That's right Dphriss. It's the same as doing carving in wood, but you just take less material at a cut. All the forms are the same. The one good thing about metal is that you never have to worry about it chipping out
You use files and stones where you'd use sand paper on wood
You scrape too, like you would on wood, but the scrapers are shaped different and made of very hard steel
You make chisels to cut round cuts as you'd use gouges in wood
It's not a big deal, but like wood carving, it takes practice.
Get some 1/8" plate steel and brass, and have at it. After a bit of time, it starts to come together for you. Just dive in
Steve