Advise on new knife

[ForestDweller]

Hello,
I just started carving and found I really enjoy it. Now that I know I like it, I would like to get a better knife. (Not expensive, but better. I'm using a small swiss army style knife now that only has one small blade, scissors and screw driver) I was looking at the midsize stockman with rosewood handle that Bear and Sons has. Does anyone out there have any thoughts on this knife?

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Welcome to the forum. As for a folder, I like - ROSS OAR SINGLE BLADE LOCK-BACK CARVING KNIFE #514206. As for regular carving tools, these are my favorite, Drake Knives.com. Good luck!

Dave

[uvawyo]

Murphy knives are good and inexpensive
I like my Mike Shipley knife best and use it most
One of flex cuts carving jacks gives you several tools in one but I find the carving jack uncomfortable to hold for very long
hope all that info helps

[Mitchell]

EDIT to add: Note that the original post is asking for opinions on a specific knife......


I have a Bear and like it just fine. Sharpens up well and stays that way. You may need to flatten the bevels to get it to carve better. Which is the same for all general purpose pocket knives.

The only negative is that the blades are a bit loose compared to my Case. They are not too loose, just looser. I could tighten them up a bit, but just havent' done so.

[Alfwok]

I have a few pocket knives i use for carving but I still use my mike shipley knife alot because it can roughout better than the pocket knives can. It just cuts easier and deeper into the wood. The pocket knives are cooler though. I have the single bladed ross oar which has the best handle and a locking blade, but its a ***** to open. Also you don't want to use your nice blade for everyday stuff. I like the multi-bladed knives because you can use a modified small blade for carving and the large blade to cut up an apple or something. I like this website the best, Deadwood Collectible Knives because they have the "knife hunt" you can select a pattern and highcarbon steel and see what they have. They also often have pictures of both sides of the knives so you can see the nail nic positions which is important if you are going to reshape the blades. Like i would want to grind down the stockmans sheepsfoot blade into more of a wharncliffe shape for more of a point but if the nail nic is too far forward i would have to cut into it. So to wrap up everything get that one and a drake knife.

[Bob K.]

Like Herb said, for regular carving knives Murphy knives are good and inexpensive...I love my Mike Shipley knives and Flexcut makes good knives too.

[ajcoholic]

Originally Posted by Alfwok

I have a few pocket knives i use for carving but I still use my mike shipley knife alot because it can roughout better than the pocket knives can. It just cuts easier and deeper into the wood. The pocket knives are cooler though. I have the single bladed ross oar which has the best handle and a locking blade, but its a ***** to open. Also you don't want to use your nice blade for everyday stuff. I like the multi-bladed knives because you can use a modified small blade for carving and the large blade to cut up an apple or something. I like this website the best, Deadwood Collectible Knives because they have the "knife hunt" you can select a pattern and highcarbon steel and see what they have. They also often have pictures of both sides of the knives so you can see the nail nic positions which is important if you are going to reshape the blades. Like i would want to grind down the stockmans sheepsfoot blade into more of a wharncliffe shape for more of a point but if the nail nic is too far forward i would have to cut into it. So to wrap up everything get that one and a drake knife.

I have bought several knives from that guy - deadwood (or his other ebay store name is digital freaks. His service is outstanding!

I really like the stockman style myself, feels pretty good and the blade choice also offers a lot of carving options.

AJC

[bob easton]

Sticking to your original interest, and not suggesting other knives, I think the stockman a good choice. The sheepfoot blade will be the most useful for detailed carving.

As Mitchell mentions, if the blades arrive with a secondary bevel (you can see it as the thin sharpened area along the edge), it's good to go to the stones and remove the secondary. The result will be a flat blade from the cutting edge to the back edge ... on each side. It's a lot of work, but results in a thinner wedge that will cut a lot easier.

Oh... and be careful carving. That knife doesn't have locks and in certain cases a blade can fold unexpectedly, maybe causing an unexpected flesh wound. Just make careful cuts. If the cut feels awkward, stop and rethink it.

Have fun and carve safe.

[Colin-Partridge]

I have over 100 knifes but I have found that the ones made by Brandant on this message board are the best buy and the man is fabulous to deal with. Just my opinon give him a look I dont think you will be sorry theoldstump.blogspot.com
Colin

[ForestDweller]

Thank you for all of the input. I think I will keep with the stockman style. I found it's easier to carry when I'm out for a hike, camping, etc. I will definetly take a look at the sites everyone recommended.

On a side note, here is a picture of the first few carvings I've done by the campfire and riverbank.
The chain was the first then the two 5-minute wizards. Any suggestions on improvements is always welcome.
The Whittling magazine by Woodcarving Ill. is great for beginners by the way.