BeaverCraft DIY Carving Kits Subscription

What's in the box: A typical kit contains a pre-shaped basswood blank, one or more carving knives, sandpaper, linseed oil and a step by step video guide.

BeaverCraft is a well known maker of carving knives and tools, and its DIY kits are a good way to start whittling. Each kit holds what you need for one project, such as a comfort bird, a spoon, ghost figures or a David bust. You get pre-shaped basswood, carving knives, sandpaper and linseed oil, plus a step by step video you can pause and rewatch. Basswood is soft and forgiving, so beginners should get a clean result on the first try. The tools are a real plus. They are the same knives the company's instructors use, they come ready to use out of the box, and they carry a 10-year warranty, so they will still be useful after the first project. The main drawback for anyone who wants a subscription box is that the site does not describe a recurring plan. Kits seem to be bought one at a time or in bundles, not delivered on a schedule, and the site does not explain how deliveries, skipping or cancelling would work. Kits run from about $50 to $70, bundles cost more, and orders over $89 ship free. These are well made, nicely packaged starter projects, but don't expect a surprise in the mail every month.