Spoon Carving- Spoon “Crank” Explained

Now that I’m filming in 4K, I figured it was a good time to start uploading videos that show a bit more detail. One of the questions I’m asked the most is “how do I achieve the same crank in my spoons as yours?” This video explains what crank is and the methods I use to achieve it. I’ve also added some visual aids to make this easy for the viewer to understand. Enjoy!

[@jrh13-65]

This is a great video with explanations throughout.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment!

[@anvilstudio5279]

One of the best spoon making vids I’ve seen. Clear and concise. Thank you!

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Thanks for the comment! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@mahutwe9728]

Your chopping block stand is great.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Thank you. The step by step process can be found in my Facebook albums

[@suecollins3246]

When you drew those lines on the bullet I thought 'Oh shit - I haven't the _foggiest notion_ what he's talking about!' Then you started to demonstrate and it sort of became clear.

[@DG-mv6zw]

Incredibly helpful to me and I'm sure many more like me. Really appreciate that you don't assume everyone's an accomplished spoon carver who knows all the tricks, techniques and terminology. You've answered a lot of the issues and problems I'm struggling with, so that's invaluable. It's guys like you who encourage the growth of the spoon carving community.and stop us novices from giving up this wonderful craft. Thanks man. 👍

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Very glad to hear! Sometimes it’s difficult for me to remember all the small things I’ve learned along the way but I definitely try to break things down and make them understandable

[@DG-mv6zw]

@@HuronSpoonCo Many thanks. Subscribed! 👍

[@TheWhistlingNomad]

So well said, I couldn’t agree more!

[@erinikeuchi6447]

Best spoon carving instructional video hands down thank you

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Well, thank you so much Erin!!

[@woodsmansfinest3814]

Nothing like a sharp axe to engage into the wood rather than slipping. Glad you like it mate.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I’ve no complaints whatsoever Max. Thanks very much for all your hard work in bringing this axe to us. I knew if you were behind it that it would be nothing short of perfection. Much appreciated my friend!

[@woodsmansfinest3814]

@@HuronSpoonCo too kind but definitely very appreciated. Couldn't do it without my guys in Ukraine being patient and working hard. I'm so grateful to them.

[@BB-bh3rt]

It's just pure joy to see you working. Efficient, precise, calm. I have made a few spoons miself. None of them ever came out exactly as planned. You seem like a semi-God to me. :)

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Well, thank you very much for the compliment! I’m definitely nowhere near a God however- just a guy that’s carved more spoons than he can count. Anyone who keeps at it long enough can crank out some beauties😊

[@tommytitmouse]

I watched you carve that Spoon out with my jaw dropped. Because I knew if I told someone,I`d just seen this Guy make a Spoon out of a piece of Wood with an Axe they just wouldn`t believe me. Extraordinarily Beautiful, and Superbly done..

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Thank you so much for the kind comment! Spoon carving without power tools or sanding is something few people enjoy but it’s such a rewarding craft!

[@TheWhistlingNomad]

In the, respectfully, vast sea of knowledge that I’ve uncovered on my quest to learn how to spoon carve in a more methodical and technical sense…I cannot accurately articulate how relieved and appreciative I feel having discovered you and your videos 🙏🏼 Like everyone else’s comments thank you for making such incredibly easy to understand, step-by-step videos that always leave me feeling, not only like I’ve learned something new and valuable, but also so excited and eager to give it a try. You are awesome and I always look forward to your content! 😘👌🏼

[@HuronSpoonCo]

What a sweet comment! Thank you so much for taking the time. It’s always been my pleasure to try to teach eager craftspeople the finer points of spoon carving. After 8 years, I’m still finding little time saving tips and tricks. Thanks for following along!🙂

[@unitytira4954]

The video is inspiring and it inspires confidence. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge. I am grateful, blessings.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I’m glad I could help 😊

[@steviecarbone3695]

Thank you for taking the time to share your skills. Simply amazing! The axe does save the wear & tear on your joints rather then just using a knife. I’m just starting out, WOW I have a lot to learn. Thanks again.🙏🏼

[@HuronSpoonCo]

You’re so very welcome! 😊

[@rocksinmypockets5191]

Wonderful video, I took notes to refer to when I'm working on a spoon. Anyone trying to learn should also watch "Spoon Carving- Axe Work Explained" by the same author. Really the best two instructional videos out there. Thank you again!

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Thank you so much! I’m super glad these two videos helped you!

[@tomevans4402]

My first three spoons are so straight its funny. Thanks for this video I’m starting a new spoon today, learned a lot

[@HuronSpoonCo]

So glad to hear it! I hope it serves you well, Tom!

[@cferinga1]

I agree.... this video is the clearest explanation of crank that is out there... THANKS!!!!!!!!!

[@HuronSpoonCo]

You’re so very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@Nyli.]

I've started watching spoon carving videos like a year ago and very rapidly I've developed a "hatred" for flat spoons. They are everywhere and they are boring and ugly. My first spoon I carved a few months ago and my only focus was to make a curved spoon that had no "edge" on the bowl. I succeeded but it was quite a pain and this video was the perfect missing piece: I complicated the process by creating 2 angles around the shoulder (like this ¯¯⁠¯⁠¯⁠\⁠__) at the very start! Your way is far better. Thank you!

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I’m so glad you were able to benefit from the video!

[@tomglenn5175]

Thannk you for explaining how to put the crank in! You are helping me more each time I watch you! Thank you so much.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

You’re so very welcome!

[@rodperottoni]

Great video. At 4:50min I was at the edge of my seat with how close the axe was to your wrist lol

[@HuronSpoonCo]

lol it’s just the perspective. I’m not much of a camera man😂

[@rodperottoni]

Hahaha I did think it was the perspective. That maple is beautiful. Our natives in Australia are nowhere near as beautiful as that 🥲

[@asmith7876]

Excellent axe work with an excellent axe! When a man makes it look this easy, you know it’s NOT that easy and that he’s made a LOT of spoons! I like to bang out a rough blank with the hatchet, move to the draw knife and shaving horse, then very finely set spoke shaves. Much easier on the joints and hands. Curious as to when you scoop out the bowl…I tend to clamp it down and dig it out with a gouge, then do final finishing. Again, just easier on the hands than a hook knife. Love that stump anvil thing!

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, I have carved a lot of spoons. Somewhere around 1,000 at this point with thousands of blanks carved for customers as well. As for the hollowing of the spoon’s bowl- that’s the last step in my roughing process and likewise the final step in my finish carving process (aside from chamfering, burnishing, and oiling).

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Great stuff! I really want one of those carving axes. That smith does a great job with them. Thanks for the awesome tutorial!

[@GandalfFTWXx]

Thanks for this video. Helps alot!

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@gusvortech]

I too ordered one from Max, the Wayfarer. I can’t wait to get it. Max too is legit, I like his approach. Cheers man

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Max is hands down one of my favorite people of handcraft. I’ve got a couple of his spoons and they’re among some of the best in my collection.

[@markirish7599]

Beautiful workmanship. Best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@davecharlesworth8176]

The mystery of the crank explain. Great video

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Thanks Dave!

[@Jay74Camp]

Just found your channel, and have been thinking of trying my hand at carving some spoons. One of the best explanations of how to do the crank. Thank you well done!

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Thank you for the vote of confidence, Jason! I often feel like a rambling imbecile, but I do my best to educate those who want to learn the craft.

[@TheMagicAnne]

This is extremely helpful. Thank you, Sean.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

You’re very welcome!

[@djantem0917]

Well done fella, thanks for the advice. Greetings from the U.K. 🇬🇧

[@HuronSpoonCo]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for the comment, Daniel!

[@justinguinyard4466]

Thanks man! Sunce your "axe work explained" video, I've vastly improved mine. This is super informative as well.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Good to hear! Anything else you feel you need help on?

[@justinguinyard4466]

HuronSpoonCo I think I’m all good for now. I’ve watched nearly all of your videos and you’ve already answered the questions I did have.

[@billnilsen4831]

Great video! I've watched twice and will again. Thanks!

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Thanks very much Bill! It’s good to know folks find these vids useful!

[@jameszimmerman8701]

No questions. I basically do mine the same way. Key differences:your stump is perfect for the work required and I need to learn how to sharpen my axes😑( truly my Achilles heel). Great reinforcement for my processes and very well communicated. Your explanation of drop cuts at key moments made me smile (thanks). And thank you so much for posting your spoons. I love them and aspire to reach your proficiency in creating my own. Thanks

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, James! I've been told i do well with explaining the in's and out's of spoon carving but usually i just feel like I'm stumbling though my commentary. I'm glad you find it helpful!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Great video. Thanks for the detailed walk through.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

You’re quite welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks for showing us. This will help me a lot. Take care.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

You’re very welcome

[@nidge2822]

Fantastic video I have managed to cut 2 spoon blanks ready for knife work. Had to put in plastic bag and in the fridge until I get time to finish off .thank you

[@HuronSpoonCo]

You’re very welcome!!

[@suecollins3246]

In the fridge? Oh, please explain - this is one I haven't heard yet.

[@nidge2822]

@@suecollins3246 hi sue it helps to stop the wood from drying out ,just keep your eye on them to make sure they don't go moldy. So far mine have been fine ,also you can freeze them but you need to defrost before you use ,this is what I saw on a video and a few people have mentioned this to !

[@HuronSpoonCo]

@nidge is absolutely correct. I’ve managed to keep blanks in the fridge in ziploc bags for months and in the freezer for well over a year. You can also store them in bins of water, though you have to be mindful of bacterial growth and the water will need to be changed likely once or twice per week.

[@susanp.collins7834]

​@@nidge2822Thanks Nidge! Since posting that little gasp of consternation I have actually encountered this idea a few times. I have a LARGE deep freeze and while I have already MADE two spoons you DO NOT WANT TO KNOW HOW. I do not have an axe or a saw and I had to get creative. I am hoping to buy a Mora Sloyd next month.

[@tonymiff4478]

Sean many thanks for the time and effort you put into your video’s.. I can’t tell you enough how your instruction has helped change my spoon carving technique / method and design. .. loving your work thanks again buddy 🙂 Tony (Derbyshire, UK )

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I owe just as much thanks to you kind folks for watching these videos. It’s nice to have such an amazing audience to share this information with! Cheers, brother!

[@dannyboy8883]

Enjoyed the lesson. Very helpful and informative about the axework from your layout. cheers 🍺🍺🍺

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Many thanks!

[@Lapeerphoto]

Great tutorial. I have never made a spoon. Thought about it, just never done much wood carving. This video gives me some motivation to consider it more seriously. I have a Mora curved knife on my Amazon want list. Now I just might pull the trigger. Thanks man!

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Well I’m glad to hear you’re considering hopping on board! It’s a very rewarding craft and there’s so much room for growth. If you have any questions once you get started, give me a shout!

[@toneyrandazzo5041]

Nice vid Sean! Definitely a couple tips to help me improve my process.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Hey hey! Glad to know you found it useful! I plan to film some short ones on various facets of spoon carving soon!

[@MissGroves]

I couldn't figure out why my first spoon wasn't quite right....no crank and it's an eating spoon...thank you for this I can now fix it

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Glad to help!☺️

[@barrykeller6345]

Hi Sean. Just subscribed and am learning so much about spoon carving. Great clear instructional videos. You're a great teacher. I keep seeing your"chopping block", ( for lack of a better term) on your videos.i would really appreciate a video on things to incorporate and construction of one of these blocks. Thanks again for these excellent spoon making videos. Barry

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Hi Barry and thanks for the comment. I’m not sure if you have Facebook or not, but I have an album in my photos called Standing Carving Stump which outlines the process I used for crafting my chopping block. Nothing super technical, but it should help you navigate the build of one. Hope this helps!

[@Aethalops]

Super helpful revisiting of a topic that is fuzzy for beginners. Thanks for seeing it all the way through. I'd love to see more treatment of the wood collecting & preparation process: you mentioned elsewhere that you use buckets of water for storing blanks. And your redbud spoon video started with a billet from the freezer. My own access to green wood is random and so I'd like some advice on how to more efficiently prepare and store the material before I can use it. Thanks!

[@HuronSpoonCo]

This is a great topic for a video. I might be able to film it for you soon if time allows!

[@tutetocas]

very very good tutorial video ! it's the best I've seen so far. Thanks for sharind details ans technics !

[@HuronSpoonCo]

You're very welcome! Thanks for the comment!!

[@markluke8447]

Sean, new subscriber here, this is an excellent tutorial and very much appreciated from a newcomer to carving. Thank you for sharing.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

You’re very welcome, Mark! I hope these videos can help you on your new journey🙂

[@mnbluesboy]

Yup, totally there. It's the finishing up/merging the end of the handle w/the back of the bowl/transition area that's killing me. I'm missing something or doing something wrong and have yet to figure that one out. Costing me billets too but some time the light bulb will come on... Thanks man.

[@jimclement5637]

Well done, thank you!

[@HuronSpoonCo]

You’re very welcome!

[@finleycarves]

Thank you so much! Your videos are perfect in pace and clarity. I am currently still struggling with getting the crank to not look like it bends in one spot. I still can't quite get it right to make the progression gradual rather than at the vertical cut line.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

This takes a bit of finesse with the Sloyd knife. The angle needs to be softly blended from the handle to the back of the bowl.

[@vancamerawoman7399]

That was a great tutorial. Thank you.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Thank you for the comment!

[@TheChrisp1231]

Greta video ,Thanks for making it. Should help me crank my spoon carving up a notch

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for your comment, Chris!

[@suecollins3246]

Nice pun!😂

[@stephenwalford774]

Hey.. Fantastic insight to axe work. No nonsense. Newbie here from France.. Subscribed.. Cheers

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I’m glad you found it useful! Thanks for the sub!

[@differentiasp]

Could u provide some of your favourite designs plz. Really helpful vid and the only one that utilises a unique stop cut. Thank you!

[@soulehawk]

Just found your video. This is more actual help than almost all others I've watched. Isbyour axe a GFB wood carving axe?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I’m glad you found it useful! Thanks for commenting!

[@prometheus4916]

Ty so much brother iv been trying to get this own my own play hell whit it thank you

[@HuronSpoonCo]

You’re very welcome!

[@kindpalm]

Great tutorial. Thank you for sharing (-:

[@daveholte7658]

Well done Excellent video clear and great sound.. Question What main woods do you carve? Do you or where can I get plans to make a stand as shown in the video? Can you add the link to purchase the tools? Thanks again best video yet

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I use many different tools actually. Far too many to list honestly. As for the stump I use, I created an album on my Facebook page that has step by step instructions. The album in my photos is called “Standing Carving Stump”. Hope this helps!

[@jrreed6992]

Great spoon video, love the axe work, does the axe have a left side flat bevel.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

The bevels are symmetrical on this axe

[@kreech68]

some dangerous (in my opinion) axe work, but good explanations - thank you

[@HuronSpoonCo]

This is how it’s been done since the wooden spoons became common many centuries ago

[@hotrodhog2170]

I don't have an ax so I cut mine on the bandsaw but that was interesting to watch anyway. Will you be doing a follow up with showing the knife work? Followed you here from the spoon group you posted in on FB.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I plan to do many videos in the future. If you have a browse of my channel, you’ll find I have some videos showing knife work now. I do plan to do more at some point as well

[@Jan290195]

Amazing video. Really good explanation, I just wanted to ask about the location of the crank. Is there a rule of thumb where you place it? This is if you don’t have a template or you are drawing one.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Personally, I like my crank somewhere between the back third and fifth of the bowl

[@NewForestAdventures]

Great video! Could you share your template that you used?

[@tomg.6881]

Very nice! Is your saw a Silky?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Yes, it is!

[@max_fjellstorm]

This video helped me quite a lot thank you sir! Do you have a template for a lefty spoon like that somewhere?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

That's great to hear! Unfortunately, I'm not selling templates at this time however.

[@michaelchastain4957]

I've just found your channel and may have missed something but I've been carving spoons for a while. I'm looking at different axes been using a husquavarna but am looking for a more suitable axe. Is that a right hand grind?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Hi there Michael. The axe I’m using in this video is called the Journeyman by Woodsman’s Finest

[@-jopi-2142]

How many people also use Woden spoon when eat every day ? I think it's better than metal spoon when you learn to use it. And easy keep clean.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I agree! Personally I cook, serve, and eat exclusively with hand carved wooden utensils

[@soulehawk]

Well just got to where you say what axe this is!

[@mawilkinson1957]

Who's axe is that, please? I like it's form factor. Oops. I should have waited until the end before I posted that question. You already answered it. I have seen his video on the axe, but I have never seen anybody else use it. Thanks for your comments on it.

[@woodsmansfinest3814]

Getting pretty popular mate and we have gotten out nearly 120 axes in the first 4 months to folks from Hawaii to Japan. Thanks for the interest.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I’m loving it so far. The balance of the Journeyman is perfect. Despite being a touch lighter than the axe I’m used to using, it powers through material as well as an axe that weighs a few hundred grams more. The bite is very aggressive and I like that very much. I’ll have a detailed review soon

[@woodsmansfinest3814]

@@HuronSpoonCo love to hear your experience reflects what had in mind and the 11 month of back and forth actually paid off!

[@GreyRock100]

My uncle likes a lot of crank. He's been selling that stuff for years.

[@johnruckman2320]

I'd like to know about your carving log block.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Here’s a link to an album on Facebook that has my process for making one: facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2256430837713738&type=3

[@alphabeardoutdoors]

My friend you make nicer curls and feathers with an axe than I do with a knife!!! Hahaha

[@HuronSpoonCo]

😂😂😂

[@migueldeangel46]

Did you make that base tripod that holds the stump?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I did, yes. Here’s a link to an album I put together that shows how I achieved it: facebook.com/share/Xt7euK7LXAPQdDNU/?

[@MrClarkycn]

Huron,hi i was wondering if at all possible you could explain how to get the different grain patterns fo your choice of spoon,ive heard of straight grain but ive also heard of tangical,how do you disect the log to get the difference,thxs again ,chris

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Are you on Facebook at all? I actually have a really good post saved to my FAQ photo album that shows this in detail

[@MrClarkycn]

Hi huron,thxs for getting back to me,to be honest ive just got onto face book,but i will have to ask my lads how it all works,,but yes, is their a adress of some decription where i can find you,thxs

[@HuronSpoonCo]

chris clark just look for Sean Hearn and you’ll know it’s me because of the profile pics.

[@MrClarkycn]

Sorry sean,ive typed your name in but i carnt see you,is their a link you could forward,

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Facebook.com/srhhearn

[@markluke8447]

Who’s axe are you using?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

This one is the Journeyman, by Woodsman’s Finest

[@suecollins3246]

I _wondered_ what was in that kuksa! I see that it has milk in it - they say you shouldn't put milk stuff in a kuksa; is that so or just nonsense?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

“They” say a lot, don’t they? Lol! Milk is fine in kuksas. Folks drink coffee out of them daily- myself included. I’ve been drinking from my kuksa for about four years with no ill effects. Just make sure they’re washed out with warm water immediately after use and air dried well

[@jugbrewer]

What's the name of the saw you're using?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

This one is the Pocketboy by a high end saw company called Silky

[@jugbrewer]

@@HuronSpoonCo Thank you! Very helpful video as well

[@HuronSpoonCo]

@@jugbrewer you’re very welcome!

[@redfan15]

what kind of hatchet?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

It’s the Journeyman by Woodsman’s Finest

[@derekw40]

Is that a silky saw ?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

Absolutely. The only saws I use!

[@derekw40]

Absolutely! I’m an arborist by trade. I have several. Including the one in that video.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

@@derekw40 they’re amazing. I’ve got two Gomboy’s, a Pocketboy, and a BigBoy

[@asmith7876]

Awesome saws, the Bigboy with the curved blade is a beast for firewood but straight blade Pocketboy or Gomboy for crafting! If only they didn’t have such horrible names 😂.

[@domuzavcilari]

kaşığın ölçülerini metrik sistem olarak yazabilirmisiniz?

[@rickschuman2926]

. . . and then one day i picked up a spoon from the rack in the drawer and thought, Hey. Look at theat

[@HuronSpoonCo]

🤔