9 best wood carving woods

Wood carving is a popular form of crafting and art that involves shaping wood into intricate designs and sculptures using specialized tools. The type of wood used in wood carving significantly impacts the outcome of the carving process. Different types of wood have distinct properties that affect how they can be carved, their durability, and the final appearance of the carving.

Here are some common types of wood used in wood carving:

  1. Basswood (Tilia spp.): Basswood is a favorite among wood carvers due to its softness, fine grain, and ease of carving.It's an excellent wood for both beginners and experienced carvers. Basswood also takes stain and paint well, allowing for various finishing options.

  2. Mahogany (Swietenia spp.): Mahogany is known for its beautiful reddish-brown color, tight grain, and ease of carving. It is a bit harder than basswood but is still popular for carving due to its workability.

  3. Cherry (Prunus serotina): Cherry wood has a fine, straight grain and is moderately hard, making it suitable for carving intricate details. It darkens with age, giving carvings a rich, reddish-brown hue.

  4. Oak (Quercus spp.): Oak is a harder wood and can be more challenging to carve, but it is prized for its durability and strength. It's often used for larger or structural carvings.

  5. Maple (Acer spp.): Maple is a dense, hard wood that is known for its fine grain and smooth texture. It is a bit more challenging to carve than basswood but produces detailed carvings.

  6. Pine (Pinus spp.): Pine is a softer wood that carves easily, making it suitable for beginners. It has a distinct grain pattern that can add character to carvings.

  7. Cedar (Cedrus spp.): Cedar is known for its aromatic scent and resistance to decay. It is soft and easy to carve, making it ideal for decorative carvings.

  8. Walnut (Juglans spp.): Walnut is a beautiful dark wood with a rich, deep color. It's moderately hard and carves well, allowing for intricate details.

When selecting wood for carving, consider factors such as the desired carving difficulty, the level of detail needed, and the finished appearance. Additionally, always ensure that the wood is properly seasoned and dried to prevent cracking or warping during the carving process.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best wood carving woods on the market
  

Basswood Carving Blocks - 5ARTH Large Beginner's Premium Wood Carving/Whittling Kit, Suitable for Beginner to Expert - 10 Pcs with Two 6"x 2"x 2" and Eight 6"x 1"x 1" Unfinished Wood Blocks

5ARTH

Based on 893 reviews Check latest price
  • 🎄【Natural Basswood】Every one of our wood blocks uses natural basswood. Every project only undergoes preliminary cutting and sanding. Its soft, fine, even texture makes it easy to work with, while its pale, inconspicuous color doesn’t detract from the carved patterns of the finished product.
  • 👋【Discover Carving World】Our smooth basswood blanks help you to learn how to whittle wood and discover fun things in carving. The Basswood carving kit is perfect for unique gift sets for beginners to experts, for kids to practice hands-on skills.
  • 👍【Satisfying Creative Size】After understanding the customer's needs, we chose the size with the highest satisfaction. 10 Piece Set with Two 6 "x 2" x 2 "and Eight 6" x 1 "x 1". Large enough to meet your creative needs.
  • ✔【Multipurpose Wood Blocks】Unfinished wooden blocks are easy to work with for carving, whittling and shaping creative wood projects, ornaments crafts, DIY art projects.
  • 💌【100% Satisfaction Guarantee】If your product does not perform to your expectations, simply request a refund or a replacement.

User questions & answers

Question: Does this wood split while carving? the basswood i purchased at hobby lobby splits easily (possibly due to kiln drying
Answer: Comes with 4 different blades all of which are for filleting I believe. I have used a couple on different species of fish and they are fantastic. I would use this knife for fish and regular kitchen knives on veggies or meat. Might be able to cut up a turkey but remember that it's a fillet knife. You can also call the mfg. They are very helpful.
Question: Where is the wood sourced from
Answer: This is the best knife we have ever bought for slicing anything
Question: can you use dremel to carve this wood
Answer: It is a knit glove and is one size fits all. My husband is a XL guy and I have small hands. The fingers are long for me but I think I could make it work. It worked well for holding on to slippery fish and offered some hand protection while cleaning fish.
Question: Is this pine
Answer: Take your time and they will go in easy Don't take them out very time you use them just rise them off good Nothing easy is good

Best Value Premium Smooth Wisconsin Basswood for Carving or Whittling. Suitable for Beginner to Expert.

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

BIGGER IS BETTER. Our 10 Piece Kit Contains more usable wood than our competitors. Avoid the frustration of kits selling small wood pieces unsuitable for carving and finishing.



More usable wood plus the safety of a better hold either by hand or vice.



Basswood is known for being easy to work, being very soft and light. Perhaps one of the most suitable wood species for hand carving. Finishes and glues easily for ultimate workability. Our 100% genuine basswood is grown and sustainably harvested in the northern USA. Creamy soft and kiln dried to between 8-10% to avoid cracking or "checking"



Sizes included in the kit include.

8 blocks measuring 1" X 1" square and 6 inches long.

2 blocks measuring 2" x 2" and 6 inches long.



SATISFACTION GUARANTEE We are a small, Family Owned, business located in the NE USA. We are committed to manufacturing your best choice for Basswood Carving Kits. If for any reason you are not happy with your selection we offer a 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!

  • 🌄 BIGGER IS BETTER. Our Kit Contains more wood then competitors kits with smaller pieces. Our kits are 100% Wisconsin Basswood...Not imported!
  • 🌄 BASSWOOD WOOD CARVING SET IS PERFECT FOR THOSE NEW OR EXPERIENCED AT CARVING AND WHITTLING. Basswood is an ideal wood for many woodcarvers. Its soft, fine, even texture make it easy to work with, while its pale, inconspicuous color doesn’t detract from the carved patterns of the finished product (which also makes it easier to paint and color).
  • 🌄 HIGHEST QUALITY BASSWOOD WOOD CARVING BLOCKS. Avoid the frustration of kits selling woods unsuitable for carving and finishing. Our wood carving kit is 100% Made In The USA. Don't be fooled by some selling imported wood blocks. We are proud to offer the highest quality wood carving set, sustainable harvesting, milling and shipped entirely in the USA, by American workers.
  • 🌄 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! We are a small, Family Owned, business located in the NE USA. We are committed to manufacturing your best choice for Basswood Carving Kits. If for any reason you are not happy with your selection we offer a 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!

User questions & answers

Question: How many blocks do you get
Answer: I guess bubba blade
Question: Soft enough for a kid to sand for science project
Answer: Bubba Blade products are guaranteed against defects in workmanship and materials for one year from the original purchase date, and to the original purchaser. This guarantee is voided by misuse, abuse, improper maintenance or alterations of the product, and does not cover any normal wear and tear that might occur as determined by Bubba Blade Knife Company.Examples of items not covered by warranty: Rusted/spotted/stained blade Broken/bent handle Broken knife tip Dull/chipped blade Scratched blade coating In the unlikely event that the knife blade breaks, we will do a hardness test to determine if it is eligible for replacement.We only warranty knives that are purchased from our authorized Bubba Blade dealers (in store or online) or our website (www.bubbablade.com). Web-only resale businesses (example: Amazon, eBay, or other similar websites) are NOT authorized dealers. If you feel that there is a product defect, please notify us immediately using the link below and return the knife to us with the original packaging and your purchase receipt within 30 days. Once we receive the knife our warranty department will examine it to determine if it is defective and eligible for a replacement. YOU MUST INCLUDE YOUR ORIGINAL ORDER NUMBER (PROOF OF PURCHASE) WITH THE WARRANTY CLAIM.
Question: Does anyone know if / where I might be able to buy kuksa mug blanks
Answer: It's 110 volts
Question: Does this wood split while carving? the basswood i purchased at hobby lobby splits easily (possibly due to kiln drying?). if it splits, i quits
Answer: It is made to fillet fish, but it could be used on a Turkey.

BeaverCraft BW10 Basswood Carving Blocks Set - Basswood for Wood Carving Balsa Wood Blocks - Whittling Wood Carving Wood Blocks for Carving

Based on 421 reviews Check latest price
  • SOFTEST BASSWOOD: Are you looking for good carving wood? Don’t waste your time as you have found the best whittling kit for carving. Start your amazing woodcarving journey with the ideal wood because basswood has almost no grain and is very soft, so it’s a great choice not only for beginner but for professional woodcarvers too.
  • 10 PIECES OF WOOD CARVING WOOD: Apply your imagination to the basswood for carving and you’ll be satisfied with the result of your work as minimum skilled carvers or beginners can use this wood efficiently with just one wood carving knife.
  • NATURAL BEST CARVING WOOD: Just choose the healthiest basswood for wood carving because it is very common for other wood to cause some health problems. Moreover, basswood is odorless which makes this wood carving wood the best.
  • EASY TO COLOR: The whittling kit allows you to carve everything that you want and color your finished project easily. Give your woodcarving project a very sleek, shiny, and appealing look. Moreover, with the wood blocks for carving, you’ll get not only basswood for carving but the opportunity to create incredible projects out of basswood.
  • GREAT GIFT: Give your friends or relatives the opportunity to create a new incredible project from basswood for carving. Be sure that they will appreciate your concern.

Product features

Whittle Away with BeaverCraft

If you’re looking for the best carving wood, look at basswood blocks because they are the most suitable and comfortable for carving any projects that you want. This is the clear #1 choice for both beginners and experienced whittlers.

Just use your imagination and turn these basswood carving blocks into INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL WOODCARVING PROJECTS. It’s a great idea to make a wooden gift for your loved one. Be sure, your work will be generously rewarded and appreciated.

With the whittling kit, you’ll get not only basswood for carving but also the opportunity to have fun and relax after hardworking days. Using any wood carving knife, you’ll feel satisfaction during your work as whittling wood blocks are soft and allow you to roll it up or lift it without falling to pieces.

One of the most important benefits of basswood is safety, so you can carve everything out of wood blocks. For example, children's toys, kitchenware, toys for pets, and much more.

Choose high-quality wood for carving that gives you excellent results when used both along or across the wood grain. If you ask any whittler for a wood recommendation, they will almost certainly tell you that Basswood wood carving blocks are the best choice.

The carving wood blocks dimensions:

  • 8 pieces of wood blocks for carving – 1.02" х 1.02" х 5.95"
  • 2 pieces of whittling wood blocks – 1.98" х 1.98" х 5.95"

Don’t miss a great opportunity to relax with basswood blocks for carving!

What are you waiting for?

Give it a shot!

Not only is the amount of wood you get great, and of useful size for whittling, but the delivery is really fast" Joe

  • SOFTEST BASSWOOD: Are you looking for good carving wood? Don’t waste your time as you have found the best whittling kit for carving.

The product came and was soft and consistent. My son carved an owl out of one of the pieces and it looks great" Matthew

  • 10 PIECES OF WOOD CARVING WOOD: Apply your imagination to the basswood for carving and you’ll be satisfied with the result of your work as minimum skilled carvers or beginners can use this wood efficiently with just one wood carving knife.

Great carving blocks" Denise

  • NATURAL BEST CARVING WOOD: Just choose the healthiest basswood for wood carving because it is very common for other wood to cause some health problems.

sat down two nights ago with a two of the knives from BC and a block of the wood and just working from my own imagination" Jay

  • EASY TO COLOR: The whittling kit allows you to carve everything that you want and color your finished project easily. Give your woodcarving project a very sleek, shiny, and appealing look.

Lulu Home Basswood for Carving, Basswood Carving Whittling Blocks Kit for Beginners, 8 Pieces Smooth Basswood Carving Blocks for Kids and Adults

Based on 405 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Basswood is known for being easy to work, being very soft and light. Perhaps one of the most suitable wood species for hand carving.

Lulu Home Basswood Carving Blocks,

100% Premium Natural Basswood Made with No Any Chemical Additives

Cut and Kiln Dried Professionally

Soft, Uniform, Lightweight and Portable

Carve Smoothly, Color Easily



Product Information:

Name: Lulu Home Basswood Carving Blocks

Quantity: 8 pcs in total(2 large + 2 medium + 4 small)

Size: Large-2*2*6 inch; Medium-2*2*4 inch; Small-1*1*4 inch.

Material: Basswood

Function: Carving practice, creative carving, professional carving



Kindly Notes:

1. Store in dry conditions;

2. Do not close to the fire.

3. Owing to the effects of the rainy season, the product may get damp or moldy during delivering. When you received a product in such condition, please contact us for exchange or refund.

  • Premium Basswood: 100% high quality basswood blocks have soft and uniform texture without crack or dark spots. The wood is easy to color and glue, and no knots makes it smooth when carving.
  • 8 Blocks in 3 Sizes: One set has 8 pieces in total: 2 Large - 2*2*6 inch; 2 Medium -2*2*4 inch; 4 Small - 1*1*4 inch.
  • Natural and Harmless: Lulu Home woodcarving blocks are made of pure basswood with no any chemical additives. Each block is cut and kiln dried professionally. The surface is smooth and never scratch. The wood blocks may have some woody smell which is non-toxic and natural.
  • Ideal for Carving: Lulu Home basswood blocks set is ideal carving material which is good for carving practice or professional uses. It can be used in craft class, interesting family activities, carving themed party, etc.
  • Beginners and Enthusiasts Favors: With premium quality, Lulu Home carving wood blocks are always the first choice of woodcarving beginners and enthusiasts.

Basswood - Premium Wood Carving Kit - Best Value Real American Wood Blocks - Two Soft Wood Blank Sizes Included in This Whittling Kit Made in The USA

JoePaul's Crafts

Based on 984 reviews Check latest price

Product description

QUALITY wood for carving is our priority!

Bass wood carving blocks, unlike balsa wood, are known for being the ideal carving wood due to their lightweight and smooth texture

Use these wooden blocks for crafts or whatever you'd like.

Our unfinished bass wood planks are sustainably harvested in Minnesota right here in the United States and kiln dried for best quality. You won't be disappointed in this woodworking kit!

We provide multiple wood carving kits and wood whittling kits for the novice and expert alike containing basswood in various sizes for all projects large and small. Thank you for stopping by and viewing our listings.

SIZES of whittling wood included in this kit are:

4 wood blocks measuring 1" x 1" square and 4" long

1 wood block measuring 2" x 2" square and 4" long

  • Each wood carving set makes an excellent whittling kit for beginners and contains 2 sizes of basswood blocks: Four pieces measuring 1" x 1" x 4" each and one piece measuring 2" x 2" x 4"
  • HIGHEST QUALITY BASSWOOD CARVING BLOCKS GUARANTEE: All of our wood pieces are 100% real Minnesota basswood for carving sourced right here in the United States of America.
  • SOFT BLOCKS FOR ANY WHITTLER: This American basswood is the ideal carving wood set. It has a soft, uniform density & texture that holds fine lines well using wood carving tools making this an ideal wood carving kit.
  • START SOME NEW HOBBIES: Grab a wood carving knife, whittling knife or spoon carving knife and make something special that you can be proud of with our bass wood blanks
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: At JoePaul's Crafts, we are proud of the unmatched quality of our bass wood pieces and we know you will LOVE them. All of our basswood is sustainably sourced right here in the United States. We are a small, FAMILY OWNED, business and this is why we have your back.

User questions & answers

Question: where can i find 1in x5 or 6in pieces
Answer: Order replacement blade from Amazon, http://smile.amazon.com/Mister-Twister-Replacement-Electric-7-Inch/dp/B002L9DHLW/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_text_y
Question: do they sell 4''x4'' basswood blocks? can i order from anazon
Answer: This model is the cheaper of the 02 models that appear on Amazon. The other model, Gent's Best, is more expensive. I own this, the less expensive model. Have used it to cut beef, pork and poultry (cooked and raw) for 02 years with stellar results. My usage is occasional, no more than 1-2x a month. So far I am very satisfied!
Question: Is this a good wood for spoon carving
Answer: I bought three of these knife twenty five year ago . I bought two more last week to replace one. they are one tought knife i use them for cleaning hundreds of fish, carve turkey and ham. never try briskit but i see no reason why they shouldn,t work
Question: what are the dimensions
Answer: Have not had a chance to use it on fish, but works real well on prime rib...LOL

Walnut Hollow Basswood Whittlers Carving Blocks, 10 Piece, Natural

Walnut Hollow

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This walnut hollow whittlers kit give whittlers, whether beginners or advanced, wood pieces that can be carved into a variety of shapes and sizes. Include wood pieces that are great for carving because they are softer woods with no knots. This light weigh, soft creamy white wood is easy to work and glues into larger block very well. It has no figuring, with a fine straight even grain. Carves well and is excellent for detail work. This product weighs 0.50-pounds. Set includes 10 pieces, 2 each of 7/8-inch by 1-inch by 2-inch and 7/8-inch by 1-inch by 4-inch, and 3 each of 7/8-inch by 1-1/2-inch by 2-inch and 7/8-inch by 1-1/2-inch by 4-inch sizes are approximate.

  • This package contains 2 pieces sized 1" x 2" x 3/4", 2 pieces sized 1" x 4" x 3/4", 3  pieces sized 1 1/2" x 2" x 3/4", and 3 pieces sized 1 1/2" x 4" x 3/4"
  • Made in Wisconsin, USA
  • Soft wood with no knots makes carving smooth and easy
  • Lightweight wood can be glued easily to other surfaces
  • Each piece is professionally kiln dried and sanded smooth

User questions & answers

Question: Would this wood work for carving my own fishing lures? Ive used balsa wood before but im looking for something with a lil more heft for castability
Answer: I've never had an issue with splitting. Hobby Lobby is the worst.
Question: What wood is this? I bought it thinking it was basswood but it is for sure a hard wood
Answer: It say 100% Minnesota basswood
Question: Is this a good piece to start for a beginner to whittle? ( 10yr old
Answer: Yes...just go easy to get the feel for how much it takes off. The wood is easy to carve. A dremel works great with a light touch.
Question: What are the approximate dimensions of the pieces? Thanks
Answer: no it is basswood. or by its technical name Tilia americana. its a type of tree that grows in the uper east side of north america. its softer then pine and has tighter grains for better details in carving.

Product features

Walnut Hollow Basswood Whittlers Carving Blocks, 10 Piece

About the product:

WAYCOM 10 Pcs Unfinished Natural Basswood Carving Blocks Set,Premium Spoon Blank,Wood Blocks for Whittling Wood Craft Wood kit Christmas DIY Crafts

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price
  • wood carving blocks - 🌲10 PCS OF COMPLETE STARTER SET 🌲:You will get wood block set with 2 pcs Spoon Blank,2 pcs LARGE wood blocks, 4 pcs MEDIUM wood blcoks,2 pcs SMALL wood blocks. DIY these basswood carving blocks into different beautiful masterpieces.
  • premium basswood blocks - 🌲SMOOTH & EASY TO CARVING 🌲: Basswood is the ideal carving wood. With it's soft, uniform density and texture, basswood is easy to carve and holds fine lines well. The creamy white color makes it easy to paint and shows every fine pattern detail in your carving project.
  • unfinished wood - 🌲AMBITIUOUS CARVING PROJECTS🌲 :Create carved toys, artwork, crafts and gifts with this highly workable block of basswood. The tight homogeneous grain of this wood makes it ideal for a wide variety of hobby, craft and miniature projects. Stain it to represent any wood type or transform your creation with color!
  • basswood spoon blanks - 🌲MORE THAN JUST A GIFT🌲 :It's a new hobby. Create a unique gift for your loved ones - they will love making their own wood carving projects.We supply you with all the necessary wood carving blocks to turn your imagination into your unique wood craft. Let us fill your world with the basswood carving blocks of ours.
  • whittling wood blocks - ⭐4 DIFFERSENT SIZE⭐ 10 Piece Set with 2 pieces 4.5 "x 1.5" x 1.5 ",4 pieces 4.5" x 0.72 "x 0.72", 2 pieces 4.5" x 0.57 "x 0.57" ,and 2 pieces spoon blank of 4.8" x 1.17"x 0.6". Multi size and many pieces for your different needs in carving.

7Pcs Basswood Carving Blocks, Whittling Blocks Basswood for Craft, Basswood Carving Wood for Beginner to Expert

Product description

The basswood is very soft and light, can being easy to work, suitable for every art project and can bring many interesting projects to your life



Basswood specification:

Size: 4*2*2inch and 4*1*1inch

Material: Natural basswood

Package Include: 7pcs basswood for wood carving



Basswood Carving Blocks Set Feature:

☛100% premium natural basswood made, no any chemical additives

✄The soft, delicate and uniform material makes it very easy to carving, whittling and shaping creative wood project, DIY craft and so on

❈Our basswood blocks provide a smooth surface without spots and crack for your whittling projects and great to practice for a beginner

☂This basswood carving wood will never detract from the carved patterns of the finished products

♨Perfect gift for boys and girls (especially those who like craving), or as a fantastic gift for special occasions and holidays, such as birthdays, Christmas, dates, etc



Warm Tips:

Store in dry conditions

Do not close to the fire

☏If our wood blocks for carving has any quality problem, please feel free to contact us to get a full refund or a free replacement

  • ✿✿【MEET YOUR DIFFERENT NEEDS】The package have 7pcs basswood for carving, including 1pc 4*2*2inch and 6pcs 4*1*1inch whittling blocks basswood. There are great choice not only for beginner but also for professional woodcarvers
  • ✿✿【NATURAL & HARMLESS BASSWOOD】Our unfinished carving wood is made of natural basswood, which has a soft, delicate and uniform natural texture. It will easy to be used and never detract from the carved patterns of the finished products
  • ✿✿【PERFECT FOR CARVING/WHITTLING】Basswood is an ideal wood for many woodcarvers. Our basswood blocks provide a smooth surface without spots and crack for your whittling projects and great to practice for a beginner, It’s very easy to carving, whittling and shaping creative wood project, DIY craft and so on
  • ✿✿【ENJOY FUN WITH FAMILY】Actually, having a great fun rest time with your family will help your bond and understand each other. Carving with the children, making a beautiful wood carving is the best project for family leisure
  • ✿✿【100% SATISFACTORY SERVICE】 With humanize return policy. Value for money guaranteed, if you are not Satisfied with our products for Any Reason, you can contact us for a free replacement or 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

Morakniv Wood Carving 106 Knife with Laminated Steel Blade, 3.2-Inch, M-106-1630

Morakniv

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Generations of carpenters and wood carvers have appreciated the precision tools made by Morakniv in Mora, Sweden since 1891. Professionals worldwide trust the quality materials and fine craftsmanship of Mora Knives. Mora knives feature ergonomically-designed handles and employ premium-quality knife steel that is optimally adapted to the task for which the knife is intended. The Mora Wood Carving 106 is a small woodcarving knife with a thin, tapered blade of laminated steel. Oiled birch wood handle. Blade length 3.2-inches.

  • Wood carving knife with a durable laminated steel blade
  • Oiled birch wood handle
  • Limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
  • Blade Thickness: 0.08" (2.0 mm), Blade Length: 3.2" (82 mm), Total Length: 7.4" (188 mm), Weight: 2.0 oz. (58g)
  • Made in Sweden

User questions & answers

Question: Is the blade flexible or fairly stiff? Need something nearly as flexible as an xacto blade. Any suggestions? Thanks
Answer: I have had the knife for over two years and use it frequently. I have never had a need to sharpen it.
Question: Which model is best for a beginner carver? The 2.4 inch or the 3 inch Morakniv
Answer: This is not a forged blade. All their products are stamped, so the blade thickness is probably 3/32". That said, the width of the blade at the handle is slightly over 1 .25". The knife is my go-to slicer. It is wonderfully sharp and maintains its edge with only a few touch ups on a steel. I have 10 other Victorinox kitchen knives. To me, for the money, these knives are better than those at twice the cost! I have used German, Japanese, and other famous maker knives. Save your money and buy these!
Question: Would this be any better for wood carving than the regular stainles steal morakniv
Answer: I cut my own homemade gravlax with this knife all of the time, and it cuts perfectly.
Question: Are all these knives 100% made in Sweden? Are any made in China
Answer: The blade is 1 1/2 in. wide and 1/16 in. thick.

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