Second knife

[Howie]

Hi folks,

I just picked up my first knife and my first woodblock (from a friend) today. I tried carving a bit when I was around 17 and gave up pretty quickly after I nearly severed my finger. But over a decade later, a little wiser, and a little more willing to not carve against the grain with a giant buck knife, I'm giving it a second shot.

So tonight I was sitting and whittling a bit, just to get the feel of the knife and wood again (a blister the size of a dime on my thumb has popped up already!). As I played around a bit I saw a face beginning to form and started working on defining some features.

I picked up a 'Roughing' wood carving knife at Lee valley. While this is great for big chunks and nearly gouging, I think I need something a little 'softer' for doing some of the edges and features. What would be the logical second knife to pick up?

[Ezzylearner]

Hi, Howie, my two cents worth is to get a detail knife with a blade around 1 1/2" or shorter. Great for carving details, and I found that the ones with a narrow blade is great for tight spots. My knives are 2 Mike Shipley, 1 Deepwoods Venture (great for roll carving and fine shaving), 1 Helvie with finger grip handle (great for tight spots)- all of them detail knives. But being a newbie my experience is limited to the knives I am using. The advance and master carvers on the forum will be able to give you better advice.



Lawrence (or call me Ezzy, if you like)

[Dicky]

I make my own blades now but for years I used a Pfiel #1 knife for detail work. Good steel, takes and hold an edge and reasonably priced.

[SlowMover]

I love the Butz knives from Woodcraft. They are inexpensive ($17.99 regular price, frequently on sale for (12.99). They haye comfortable (for me) handles, have a flat bevel so sharpening is easy, and best of all, the price gave me the security when I first started to really get in there and learn to sharpen...with expensive knves or tools, I still am hesitent to sharpen/hone them for fear of "messing up" the tool. Others will have personal favorites, but for the money Butz are hard to beat. The only less expensive knives I have ever seen that I would be willing to use are utility knives..which I occasionally use and are hard to beat, especially until you learn to sharpen well. enjoy your carving!

[woodchipandy]

I just bought a mike shipley and am loving it. Fits my hand very well. I bought mine through chipping away. Lots to choose from but I feel I got value and a great knife!

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

There are several that come to mind but my favorites are www.drakeknives.com The two sizes I use most often are 1 1/2" and a small 1"

Dave

[Frank D]

Hi Howie,
Some carvers still prefer the knife they started out with. I started with the Butz knives from Woodcraft and they are still my favorite. A few months ago I put some of that medical tape that sticks to itself on the handle and I really like the grip. A nice sharp detail knife would be a good second knife.
Also, after what happened with the Buck knife, I hope you are going to be using a good quality carving glove!

Frank D

[Howie]

Thanks for all the replies!

I'm going to hit up Lee Valley and get a detail knife – similar to ones described. Unfortunately there aren't many wood carving or hobby shops around that carry these, so my selection is limited.

And I haven't started using a glove – I'm just being a bit more award of the knife, the wood and my hand!

[rcurtism]

I bought a three pack from flexcut which seem to do well for most things. I do also have a Butz detail knife that I think I would like if I could get the point to sharpen. There is just to much flex in it at the tip for me to get a good edge on it. Now the Butz carving knife looks like one I might like but I have not picked it up yet. A nice mix between a sharp point with enough blade width that it can be sharpened fairly easily.

[CV3]

As you can see everyone finds a knife and a maker that seems best for them. There is a big selection out there. If you have any carving clubs in your area try to get to some meetings and hold some of the knives the carvers have and see what seems to fit your hand best. All the knives suggest to you are good knives and will last for many years.