Carving American Walnut

[Long John]

I am having trouble with the carving of an American walnut stock primarily because my pencil lines just don't show up that well.  What do you guys used for drawing your carving on Ameican walnut?  Does anyone have a favorite white pencil that they use?  I tried a yellow colored pencil but it didn't write on the wood.

Thanks for your suggestions!

John Cholin

[smart dog]

Hi John,
Although, I seem to have no trouble with seeing a No. 2 pencil line on dark walnut, I have a collection of Rexel Derwent Studio color pencils, which write very clearly on wood.  The Chineses white and other light colors work very well.  The only draw back is they dull quickly and have to be sharpened frequently.  Derwent pencils are usually available at art stores.

dave

[Little Brother]

I've been using white charcoal pencils I bought at the art supply store.  They work great.

Ben