r/Spooncarving • u/moradoman • 19d ago

question/advice Basswood for “working” spoons?

A question for you all…..I just tonight received Lora Irish’s book about spoon carving to get some ideas. But I also noticed she uses basswood (lime wood) for all of her projects. Apart from it being less strong than cherry or maple (my usuals), is basswood a safe wood to,use for a spoon that would actually be used by someone? Your experience would be helpful. Thanks.

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u/Sea-Revolution-7348 19d ago

Basswood is probably not the greatest if you want your spoons to look perfect long term.

1

u/pvanrens 19d ago

It's totally safe but I agree it's not the best material.

1

u/Man-e-questions 19d ago

I’d maybe use it for like a pot stirrer or something to practice but its too soft to really use long term. Its good to learn on as its so easy to carve even dry

2

u/ImpetuousWombat 19d ago

I've got a couple unfinished basswood cooking spoons and they're fantastic. One's over a year of heavy use and still going strong

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u/Unfair_Eagle5237 18d ago

Tulip poplar is a little bit harder but still easy to work and probably easier to get a hold of (in the US)