Carving tool do’s and don’ts: Don’t 1

Published at dimensions 150 × 102 in Carving tool do’s and don’ts: Don’t 1.
Carving tool do's and don'ts: Don't 1

It is tempting to use the heel of your hand to hammer the handle of the tool, rather than to pick up a mallet. This will lead to what was called “carvers claw,” where the fingers are drawn permanently towards the palm of the hand. Believe it or not, furniture and architectural carvers—up until quite recently—were actually proud of this affliction because it showed their dedication to their trade. Nowadays, we just think that’s a bit weird.