Choosing your first wood carving kit can feel like navigating a complex tool shop. For beginners, an all-in-one set is the fastest way to start carving, and the BeaverCraft S15 Starter Chip Carving and Whittling Knife Set is one of the most popular entry points.
Why choose a kit like the S15? It removes all the guesswork. You get the essential tools needed for several styles of carving, plus the necessary accessories to keep those tools sharp—all in one box.
Let's break down exactly what you get inside the BeaverCraft S15 set and how to use each piece to kickstart your new hobby.
The Carving Trio: Three Knives, Three Functions
The core of the S15 set is a high-quality trio of knives. Each one is designed for a specific job, giving you versatility from the moment you unpack them. All knives feature comfortable, ergonomic Ashwood handles and come razor-sharp right out of the package.
1. The Roughing Knife
Purpose: This is your primary workhorse. The roughing knife has the longest blade in the set (50mm / 1.97 inches) and a slightly rounded point. It's built for power and efficiency.
How to Use It: Use this knife to rough out the initial shape of your project, such as rounding the corners of a block of wood or quickly removing large amounts of material to define the major features of a figure. It gives you maximum control over each robust cut.
2. The Chip Carving Knife
Purpose: This knife is highly specialised for precision patterns. It has the shortest blade (25mm / 1 inch) and a sharp, sturdy point.
How to Use It: Use the chip knife to implement intricate chip carving designs, geometric patterns, or fine details. The short, stiff blade makes it easy to plunge the tip into the wood to define the precise edges of the small chips you want to remove.
3. The Detail Knife
Purpose: As the name suggests, this knife is for the finest work. Its slim, pointed blade (35mm / 1.38 inches) is designed for accuracy.
How to Use It: Use this knife when you need extreme precision, like cutting out small features such as eyes, mouth lines, or delicate hair strands. It’s also perfect for cleaning up tight corners and refining areas where the larger knives can't safely manoeuvre.
Essential Accessories: Sharpening and Storage
A good carving set isn't just about the knives; it's about the accessories that ensure a long, enjoyable carving experience. The S15 includes everything needed to maintain and transport your tools.
Leather Strop and Polishing Compound
Why You Need It: A sharp tool is critical for safety and smooth carving. Stropping is the simple process of straightening the microscopic edge of the blade that gets turned over during use.
How to Use It: Apply a small amount of the included green polishing compound to the rough side of the leather strop. Drag the blade along the strop away from the cutting edge (never into it) to maintain a perfect, mirror-like sharpness. This simple routine will extend the life of your tools and make carving feel like cutting butter.
Canvas Tool Roll
Why You Need It: Safety and protection. Razor-sharp tools must be stored properly.
Benefit: The canvas tool roll keeps your knives secured, protecting the razor edges from damage (which happens easily if they bounce around in a drawer). It also makes the entire kit safely portable, so you can take your hobby anywhere.
Is the BeaverCraft S15 Right for You?
The BeaverCraft S15 is the ideal foundation for any beginner because it provides instant versatility. You can start with basic whittling using the roughing and detail knives, and you have the specialised chip carving knife to explore geometric patterns.
You don't need to worry about buying knives and sharpening accessories separately—the S15 gives you a complete, ready-to-use workshop in a compact kit. Start with the basics, stay sharp, and watch your carving skills grow!