How to get smooth carving lines?

[VanBandama]

Hi. I'm new to this forum and leather crafting, I watched dozens of videos from tandy on YT. I did every step carefully .But in the end my panda looks kinda stiff or I should  say like hewn stone   How to get smooth carving lines?

Thanks for any advice 

Edited April 24, 2020 by VanBandama

[Treed]

 practice, practice, practice and more practice..... check out youtube channel Joe Meling or facebook 23+ for some tips and tricks.....

bobby

[oltoot]

You will find that mallet/maul weight matched to tool  has a lot to do with it. Being able to pick a 'whacker' that is just right and needs only gravity and guidance will help a lot (over the years, I have accumulated~ 20 different weights from 6 oz to 3 lbs and use them all in a large, complex pattern) I find that with practice (years) I can control the force delivered more exactly and switch less often.

[terrymac]

I feel the most important factor in smooth carving is having a sharp swivel knife blade.  You will be surprised at how much easier carving can be.  The other thing I see is you are leaning the knife and undercutting on some of your curves. What Oldtoot said is awfully important also

Terry

 

Edited April 24, 2020 by terrymac
Addition

[VanBandama]

thank you for quick and detalied response. I'll definitely check that youtube channel. 

[rykermcdermott]

To my untrained eye that seems like a pretty good first attempt, I find this motivating. Make sure to post a follow up!