About Myself, and my work

The name R2 Wood derives from the initials of my name, Richard Roberts. More precisely, from my early makers mark. The second of its two R’s resembled a 2, conjuring the ‘R2 Wood’ brand into being.

My carvings are all made by hand, no machines. This results in a much slower output than those using machinery to make similar items. Each type of item required training, lots of practice, and many expensive specialised tools, handmade by a few blacksmiths that still make historic carvers tools. This all adds up, making hand carved items more expensive than their factory made counterparts, but much more personal, with a whole wealth of historic preservation added.

I work primarily with ‘Greenwood’. Wood that has not been dried. It’s a joy carve, whether roughing out with an axe, or fine work with knives. My current carvings consist of Spoons, Ladles, Salad Servers, Kuksa’s (cups), and Hewn (axe, adze, gouged) Bowls.

I use the same types of human powered hand tools that have been used since Viking times, making my work extremely environmentally friendly. The tools I primarily use are an Axe, Adze, various gouges, straight carvers knives, bent spoon knives, saws, and various holding devices e.g. a shave horse, and chopping block.

I mainly work alone, but regularly have fun making chips with woody friends at various locations. I also run a local group in Essex of The Association of Polelathe Turners & Green Woodworkers. We meet twice a month, located in a beautiful historic Walled Garden in Bedfords Park near Romford, Greater London. (Click here for our meet schedules)