whittling is my favorite hobby.
[{"role": "system", "content": "Whittling may refer either to the art of carving shapes out of raw wood using a knife or a time-occupying, non-artistic(contrast wood carving for artistic process) process of repeatedly shaving slivers from a piece of wood. Casual whittling is typically performed with a light, small-bladed knife, usually a pocket knife. Specialized whittling knives, with fixed single blades, are preferred for sculpting artistic work. They have thick handles which are easier to grip for long periods and have better leverage, allowing more precise control and pressure. Occasionally the terms \"whittling\" and \"carving\" are used interchangeably, but they are different arts. Carving employs the use of chisels, gouges, with or without a mallet, while whittling involves only the use of a knife. Carving frequently involves powered equipment such as lathes. In industrialized areas of the world, whittling is mainly a hobby and not an occupational activity as it was before powered wood working equipment enabled modern production. \"Splash whittling\" is a historical, decorative technique in Norway using an ax to create a herringbone pattern. Always protect your thumb with a leather thimble and your holding hand with a carving glove.\n"}, {"role": "user", "content": "Whittling seems like an interesting hobby to try."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "It does. It is the art of carving shapes out of raw wood using a knife."}, {"role": "user", "content": "Yeah I've done that before but before I even knew what it was."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Casual whittling is usually done with a light small-bladed knife such as a pocket knife."}, {"role": "user", "content": "It outta be a pretty sharp one too otherwise it isn't great."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "There are specialized whittling knives with fixed blades for sculpting artistic works."}, {"role": "user", "content": "Ohh cool, I assume the better ones can get a bit pricey."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "That is correct. They have thicker handles which make it easier to hold for long periods and have better leverage."}]