Almost one year ago I posted on this blog a notice telling you that I got a woodcarving student, Mr. Luiz Flavio Rocha Gomes, who works for the Brazilian state oil company. In addition to his professional activity he is probably one of the busiest men – as well as one of the well endowed artisans – I have ever seen. At that time I posted photos of his work in progress which was expected by me to be completed soon. However, Luiz Flavio got so busy that he almost disappeared from the classes. He only showed up very few times during the current year. Surprisingly he has just brought me the complete carving work, which surpassed all my best expectations. I remind you that his model was just a plain drawing of a decorative French motif (18th Century). That yellow hard wood is named Vinhatico (Plathymenia foliolosa).
At this same time, he offered me eight Stassen bent gouges that he bought in Argentina, which I consider to be one of the best forged and carefully sharpened gouges, despite their ugly and not ergonomic wood handles. So, I will have to make some other rosewood handles that can properly match those fine blades. I will show you this upgrading process soon.
Regards,
Dilo
Belo Horizonte, Brazil