Letter Opener

 
 

shape carved in response to grain

Process:

  • Started with a 6'' x 2'' x 12'' mahogany block

  • Bandsaw for material removal, spindle for finger holds, and belt sander for side profile

  • Hand-carved rough final shape; allowed for grain structure discovery and response

  • Sanded with 120, 150, 180, 220, 240, and 320 grit paper (hand-sanded; orbitals are too hard to control)

  • Steel wool used for polishing

  • Stained with Bartley's Pennsylvania Cherry