Balsa

[Richard Hutchings]

As I said it was all they had so I figured I'd try so e whittling on it.

[Dave Keele]

+1 on John's comments.

My first carvings as a youth was making model airplanes and fishing lures. Both were very rough, as I knew very little about getting tools carving sharp.

If you can not find basswood, you might get some clear white pine, poplar, or aspen to play around on. When you decide to get serious about carving, you'll probably end up with basswood.

BTW.... re: basswood at Hobby Lobby... If they didn't have any when you were there, they can get it:

https://www.hobbylobby.com/search/?text=basswood

I do not buy my basswood from them, as all basswood is not created equal and I have never seen what I'd call "quality" wood at HL. Give Heinecke a try. Good stuff!