It’s Pinterest’s fault. Maybe also a little bit the fault of my friend Staci, who pinned a beautiful photo of wooden spoons. Either way, I happened to see the pin sometime in the spring of 2014, just as I was looking to pick up a new hobby. Somehow, I got the bright idea that I would try my hand at carving a coffee scoop.

Because I wasn’t sure how long-lasting this hobby was going to be, I decided I’d start off using a utility knife. This way, I didn’t have to invest in any sharpening equipment. At the time it made sense, but let me just tell you what a terrible, terrible idea this is. That triangular blade is not made for easily shaping any part of a coffee scoop.

Eventually, I upgraded to real carving tools, first palm gouges (I have a scar on my left thumb the exact size and curve my larger palm gouge…), and then a Mora carving knife set. That hook knife, despite its slightly terrifying appearance, is excellent for carving the bowl of a serving spoon. For what it’s worth, I’ve mostly progressed to using full-size gouges and chisels that I keep in a sweet tool roll from a maker named Janet Switzer, in Beaulah, Colorado.

Speaking of scars, I confess I’ve gotten more than my fair share since I started. I’m particularly fond of a small triangular one on my left index finger that looks remarkably like a shark’s fin.

Perhaps, in addition to more wood carving skills, I ought to also put first aid on the list of crafts to master….