Functionality of Carving Jack

[Pudding Boy]

Just watched Dave Brock's instructional video. He did a great job. I noticed he used the multi-blade commercial jackknife by Flexcut (I think). I had seen this knife and considered it but dismised it as a novelty and not that useful. Dave just showed me otherwise.

Anyone else use this Swiss Army Knife for woodcarvers? What was your impression? Worth the price? In Dave's hands it looks practical. I am pretty much a rookie is it a practical tool for a newbie?

[Donsexton]

Hello I was forced to carve with a single tool when I was away from my shop. I chose the Carvin Jack because its more than just a knife you can carve anything hand held size.

[mikeg]

I recently bought one when Rockler was having their $75 sale. I love the idea but haven't gotten used to the reality of it yet.

I find it very different then using a single use tool or a pocket knife, a big part of it is that you can't really customize the handle to suit your own tastes.

Just my 2 cents.

mikeg

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I got one for Xmas 2 or 3 years ago, I hardly use it. I don't hate it but I don't love it either. Rick at Little Shaver Modified an old Buck knife for me, when Iam not in the shop I use the Buck knife.

Dave

[Just Carving]

Dave

When I hear Buck Knife I immediately think of my locking 5 inch hunter--which I never use for anything anymore. I assume you had a smaller knife modified?

Bob L

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Originally Posted by Just Carving

Dave

When I hear Buck Knife I immediately think of my locking 5 inch hunter--which I never use for anything anymore. I assume you had a smaller knife modified?

Bob L

Hi Bob,

The blade was originaly about 3 " until I broke the tip off of it, Rick reshaped the blade, I think it would be called a drop point style. It is now about 2 1/2 ". The knife is at least 25 years old and made with good steel, holds an edge real well.

Dave

[Just Carving]

Thanks Dave.

I couldn't see myself carving a 2" tall WhittleBear with a 5" knife--somehow I just don't think it would work!

Bob l

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I agree Bob ! I took a class from Tony Erickson, carving bark houses, he claims the only tool that he uses is a Boker upsweep pocket knife, it was a good 5" long. Of course the bark is larger then a 2" bear, but I could not see using that large of a knife to do detail work. I guess it worked for him ?

Dave