is there an essential knife?

[kev.b]

Hi i've carved love spoons with chisels before but have never carved with a knife. there seems to be quite a few to choose from Detail,angled,skew,straight edge etc. Is there an essential type of knife that you couldnt live without. or one that would cover most of the bases?
I'd like to try my hand at carving woodspirits and characatures.

[cseymour]

The most essential knife is a sharp one
It really is a matter of personal preference, in my opinion.

I know that doesn't help but hopefully the folks who are much more knowledgeable than I will be able to offer you better guidance.

Happy Holidays.

Chris

[bigEd_H]

Now there's a loaded question. A good all around knife would be the ubiquitous bench knife. I'd say anything with a 1 1/2-1 3/4" long blade. As for handle type, whatever is more comfortable to you.

That said, all my knives are essential and I know for a certainty that I will need more essential knives.

[Kenny_S]

I agree with Big Ed! Every knife I have is essential or I wouldn't have them,LOL

[Mitchell]

Big Ed makes a good suggestion - a longer blade is more versatile.

I'd also suggest one with a good point for detailing.

[kev.b]

thanks for the help. in your experience do you guys find it easier to carve woodspirits on canes/sticks easier with a knife or chisel?
i cant wait to get a carving knife and start , only trouble is im flat out in the run up to xmas...and the book i ordered yesterday (relief carving woodspirits) is going to take 3 weeks to get here
will have to make do with seeing all the great carvings here for the time being.
i've seen a few references to a wood called butter nut which im not familiar with. is it a soft wood or hard?
what soft woods do you use / prefer

[Grimnir]

You can carve woodspirits with either a knife or chisels, it's down to the technique. I've done both and I do find the knife to be a little easier. Still like the chisels though! As for knives, I'd say a sheepsfoot blade between 1 and 2 inches is good.

[kev.b]

hey Raven a UK carver ! i think your the first ive come across so far. have my own set of chisels for carving, love spoons mostly,just want to try some knife work and there seems to be some really good knife carvers here.
can you recommend a good UK stockist? ive used tilgear in past...unless you know better.
im self taught but would love to attend classes or a course..not much going around here though whats it like in your neck of the woods?

[chuckbolton]

kev, butternut has a grain much like am. walnut but is lighter in color and carves easier. i think it carves much like basswood. but has a definite grain that is very pretty when stained in a natural clear finish. you speak of chisels-- i think most of us in the states think of a chisel as a flat straight cutting tool-- but i think you are including several different tools in this name. try going to the pfeil or stubai website and look at the profiles of gouges and parting tools (v-tool in the states). that will give you some ideas of the types of tools available. i cannot imagine carving wood spirts with just a knife. id use atleast a gouge (#9 or #11) all of varying widths. check the found wood section and im sure you can get some more guidance. im carving some santa faces into pencils for small gifts this xmas-- you know when you meet or see someone and feel so moved to do something.

otherwise welcome to the board and have a great time.

[kev.b]

hey chuck by chisels i do ofcourse mean them collectivley, gouges, skews, parting tools etc.
some of the caricatures and other projects ive seen carved here do seem to be easier to complete with knives though.
obviously a good grounding with both set of tools would be ideal so thats why i'd like to get a few knives to start me off. seems its harder to narrow down a favourite than i thought