[TreeWizard]

I have been working on my first carving since my carving classes ended, and was not happy with the work I was able to do. My instructor mentioned a local carver who made and sold knifes. I called him and picked up one of his detail knifes, WOW what a difference it made in the final product. I was just able to add the finishing details that made the carving pop. Now I won;t be ashamed to show it to anyone.

My advice to new carvers is "If you get frustrated with your lack of detail invest in a good detail knife."

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I had the same problem till I picked up a 1 1/4 " Denny with a home made handle from a local guy, he teaches and sells Denny as well as home made knives. Best investment I ever made, the knife goes thru wood real nice and makes carving more fun.

Dave

PS - Could not help myself bought a couple other knives while I was there.
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[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have said that for years!! Buy more tools! lol.....waiting for the one that makes me a master carver

[cseymour]

I agree, I am still very much a novice, but I did notice huge steps forward after I got a Ron Wells knife.

I can't say enough good things about the knives and the folks that make them.

.

Chris

[susieq]

A good detail knife is a must..... years ago, the late knife maker, Rich Notto and his wife were good friends of our. My husband decided to buy me a set of his knives for Christmas one year. I loved the set, matching myrtle wood handles, but there was no detail knife in the set. Hubby is not a carver.

So, I asked Rich if I could swap one of the set back for a different blade and he said sure... I went over to their house and looked through his knives. There was one tiny blade that looked like a scalpal and I asked him about it because it was the only one like it. He said that every now and then, he ground a blade down too far but would put it into a handle anyhow. He jokingly called it "my little bastard" blades. I took that one and boy is that thing ever the best detail knife. Over the years, other carving friends asked about it while we were in class or carving group. I always told them to go see Rich and ask for one of his little bastards.

Rich started selling those things like hot cakes and couldn't understand why until it came up in conversation. He always got a kick out of that one...

Hubby, on the other hand, was confused as to why I would break up a set of myrtle wood handled knives for a walnut handled knife.....sigh.

[Callynne]

I agree, the perfect detail knife (Dave Lyons brand for me! ) makes all the difference. You might want to check out Dockyard Micro tools also TreeWizard, they are a must for me too!

Susieq.....love the little bastard story! Too funny!

I agree, non carving hubbies are clueless, aren't they?! Can't complain though.....not when they so generously buy us such great gifts! Deborah
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