Walnut Hollow Knives ?

[JohnG10]

Anyone know if the Walnut Hollow carving knives are any good ?

4007, CARVING KNIFE

My local Michaels carries them.

[CarverFromNoWhere]

I have seen them used, ya get what ya pay for I would say save your money and buy a quality product like a flexcut.
Carving Tools - KN13 Detail Knife « Flexcut Tool Company
Ya awnser is right there where it says made in china, there are a small number of really good carving tool makers in china but they are really pricey, all hand forged from good steel.
Carl

[kenweybright]

Personally I wouldn't use Walnut Hollow tools, beecause you will find that they won't hold an edge long enough to accomplish much. Woodcraft Shop and other suppliers have a good quality knife for just a little more money. I use Helvie knives which I have been very happy with.

Carl is right, you get what you pay for. Flex cut is a quality product line. When I first started carving I went the cheap route. It was an experience lesson to learn. I found it is better to spend a little more at the outset, and you'll be a lot happier in the long run.

Ken
Website: Carvings-by-Ken.com Home Page

[Kenny_S]

Not all tools made in China or Japan are bad. Walnut Hollow knives have been good knives to use. I still have one and that I have had for 15years and is still in use. Will admit though, I have other knives I like better. Even have a knife I paid twice as much for as the Walnut Hollow knife and it went in to the trash and made here in The USA. I have Dennys, Flexcut, Rick Ferry, Bud Murrays, Drastra and many different pocket knives. They all are used.Just my Take on the subject and No offense if you dissagree.

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Yup Ken the steel in walnut hollow tools is bad just cheap steel, I suggested flexcut because they have fairly low prices compaird to how well the tools are. Flexcuts knives hold a great edge and come razor sharp right from the package. Helvie are very very nice but ya have to pay more, another great one is Denny Knives they are really nice and not to spendy, Pfiel has some very nice steel but I never liked there knife designs.

Kenny S when did ya ever hear of poor quality coming from Japan? don't lump Japan in with China, Japan has some of the best cutlery in the world second or third best in my opinion. I did write that there are some very nice tools made in China but they are very spendy and harder to come buy, as they are all made by family forges by hand old fashion. Unlike walnut hollow those blades are currently stamped from poor low end tool steel and sharpend on a belt grinder, no idea how they temper them but it doesn't matter with the poor steel.

Kenny S Your walnut hollow that is 15 years old, was it one made in Germany? walnut hollow knives used to be made there. Ya Dastra is a nice company I like them to.

The biggest most important thing in a knife is the steel properties then the temper then the forging or stamping style. Personaly I like to make my own knives I never found any that I was comepletly satisfied with, the only that have come close where Denny then Flexcut, but both had there faults in my opinion.

If your looking for something less expensive then flexcut try warren cutlery.

This is my opinoin on the matter, I have researched it quite comepletely and is based from my perspective of steel qualities and bladesmithing
Carl

[Arnold-Smith]

I have A Walnut hollow V tool that I use. It works fine for me.

Arnold

[JohnG10]

Price wasn't a big issue, it was convenience. (Michaels is 15 minutes away). The nearest Woodcraft is about an hour and a half away. Currently, I'm trying to carve some small figures with a swiss army knife, but not able to carve very good looking eyes. I'm hoping a pointier tip will help.

When I drive up to Woodcraft, what would be the best knife choice for around $35-40 ? Also is the flexicut v-tool or stiffer swiss-made (phiel ?) one better for eyes, beards, etc ?

Thanks.

[Buckskin]

John, for about $40 I would get the Flexcut KN12 Bench Knife and the KN13 Detail knife that Carl mentioned. I have both of these knives and use the heck out of them. I don't know about the v-tool comparison though.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have some "woody" knives I bought for 15.00 each...very good knives..it was a set of 3/45.00.....I also have my old standbys..Helvies...I love those knives..the knife I always reach for first is either the Helvie or one of my homemade straight razor knives. just my opinion for what little its worth!

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Yes the Chinese make cheap knives, so does Japan, the U.S. and everybody else. They also make good ones and very good ones. I have no idea of the quality of the Walnut Hollow knives, having never used one and it is not my policy to knock or praise anything that I have not tried. All that said, I think you'll find that asking for tool adivce here is a lost cause because of all the answers you are going to get. Most of which are correct because of the personal nature of tools and knives. Everybody thinks the ones they have are the best. And they are. They are the best for them, but not necessarily me or you or anybody else. I have hundreds of knives and carving tools, Some I like a lot and some I can't stand. Some in both categories have been highly praised in this thread already. Buy it and try it is what I suggest. Your going to end up with several varieties anyway, so might as well start now.