On the list of all-time greatest front porch activities (pre- the invention of boomboxes and D batteries of course), whittling falls somewhere between pinging a spittoon and strumming a banjo.
However, since the “How to Whittle” pamphlets the Boy Scouts used to hand out have gone the way of merit badges, it’s a skill the majority of people do not possess. As for what it is, exactly, consider these words from a man with 60+ years of experience, master whittler Don Mertz: “Whittling is carving only with a knife. Carving is using many carving tools including a knife. Thus ‘Carving is not whittling’ but ‘ Whittling can be carving.’”
Sharing that love for America’s original pastime, the founder of camp gear suppliers NEMO Cam Brensinger put together a whittling kit for intrepid campers to add to their arsenal and as a way to commemorate his company’s 15th year of operation.
Including a straight blade knife, hook knife, folding saw, bamboo-mounted leather strop and a pencil and sandpaper wrapped up in a canvas roll, the limited-edition Spoon Shaper kit comes with all the tools you need to carve a custom piece. Instructions are included.
Limited to a run of 200, the Spoon Shaper costs $130 and ships free with the code FREESHIP.
See if you can embrace your inner Donald Mertz. Or just enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures (front porch not included).
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