Choosing the right wood is essential for creating stunning wood carvings with a hand-polished oil finish. The ideal wood should be easy to carve, stable, and capable of absorbing oil to enhance its natural beauty. Here are the top choices for wood carving sculptures with a luxurious oil finish:

1. Basswood – A favorite among carvers for its soft, fine grain, basswood is easy to work with and takes oil finishes beautifully, producing a smooth, polished look.

2. Walnut – Known for its rich, dark tones and moderate hardness, walnut carves well and develops a deep, lustrous sheen when hand-polished with oil.

3. Mahogany – This hardwood offers a balance of workability and durability, with a reddish-brown hue that deepens elegantly under an oil finish.

4. Cherry – Cherry wood’s fine grain and warm color make it ideal for detailed carvings, while oil enhances its natural reddish tones over time.

5. Butternut – Softer than walnut but with similar appeal, butternut is lightweight and carves smoothly, absorbing oil to create a warm, satin finish.

For the best results, pair these woods with high-quality linseed or tung oil to protect and highlight the intricate details of your sculpture. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, selecting the right wood will elevate your carving artistry.