subject: Why Wood Carving Is Becoming Popular Amongst Unusual Gifts For Men [print this page] There is a generally accepted rule that men like gadgets, and the more complex, sophisticated and digitalised they are, the better. However, this is not always true. Increasingly, some of the old skills and disciplines, like woodwork, metal work and basic carving, are making a comeback. So much so that kits promoting their use are now widely available, and are some of the most popular unusual gifts for men on the market. In a way, this is not at all surprising. After all, it is an accepted norm that men like to work with their hands to make things, and not simply press buttons, flick switches and turn knobs. So, the natural lure of wood carving, or whittling, for example, is provided in the form of a whittling kit. It is true to say that many of the old ways have regained an appreciation from the public, what with the frustrations of the electronic age wearing the patience of so many of us. Letters written beautifully on high quality writing paper, folded and then sealed with the impression of an elegantly designed wax stamp in hot wax, are no longer a rarity. But it is perhaps the growth of whittling, and the particular kits that have been assembled to revive the skill, that catches the attention of most men, stirring up an interest that many never knew they had. But there are some facts that one should educate themselves on before going ahead and buying such a gift for their father, brother or even grandfather. Whittling is word that most people will admit they have never come across before, but it is actually far more commonly used than many realise. It is not strange, for example, for judges in an art competition to say that they have managed to whittle the short list of candidates down to 5 before making a final judgment. In this context, the word means to gradually reduce in size or in number. When we consider this fact, it is not hard to work out what a kit may comprise of. The practice is commonly described as wood carving, but there is actually a difference. Wood carving can be done in a number of ways, with chisels, mallets and gouges all tools that are used to carve a shape. However, whittling is done only with the use of a knife, and nothing else. This is the key difference. Other materials used for whittling include bone or ivory. The attraction of whittling is its simplicity. Practically anyone can start, with the crafting skills required to create animals, shapes and images coming after a period of time practicing. However, results are immediate, if not immediately impressive. All one needs to have is a suitable knife, some soft wood and time on their hands to whittle away. In fact, other than the tools and material, time is the most important aspect of whittling. Think for a moment of the image one might so easily associate with the practice, of a shepherd sitting under a tree whittling a branch into a wooden whistle, or a local on an island paradise, lying in a hammock and producing figurines of whales, dolphins or birds. It is argued that whittling has a great therapeutic value too. When one is whittling, in fact, they are highly focused and the stresses of everyday life can be easily put out of mind. This ability to distance oneself from life pressures is obviously healthy, but so too is the sense of achievement that can come as a result of carving out an image. It is a reflection of our natural desire to create from scratch, to make something of beauty or use from nature. Typically, a whittling kit comprises only a knife, a few pieces of wood and some brief instructions from which even a rookie can gain enough pointers to make a good go of things. These kits are small, so much so they might even be used as a stocking filler at Christmas. However, they are the perfect way to awaken an unknown passion for whittling, and at a nominal cost is one of the most affordable unusual gifts for men too, along with the calligraphy set and the wax stamp, though perhaps even more creative.
by: Leah Williams
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