Was looking at a web site that had both X-acto & Excel blades and they looked the same to me, can anyone tell me if that is so? I have no place here to go to and look. I have a couple of X-acto handles and was wondering about which knife was the best of these two or would I be better off going with say Warren. I have to mail order most of any of my tools as we have nothing around my home town. Also I saw somewhere on here that Plain-ol-ed I think it was, said there was some good inexpensive tools out there but did not name names. Give out a little more info please, thanks, Steve

I think that either would be comparable. I actually started with X-acto myself! I did not stay with them long as they did not stay sharp too long. I used the upsweep, straight, and hooked blades - in that order. The gouges were of little use to me....either I did not know how to use them at that time or they were not sharp enough.

Warren makes a good interchangable set of tools as does Flexcut. I would recommend that you find someone that has some tools and 'practice' with theirs -- if possible. That way it will not cost you to try some tools out.

We also need a little more information from you if possible: What do you like to carve, or want to carve? Can you sharpen tools? And what is your price range. I know some local knife makers that make reasonably priced fixed blade knives ($20-25) with different profiles.

If you can get your hands on a Suppliers issue of 'ChipChats' magazine, that would be a good source. This issue usually comes out in March each year (I think).

Wood Carving Illustrated will also have some sources.

I prefer a bigger handle knife than the ones on X-acto.
I bought 3 knives (reg carving knife, a thin keen point, and a chip carving knife) bought mine at wood craft. Bought their store brand. They are good knifes inexpensive and are compromable to Flexcut. I bought the 11 piece piece Flexcut travel set (comes with 10 gouges and a handle and a tool roll).
I love it. I have used every gouge in the set, work great for what I do. Sells for around $100 after you pay sales tax. I will definitety buy other gouges, chissels and veiners to add to my tool collection. I have a few other 1 piece gouges beside the tavel set. When buting tools, buy good quality tools. Buy what feels good in your hand. My hands might be bigger or smaller than yours so what is confortable to me may not be confortable to you. Good quality does not mean the highest price. A less expensive set made by another manufacturer can be the better quality.
Carving
MERRY CHRISTMASS

Give Rick a call at Little Shavers (206)767 7421 and he will fix you up. Will give you the straight skinny.

Hi my name is Ron I have a tool problem. I tend to buy anything that has a remote application to wood carving. My wife tollerates my habit (Barely). Â*I buy at flea markets and carving shows. Â*I have even bought on Ebay (bad move). Â*But even with all these tools I started with Xactos and they are still on my bench though I don't use them much. Â*My wife accuses me of liking the tools better than carving. Â*Not really but almost. Â*I have a set of 100 year old chisels my Uncle gave me that I'm afraid to use! Â*Like using the shroud of Turin for a wash cloth. Hi my name is Ron I have a tool problem. (may I never be cured)

Ron
have you ever watched the TV show 'Clean Sweep'?

on there they clean outt your clutter and make you sell or throw away lots of stuff. If your wife ever signs tou up for the show, Just box up all the carving tools that you are forced to get rid of and send them to me.
I too am a tool junkie, always have been. Example, I have 15 pocket knives, 10 claw hammers, all kind of hand tools and tools for working on things, Just starting to build a supply of carving tools

[BasketballJones]

Ron,
Tell your wife there are far more worse things you can buy than tools. To help her better understand have her watch reruns of Tool Time (arf arf). If you really want her off your back try making her something. I made my wife a China Hutch and it worked. Tools are toys so it's okay to indulge occassionally.

Perhaps the reason you're not carving is you don't have the right atmosphere. My sanctuary is a small corner of my garage. {Small because it is when you consider the kids toys and bikes and the wife's Christmas decorations stored. I like Christmas because my garage gets bigger for a few weeks.}
I bring out my CD player/ radio. I have my tools, music and I'm relaxed. Even if I'm not carving I'm 'putsing' around. My little slice of heaven. Try it and enjoy.

BBJ
Tools are used to create some physical result. ie. furniture, a new garden, deck, etc.

Toys are used for recreation. ie. golf clubs, boat, atv etc.

Toys can be converted to Tools but Tools can never be reduced to Toys. For example: My freind bought a toy ATV/Quad for trail riding which he used to pull my drag around the area of his lawn damaged by septic repair, creating a new lawn therefore forever converting the ATV into a Tool.

My wife is a grade school principal and therefore has a very well honed BS meter. I in turn have developed rules for life that are simple yet somehow challenged by her BS meter.

Find, study and buy tools ...
Ah Chip