A Cut Above

Its fine. Entertaining enough as a background, not paying super close attention show. A lot of the bad reviews are really hating on specific carvers and that feels more "someone i like went home" but points they make aren't invalid. The judges have definite biases and one of them isn't a carver and clearly has significantly less say (so basically there's one judge). I generally don't love the energy big prize money brings and the atmosphere it creates and the show overall ends up coming off very forced. Also it has that extremely american competition show editing/judge and announcer voice that I dont think anyone enjoys. Just not enough heart

Review minimums are really dumb shorter reviews help too.

In completion shows there's always some favorites with judges but I couldn't help but laugh at what I was watching the criticism was a complete joke you downed on ryan for using his same style and using what he does back home same with sam and the repeating but didnt say any of that to chris in the carousel round when he says ive made hundreds of hares and then you all are like oh i love it of sylvia who did the exact opposite of what the judges asked for all the time cause it's her style then she twists this story about the art to me didnt fit with what was going on at all in the round I love the concept of the show but it needs to change some things around didn't care for the one sided judges or them playing favorites and saving sylvia basically every time make parameters and stick to them if its make a mammal the person doing a fish should be gone not saved cause lines were better makes rules stick to them it was kind of frustrating watching the judging one second you will be like oh ok i can see where youre coming from the next you ignore that flaw on someone elses and I feel like if the rules applied to everyone it would make it better and more fair.

Easy to watch tv that shows various carving techniques and skills. They give just enough explanation as to what the carvers are doing and what the pros and cons of the different wood that they work with are. Judging seems fair, which I really appreciate, and the talent here is absolutely wonderful.

I also really liked that there was a camaraderie and respect between all the contestants. Sure, a little drama can be entertaining, but a friendly completion was a nice breath of fresh air.

I enjoyed the variety of challenges and prompts that were given as well. The shiphead challenge was probably my favorite.

Highly suggest and I really hope they give this another season!

If being abstract means you never have to compete with the same criteria as other contestants, then this is the show for you. Constantly overlooking her poor carving skills in comparison to the other contestants on the show made it a mockery. There needs to be a competition like this for carvers who are not main stream so they can be compared to other contestants such as their self. Continually overlooking poor carving details and finishing made this unfair to the other contestants who were constantly criticized for their poor carving finishing skills. The judges should be ashamed of themselves.