Replaceable Blade Carving Knives

[chewyms]

What do you think of replaceable blade carving knives (Warren, Veritas, Etc.) ??
Will they work for detail knives?? Which one would you recommend??
Thanks in advance....Frank

[FishMan]

I'm a fairly new carver so my opinion should be discounted and treated with suspicion.

When I first started carving, before asking an experienced carver or taking any classes, I bought a set of Warren knives and gouges. I then took a class and found that although the Warren's worked, the experienced carvers in the class and the instructor were using what appeared to be better, sharper and easier to use, tools. I bought myself a couple of Drake and Flexcut knives and gouges. My opinion, once again for what its worth, is that the Drake and Flexcut tools are far superior, keep a better edge, are easier to strop, and more pleasurable to use. I also think my results are better, but that may be due to more experience rather than the tools.

Also, I could never tighten the Warren blade to the handle without using a pair of pliers. I would tighten the blade by hand then while carving the blade would come lose and slip and turn in its handle. I never felt safe when this happened.

One other thing. It seemed that when using my Warrens I never had the right blade in the handle. So there was a lot of blade changing going on.

Just my personal opinion from having used the Warren tool set.

[gtech]

Yes, they work well and some even made knives from these blades.

If you use the handle from warren, you must check to make sure the blade doesn't rotate though.

You can use the search function to read the older threads about them.

Like this one for example

Warren knife blades and handles

Gilles

[mpounders]

I use a Stanley utility knife, as recommended by Lynn Doughty, and I replace the blades when needed. I have the Excell blades and handles also, but I have permanently attached several of those blades to wooden handles I made and just hone them to keep them sharp. I use one of those as my main detail knife and it is used on every carving I have did. I just didn't care too much for the handle that came with them (and changing blades). Many people do the same thing with the Warren blades. I guess I never thought about it much, but my least expensive knives are some of my favorites.

[mpounders]

Saw the other posts and had to respond again! My favorite palm gouges are Flexcut and Drake also!

[gtech]

I had to reply again...too. (not because of the other replies, just because I had more time to think about it again from how I feel right now...)

As Fishman mentioned, I would suggest to buy a better knife right away, only one, but a good one. If I had to start all over as a beginner, that's what I would have done.

But it's also only my opinion based on my experience.

A knive from Mike Shippley would be nice... The handles are not too fancy, good overall handles, the blades are good, etc...

Gilles

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Frank, Warren does make a hex shaped blade holder that comes with a wrench for proper tightening, if you use Warren I would get that one. Myself I love and mostly use Drakes knives and gouges, they come sharp stay sharp and priced right. There are many other quality tools out there, in my opinion you can never have to many knives / tools.

Dave

[Kenny_S]

There are several brand name knives and gouges that are not as expensive as others. Shipley, Denny, Murray knives. Gouges. Denny are some of the better less expensive gouges. Can't say of a drake tool as I don have any but they are probably just as good.

[papasar]

There was an article in the past couple of yrs in WCI. Should give you all the info.
Bill K.

[SlowMover]

I really like the two Butz (brand name) knives that you can get at Woodcraft Stores for $17.99 each. I ike the handles, and I can sharpen them better than any of the other knives I have (probablly because they are flat ground)....i have no connection to Woodcraft other than I like these knives....You might give one of them a try if money is an issue.