Needing advice on a carving knife.

[Marci MN]

I'm not sure on how to ask this, but I'd like to have a knife for carving blocks of wood. I've never held a knife for carving so now you know how much of a beginner I am. I can dremel just about anything...but its hard to do 'in the round' carvings with a dremel.

I'm scared of getting an expensive knife and not having a clue on how to sharpen it or keep it in carving condition.

I dont even know where to start on looking for a knife, or gauges for myself. Not a clue. I have how ever been looking closely at the magazines articles, looking at what other carvers are using. Sometimes it makes sense..others I am confused on knife blade shapes and sizes and what could work for me.

I do get a catalog for wood carvers that sell many many different styles. And many many different types of sharpening equipment. I just dont know what to pick to get a good start and good lessons on how to keep them sharpened and in good shape.

I've looked in my local area, and I do think Spicer, MN is having some type of carving show going on in January. I'm sooo hoping to go, just to watch if possible. I've not seen a carver in action before. *grin* Anyone here going to be there?

I do know I want to be carving while sitting in the fishhouse watching a non moving bobber. *grin* (fish house is heated with furnace and has a kitchen and bunks in it so we stay out there days at a time). I need something to do with my hands while out there.

Thanks. Marci.

[Bartster]

marci

i would suggest you call and talk to rick at little shavers. he has a pretty good beginners set with knife and gouges and most importantly a glove for the holding hand. you can see the set at his website it is www.littleshavers.com.
he has helped alot of beginning carvers out.


bart

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Yup! What woodwhittler said!

[wade clark]

Marci,
You'll love Rick's knives!
A suggestion: have you ever seen "fish decoys"? There are antique ones over 100 years old, and newer ones. They used them to attract other fish to the hole in the ice. they were all hand carved, many are beautiful! They'd be a great subject for an ice fisher-person!
Wade

[Marci MN]

Thank you sooo much for that site. Rick.. if your listening.. my hubby said as soon as we catch up on winter bills... I can order that beginners set. I'm sooo excited!! I musta been a good girl this year.. and Santa luvs me.

As for fish decoys.. I've seen some of those. I think Hubby has a few too. Right now I'm working on a walking stick with lures carved in all the way down the stick. Quite a challenge on how to get those three prong hooks to look right and yet not poke someone...LOL

[AlArchie]

You can't go wrong dealing with Rick, but is you are going to that carving show, there may be a vendor there with some knives to try out. You can see which ones you like the feel of (handle comfort is almost as important as the blade itself) and you can either buy there, or order out, once you make a decision.

Al

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Rick has excellent tools.. that said, I bought some from www.woodysknives.com and I love them! bought the set of three for a very good price and thats all I have been using lately....tell him Dave Dunlap sent you if you contact him. (no I don't get anything..just told him I would pass the word )

[wade clark]

What's fun about buying knives from Rick, is you can pick out the shape of the handle, the shape and size of the blade and the type of wood that you like the most! Then, with a measurement of your hand, he'll make them just for you, no other like them in the world! And at about the same price as a mass produced knife! I sent him wood from an apple tree that my favorite Great Aunt planted in about 1920. Beautiful! I'd carried the wood around for 25+ years, thinking, "What am I going to do with this beautiful wood?" He made knives for my 5 kids (and for me) for Christmas presents...I can hardly wait for Christmas!!!
(we really aren't salespeople for Rick and Little Shavers...we're just very satisfied customers!)
Wade
p.s. I just wish he'd sign them!

[Linda L]

Just received my knife from Rick and it's the best in my small beginner's collection. It's really awsome---he made it just for me !

You can't go wrong with Rick!

Linda

[Marci MN]

Ooooh.. more sites to check out! Thank you.

I do have a question on these knives. The sharpness of a carving knife is simular to an xacto knife? If so.. this is what has me concerned on how to keep it sharp or learning how to keep it sharp. Will I be needing fancy equipment down the line to put an edge on knives?