Whittlin' at events

[Hoss 4th AL]

I have an intrest in wood and whittling. I was wandering what would be appropriate to whittle while at events? I can't think of something that would be useful to a soldier or that I could say I was sending to my child. Any suggestions?

[Confederal]

I would say it would be correct seeing how some men when they were POW's carved all kind of things. You might be whittlin a toy for your child or napkin rings for your lady.
Confederal

[97th private]

a pipe, a rosary, ring, toothpicks, a comb, a chess set, that ought to keep you wittling for the remainder of the war.:)

[Longbranch 1]

I have an intrest in wood and whittling. I was wandering what would be appropriate to whittle while at events? I can't think of something that would be useful to a soldier or that I could say I was sending to my child. Any suggestions?

If you are up for it,
A loose linked chain ,
made from a single stretch of wood.

Sorry...,
I've got to take my meds now. They are coming to take me away again.

Regards,
Kevi

[Rob Weaver]

Lord's Encyclopedia has dozens of pictures of things that were whittled, in a number of different media. Pipes, rings, trinkets like linked chains and napkin rings are in abundance. A set of chessmen would be a cool project! They also whittled bone and lead bullets. The mid-19th century seems to have been souvenier crazy as part of the general sentimental nature of the age.

[tompritchett]

a pipe

Remember though, if you are whittling a pipe that you are actually planning to smoke, look for the knarlest root wood that you can find as this type of wood typically gives the best smoke as it is the most resistant to actually burning itself when you are smoking the tobacco.

[Ephraim_Zook]

Looking for something really simple but useful? A tompion.

Ron

[Pvt Schnapps]

Canteen stopper. If you don't need it, someone else will.

[7thNJcoA]

I actually did the canteen stop once. My cork fell out and I just grabbed a stick and trimmed the end to a spike and stuck it in there so many spectators notice it and ask do you drink the water the stick is in? I just smile and offer them some... (its just a stick)

[Rob Weaver]

I actually did the canteen stop once. My cork fell out and I just grabbed a stick and trimmed the end to a spike and stuck it in there so many spectators notice it and ask do you drink the water the stick is in? I just smile and offer them some... (its just a stick)
It's times like those you realize how much things have changed isn't it?

[7thNJcoA]

yes indeed Rob... When I first stated the hobby I thought it was a joke when people asked if we actually slept in out tents and wore the wool uniforms during the battles. It made me really think about the comforts that people in America have that they take for granted.