All five plies or layers of 1/4" Shina Plywood are Shina, a wood that is very easy to carve in any direction, including across the grain.

A very thin application of glue is used between the five plies, so compared to most plywoods, these blocks will feel more like solid wood as you carve them. Because the glue is thin, your tools will stay sharp longer too.

Because it is only 1/4" thick, we do not recommend carving on both sides of these blocks. 3/8" Shina Plywood (previously called "All Shina") is thick enough to safely carve on both sides.