: A few of us have no choice but to try to use knotty fence posts. As
: was suggested earlier...get an imperfect board to practice on.
: Use the nice one for the 2nd or 3rd try.

While that's a nice thought, knotty boards have wild grain that can be an exercise in frustration when you're trying to learn to use tools like block planes and spokeshaves. Particularly for folks new to woodworking, I'd suggest they practice on a clear board of a less desirable wood species, like Douglas fir or poplar, than on a cedar board full of knots.