Frustrated with my knife

[revnate]

Ok, my first Flexcut tip broke. I took it back to woodcraft, and with a lot of blab finally they replaced it.

Now it is loose. It is like it is going to fall out! I can't seem to keep it sharp either.

I need a product name of another brand to buy. I need a big knife for taking off a lot of wood and then a detail? Is That right?

What brand would be best? What brand stays the sharpest?

Thanks for your help!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Sounds like you are prying or/and twisting the blade in the wood, will do it everytime....I have several flexcuts and never had any problem with them...if you want a thicker blade and heavier ...you might try a Cape Forge....or maybe make one for yourself from a straight razor? I could name several knives but if you are prying or twisting, most with give you problems. maybe you would be better with chisels? Oh...a good strong blade too is the Oar Carver pocket carver....great knife and very strong blade. I wouldn't think you need a LARGE knife...newbies usually start out with about 1 1/2" in blade and a smaller detail maybe 3/4".....imho...there will be other responses...pick one you like lol

[Nancy-ID]

Nate, Flexcut are very good knives. Maybe you are being too hard on them? Or maybe you just got a couple of defective ones? What kind of wood are you carving? The very hard woods will destroy a knife. There are more people on here that know more than me about diffeent brands but I think Denny knives are good, and tough. Hope you get what you need.

[DADDIO]

i have several denny knives and gouges and really like them alot i do not have any flexcut knives but have several palm and mallet tools and like all of them alot. to me it sounds like you maybe twisting the and prying with it also and you will lose a tip quick like that,i've lost a tip on one denny knife a couple of years ago and i should have known it was going to happen but just didn't stop. i just reground the tip and still is my favorite knife

[EdO]

Your not the first to have those problems with Flexcut knives. Seems to pop up every year or so. A bad batch now and again? Beats me. Now, what do I recommend for a knife. You just might be happy with a Murphy. They're tough and don't cost a lot. Rick at LIttleShavers stocks them for something like 12 or 13 dollars. While your there, you might consider his beginners kit. It's a heck of a deal and the knife comes with it. Some knives will cost you as much as the whole kit. As for one that stays sharp the longest, its also the knife that will chip out the quickest (as a general rule). Tough and hard are trade offs when it comes to knives (once again, generally speaking).

[revnate]

I don't feel I am twisting or prying. I do also have chisels. Maybe I will look into those knives. Thanks.
Any other suggestions out there?

[Canopener]

If you are looking for a big knife to waste a lot of wood in a hurry; consider the Swedish Frost knife. I really like them and have one for rough work and one for fine work. Rick carries them and they are decently priced.
I have a couple flexcut knives and they have worked well for me, and I am suprised you snapped a blade, but these things happen.
I have one Cape Forge knife with the J blade. I sliced myself twice but never felt it and snapped the tip in the first fifteen minutes of using it. I just tuned it up and kept on carving. This is a knife I truly love and respect. My personal favorite.
I also have a Denny and too many others, and there are so many more good knives out there. I think you should bear in mind that knives are tools and some times need fixing, sharpening or changing to fit your needs. They do not need to go back to the manufacturer for every little thing. Make it your custom tool. For me, this is the most fun part of carving.
Good Luck and save up for a bigger tool box. Hah
Jim

[Bartster]

nate,

if you want a good knife that will stay sharp and is strong, i would go with either a denny knife or a ron wells knife both of these knives are excellent knives and hold their edge great the ron wells is a little thinner and slides right thru some good basswood. they are not bad priced either. twenty dollars or so.


bart

[xsailer]

I have now numerous knives and knowing what I do now, I would start with a Denny or Ron Wells unless you want to spend a little more then Helvie. I also started with a Flexcut and they are good knives.

[Mitchell]

You've already gotten many good suggestions. I'd do a search "knife recommendations" or such and get even more.

The BEST tip that I can think of is to go to a show that has vendors. You can get your hands on a lot of different brands and blade shapes. No matter what someone else may suggest, the fit and use of a good knife is very much a personal preference - what is good for someone else may not be good for you....and vice-versa.