I made these chops while I carved the Tawny Owl.

Almost any pine or hardwood will serve.

The jaws are faced with cork covered with a fairly soft leather, rough side facing the work.

I’ve used a variety of balls as springs, but beware of those that might explode if over-compressed and eject dangerous fragments.

I’ve also found they can serve as an improvised metalworker’s vice, though tougher facings might be better if frequent use is anticipated.