50 Things to Do with a Penknife by Matt Collins — 144-Page Hardcover Whittling Project Guide

I bought this to have something to do with my grandson on rainy afternoons, and it has delivered beyond expectations. The projects are arranged so you build skills gradually. We started with the simple carved buttons and worked up to a spoon. The hardcover holds up well to being carried out to the porch. Highly recommended for grandparents and grandkids alike.

Some ideas here I'd never seen in other whittling books, like the functional camp gadgets. Photos are lovely and the writing is charming. A few projects assume tools beyond a penknife, hence four stars.

Made three projects the first weekend. Clear instructions, beautiful photos.

This book was clearly written by someone who actually carves. The project selection is thoughtful — mostly useful items rather than junk trinkets. I keep it in my pack with my No. 08 and it has turned every coffee break into a carving session. Well worth the sale price.

It's a lovely object and the photography is gorgeous. But some projects get one page with a single photo, which left me guessing on trickier cuts. Fine for inspiration, less so as a standalone instructor.

Bought this for my son's birthday alongside his first whittling knife. He's already made the tent pegs and a walking stick notch set. The writing speaks to kids without dumbing anything down. Safety guidance is sensible too, which reassured me as a parent.

Bought as a gift and the recipient loved it. Hardcover feels substantial for the price. A couple of the 50 things are a bit of a stretch (a penknife can't really do the mushroom drying rack justice), but most are genuinely doable.

Took this on our family camping trip and it kept everyone busy around the fire for hours. Even my wife, who never crafts, carved a whisk. Simple clear steps.

Honestly expected more instructional depth. It reads like a lifestyle magazine stretched to 144 pages. If you already whittle, you'll find little new here.

Never whittled a day in my life and figured ten bucks was cheap to find out. Six weeks later my desk is covered in carved spoons and my family is politely pretending to be impressed. The progression from easy to advanced projects is exactly right. Matt Collins writes with warmth and humor. This book opened a door for me.