Either way, going to be keeping at it. It was a good first attempt, alittle discouraging but the fact I got a curled shaving is good. I need to remember it is less aobut hand strength and more aobut tichnique. The more I practice, the better i'll get,the less timid I'll be and the better I'll get familiar with blade on wood and wood in hand. It sounds nupid but thewood wants to be carved if you do it right, like not pulling hair. I know corny but... itmakes sense. Itworks with you if done right.