Making Tiny Carvings.

[thundergun]

Hi, I'm VERY new to the forum.

I am also kind of new to carving.

In truth, I actually whittle mostly with a pocket knife (although I have used more traditional "straight" carving knives in the past).

My preference is the use of pocket knifes, but I have found for really tiny carvings, that the knife blade, even if it is on the tiniest of pocket knives, is just too big.

Could anyone recommend a solution or a different kind of carving knife that is meant for the tiny stuff?

Or maybe I'll just have to make bigger carvings if I want to continue to use mostly pocket knives.


Thanks for all advice! Thumbs Up

[achaundy]

Tiny carvings need tiny tools, Dockyard produces tiny tools, a set of five usually cost about $35.00. They are very usefull... I use them even on larger carvings. Skip

[Clifford_Parker]

You can reshape a small penknife blade into a decent detail blade with a little work with files and stones or with VERY careful grinding on a sander or grinder.

[chuckbolton]

many or all of the companies make what is called a "detail" knife-- denny and flexcut both do-- that is not to say that they are the best of the only ones. or u might consider getting some surgical knives-- they might even be smaller--but i dont think u will be sharpening them. they are throwaway blades--

[thundergun]

Thanks all!

OK, now the next question.

If you were to buy a "detail" knife, what would you buy?

I know that is a subjective question, but I'd like your opinions.


Thanks!

[chuckbolton]

go to some online catalogue or to a local carving shop and look at what is availble-- to me detail knives are small bladed and the big thing is the handle and how it fits your hand

[BobT]

thundergun, if you ever have the chance to watch the Jack Price video you will see that you do not need the small knives to carve small figures (unless you are talking something under 2 inches). I put all my gouges away, including the dockyards. I have watched the video a hundred times, and am determined to develop the knife skills to match Jack Price. I do not think that is an unreachable skill for anyone.
If you do watch that video you will see that he is using knives that are WAY bigger than any pocketknife.

[Robert Cahill]

That is a great video and I find myself using a utility knife on the jack price patterns although sometimes I use a dockyard for the hair.

[Mitchell]

Dockyard makes a set of "micro gouges" that work well for carving small items.

I also recommend a small detail knife - any brand will work, however if you want to order a knife, call Ralph Long in Kernersville NC and ask him for a small detail knife - tell him I sent you and he will set you up. PM me for his number if you can't find it elsewhere.

Mitch

[Mitchell]

Here's a picture of the knife that I like to use.