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Some Tips from some experience...
Window washing liquid in a spray bottle lubricates and won’t rust. (Like windex)
Spray on your cleaner and wipe with a rag when stones get dirty or use an old toothbrush to loosen dirt then wipe with towel or rag.
Once you get the hang of it it will take you no more than 3-5 minutes to resharpen.
Make sure you pay particular attention to the bottom groove of a V tool. You need a radius on the outside of the V.

I am much more advanced with carving but this lesson really brings back some basics I over look or take for granted. What I really like is the small mistakes that happen as you go along. I thought I was the only one it happened to & it some how reflected on my ability to be good at carving. Thank you for being human. To

Mary, is there a rule of thumb you use to decide when to go bevel up or bevel down?

Hello Mary
I’m new to wood carving but the bug has well and truly bitten me! I love these leaves but will continue the last 2 when my number 5/8 has arrived (Christmas monies well spent on additional tools). The leaf I’ve attempted is worked with mainly a number 3 but to get more movement those more scoopy gouges are really necessary I’ve found! Just to say I’m so happy to have found you and your site - I’ve learnt so much in the short month I’ve been carving and that’s down to you and your sharing of knowledge and your gentle calm delivery.

I have had surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my wrists. I don't think that doing carving occasionally will hurt it, but are there other hand positions I can use so that I don't need to "break" the angle of the wrist so much to keep in touch with the wood?

These videos are fantastic! I have a place here in Texas where I could take a beginning 3-day course on relief carving, but by the time I buy all the gouges they want me to have and pay for the course, it would be almost a thousand dollars! You are getting me started with fewer tools and free lessons - thank you so very much!