Tools

James A · #1 01-20-2008, 12:10 AM

I am new to carving and I am wondering about what type of knifes are good to use. I am 15 and have been carving for about 2 months now and so I am looking for ones that are rellatively inexpinsive for a beginner yet will last for years.

I will be looking at the selection they have at Wood Craft Monday.
Maybe some of you with experiance can help.

lorax · #2 01-20-2008, 11:28 AM

Well, the good news is that knives are pretty inexpensive compared to chisels. You will find a variety at woodcraft, and most of them are good enough to start carving with. I personally like the feel and size of the thinner bladed knives, live the pfeil would be. That said, I started with a $11 murphy knife and it lasted for years. The other route is the flexcut knives, there is a variety to choose from and the handles are alot more comfortable in the hand. The main thing is that you should stay with a straight blade, because you will have alot more control, and it is safer.

After you choose a knife, stroll on over to where the thumb guards and safety gloves are.

You will also need something to keep your knife sharp. A strop and compound plus a stone or two. The duller your knives get, the more you need the protective glove.

If you haven't already been there, there is a great online store www.littleshavers.com You can shop and learn.

James A · #3 01-20-2008, 12:29 PM

I have been to little shavers and I have been looking at denny, murphy, and cape forge knives that he carries. Are any of these knifes good for a beginner? (kind of directed to the owner of little shavers, Rick I think is his name)

Gulf Coast Handyman · #4 01-20-2008, 12:40 PM

James,
In my opinion stay away from Woodcraft they are over priced and all knives come DULL, except for Flexcut they are sharp. I bought two there, a Butz and a Pfeil, both dull. The crazy thing is when I first started carving I bought Flexcut knives at a mom and pop wood store, as a starter knife, not only did they come sharp and ready to use but they were priced right and I still use them. I have since bought a Wells , Helvie and a Denny from Smokey Mtn. Woodcarvers, I love all 3 knives but still sometimes reach for the $18.00 Flexcut which I think is perfect for a beginner (also avail. at SMW ) as well as other online stores. Hope this helps, enjoy and be safe!!

Dave

JIM QUILICI · #5 01-20-2008, 03:15 PM

James ,
rick sells very good beginner kits. and they come sharpened already, no matter what you order, from a bag of marbels or any thing else they come sharpened
even if you don't want it sharpened it comes sharpened, (lol ) and with stuff to keep it sharp. as you can tell I have had very good luck with Rick.
Jim

Clifford_Parker · #6 01-20-2008, 04:08 PM

I would also say to go with Rick's beginner's set. It has a Murphy knife and mine has lasted over 10 years and was used when I got it.

Solingen also makes an inexpensive bench knife with a beech handle and a quality high carbon blade. My sister gave me her's when she changed hobbies and it has whittled and carved MANY sticks, whimseys, and woodspirits over the years.

James A · #7 01-20-2008, 06:05 PM

I do have some tools so I don't really need the Beginner's Kit that Rick sells. I have noticed that there is going to be a carving show in March near me, so I guess that I will probably get a cheaper knife at Wood Craft and get a better one at the show.

Mitchell · #8 01-20-2008, 07:28 PM

Hope you really looked through the Little Shavers web site.....

There's a section on faces that is not really a "how to" but does have good reference material.

This is a MUST for any beginner: http://www.littleshavers.com/BeginnerDirectory.html

James A · #9 01-20-2008, 07:56 PM

Y'all have persuaded me to stay away from the ones carried at Wood Craft. Which of the brands that Rick carries are better, though? I don't want to spend a lot of money on a knife that isn't good. I mean no affince to his reputation, but I haven't dealt with him before.

Mitchell · #10 01-20-2008, 08:42 PM

All that he carries are good. It's a matter of personal preference. What's "good" to one person may not be "good" to another. As long as they can be sharpened and hold an edge, they should be fine.

I still have the first knife that I bought YEARS ago. It's a good knofe, but I don't use it very often - I PREFER others for how they fit my hand. Get something that looks good to you.