Carving

Carving a spoon is the best first project in the woods: one knife, one green branch, and a pile of curls at your feet.

The safe cuts

push cut    thumb on the spine, away from you
pull cut    thumb braced, toward the chest — controlled
stop cut    score the line, then carve to meet it

The order

Rough out the bowl and handle with the knife, then refine. Green wood carves like butter; dry wood fights back. Keep the edge wet with a little saliva or water.

The rule

Never cut toward a body part you can't afford to lose. If the knife slips, it should find air.