It’s fun to practice your skills by making a simple project. The Whimmy Diddle is a folk toy you can create to practice your carving skills.
The toy may have originated in the Appalachian Mountains hundreds of years ago. It’s often referred to as the “Gee-Haw Whimmy Diddle.” The operator would yell “Gee” and make the propeller spin to the right. Then he would yell “Haw” and make it spin to the left. The magic words disguise the subtle change in finger pressure on the shaft that makes the propeller change directions.
Rather than provide instructions for making a Whimmy Diddle, let’s hear from famous Canadian bushcraft instructor Mors Kochanski. Mors wrote the seminal book, Bushcraft. His writings have greatly influenced bushcrafters throughout the world.
Although this is a simple project, watch how easy Mors makes it look. Such assurance is born from years of practice using his knife.
Try whittling one yourself! Whimmy Diddles make great gifts and you can knock one up just about anywhere you can find wood.
Let me know how yours turns out by leaving a comment below…
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