Woodcarving is one of those special hobbies where you have multiple other hobbies and toolsets to support. One of these is sharpening. Sharp is paramount when it comes to your carving tools. As your tools dull, they will become more and more dangerous; this is due to the simple fact that they will need more effort to cut through the wood grains. Not all of the cuts I received from woodcarving were from dull tools, but the vast majority were. If a dull tool slips while you bear down on it, you add the risk that the blunt tool will glance off the wood and head right into you, your walls, or anything else nearby. Plus, a sharp tool is so much more enjoyable to use.

I do believe there is a valuable distinction between woodcarving as a general term and woodcarving, meaning carving specifically with gouges. Immediately, there can be common aesthetic differences between the two. Pieces made by whittling are frequently left with tool marks showing. This creates a more rustic look. (This is not to say that all whittles are left with tool marks or that those with tool marks are only rustic.) On the other hand, woodcarving is frequently smoothed with rasps, files, and sandpaper. This leads to a more refined look. (I’m going to assume that, at this point, you understand I have reservations about making blanket statements.)

You probably know what woodcarving is. It's simple. Generally, you take one sharp object, put it against some wood, and push. Now you know how to carve anything in the world. (I'm oversimplifying, but you get my point.) But if you're here, and I really don't know how else you would be reading this, then you might be interested in learning about the esoteric differences in how to push (or dare I suggest pull.) that sharp object across that wood.