know of any practical need for a spoon in the bush. I can think of lots of other things useful to carve though, such as game traps, fish traps, an emergence paddle, shelter stakes, etc.

[@spoosh13x13x13]

I use a swim army knife that I mod'ed the can opener to make a spoon knife out of it.. Works well just don't like the fact it dose not lock, so some times it closes on it self depending on how your carving but I try to all ways much the blade away so it dose not close on it self vs pull where it had from time to time closed on it self... But anyways Thank you for making a cool video and sharing it with us..

[@kaden6054]

I also love my morakniv, it is cheap, well made/lasts a long time, can take a pounding, and is great with a Ferro rod for making fires!

[@jamesingram5463]

Before carving the bowl of the spoon with your opinel, use the knife tip to cut a grid pattern. Be sure to score deeper lines toward the center. As you dig in, they will serve as stop cuts and make it easier to remove smaller bits of material.

[@davidspassage]

James Ingram Great tip! Thanks for chiming in. :-)

[@naveedghaforian4976]

That seems like a good idea

[@carrotlol]

I bought this carving kit with a spoon knife and two other normal knifes, but I guess I have a different wood or something because it seems to be um blockey? Like the wood grains are in rectangles, the knifes don’t go through the wood too smoothly and the spoon knife won’t go through at all. So I just used the knife to stab into the would and lift it up like a lever to displace some wood. Though I will try the technique in the video, thanks!!!!

[@jamiemaxwell2074]

I use an Opinel No. 8 to do the same on the trail. At home, I use a Mora 106 and a hookknife.

[@dominickcarbonara5494]

I totally dont mean to be a snob but im glad u had the spoon knife too. I thought not the best method at all, then your like i never carry a spoon knife. I'm impressed the spoon turned out fairly good. Also i never carry a spoon knife or spoon. nice job. thx for the info.

[@davidspassage]

Dominick Carbonara I get some flack for this, but one less thing in the pack is still one less thing to worry about if you can grab a "utensil" from your surroundings. What you use on the trail doesn't even have to be this finished to be an effective spoon either.

[@muddingking7849]

I did what you did and it turned out good

[@hermanalcaraz2113]

I used my swisschamp. came out pretty nice.

[@juancho713]

Tops mini 2.5 scandi fixed blade love it for the size it will crave real good and will skin any animal from rabbits to elk granted it is hard skinny elk the fact that it’s a 2.5 inch blade but extremely sharp and easy to sharpen I 100% recommended it for spoon and fork craving

[@adrianlucio38]

I used my esee izula II and the candiru, it came out pretty good

[@brigitteseward9325]

cool video- & thanks for the tip using a stone for sandpaper :) used a Swiss army knife on mine

[@GrasDeRost]

Very good job!

[@TheUnistat76]

Nice. I carved my first two successful spoons (numbers 4 & 5 overall) in almost the exact same way. I used a Buck Punk for the rough in and a ESEE Izula for the bowl and finishing. I need to make a fork, ladle and kuksa to complete my set.

[@davidspassage]

Nathan Gambino I've made a few Kuksas, but I have always used my Mora spook knife for those. Ladle sounds like fun. Think I might just try that next :-)

[@TheUnistat76]

David's Passage I plan on using the hot coal method for the kuksa. I tried it with spoons 3 & 4, but the coal kind of got out of control and burned through the side. I figure it will be easier to manage with something bigger like a kuksa.

[@davidspassage]

Nathan Gambino I've don that before, but have had a hard time keeping the kuksa from cracking.

[@HomeImProveMentHow]

Nice work though using a knife good job thanks for sharing appreciate your time and making this technique known thank you Ken

[@nrosney]

I use a Swiss Army Spartan ..... I find the smaller blade very effective for carving out the hollow of the spoon .... but more recently I have started creating more Spork like spoons ....

[@bordertubersrogersneumann7691]

Great video!

[@lasersharpedge5489]

I've carved a few spoons with my Mora Garberg carbon. First I ever made.

[@joanneg7646]

That was awesome!

[@joeyjoejoejr.shabadu8857]

Cool, I want to get into bushcraft, and find my bushcraft black!

[@davidbrown-vd5wo]

I use my TOPS BOB all the time for my spoons and they turn out great!

[@keitharoo1962]

I so need to try this. Thanks so much for the video!

[@justinreed2861]

Great tips; going to use a Leatherman to carve my spoon.