Question about knives?

[Midnight Carver]

I have been using a Murphy knife since I started carving (about 10 months). I recieved 2 knives for Christmas from one of the knife makers I see mentioned as one of the more popular (I won't mention the name). I have tried using them several times and am not as happy as with the Murphy. They are a much thinner blade so they flex, which I am not used to, and don't seem to cut as well. I tried one of the knives with the edge it came with, tried to sharpen it myself, and then sent back to be resharpened and has not cut as well for me as the Murphy, which I also sharpened. I'm not sure if it is the knife isn't as sharp or just that I'm not comfortable with it.

So...am I crazy for preferring a blade that has no flex? Do the more experienced carvers prefer a flexable blade so I should stick with the thinner blades until I'm comfortable with them? Does anyone make a nicer knife that is thinner but still stiff?

Hope my ramblings make sense. Thanks in advance
Eric

[Claude]

Eric:
My main carving knife is shortened Flexcut detail knife which, to me, has no flex. My other main knife is a Bütz detail knife which is quite flexible. I like both. I have two other Flexcut knives that I don't much care to use at all... I've tried Murphy, and don't like it.

In a nutshell, for each individual, some knives "feel good" and some knives "feel not good".

Don't worry about it; just use what you like.

Claude

[Just Carving]

Sometimes it's better to use a flexible knife. Sometimes it's not. As Claude says, it all depends on how it feels. Other factors involved are the wood that you're carving and the type of carving you're doing.

My suggestion is emulate the blade that you like the most. If your bench knife is what you like, then stick with knives that are shaped and sharpened like your bench knife. When you have a knife sharpened by someone else, send a photo and a brief description of what you like about the blade on the bench knife along so he'll know what you prefer.

As for the flexible one, use it one a different wood or for a different type of carving if you haven't done so. All else fails, find someone who could use the knife or give it to someone who wants to learn how to carve.

Bob L

[RUssL.]

Like a lot a folks on the Message board I have several (many actually!) knives.
I use a certain couple most of the time and others once in a while, with still others almost never.
Different knives lend themselves to different carving tasks (unless you're Lynn Doughty!<g>) and/or sometimes it's just to try different knives.
Life's too short. If using different knives amuses you: Go For It!

[SlowMover]

You are lucky to have a knife you like, many carvers wind up with a large collection of expensive knives they never touch (I speak from experience) before they find one they really like and can use well. Be thankful you hit your "sweet spot" early on. Whatever works for YOU is the right tool/way of doing stuff/, etc....carving is an individual sport, you get to make your own rules, so do what gives you pleasure and satisfaction. Enjoy the carving.

[blusteel7]

I walked into Smokey Mtn Knife Works in June and near the door was the carving section and a pleasant guy carving a bowl. He had all the carving knives in his booth and when I asked, he recommended the Flexcut cutting knife. I had never seen a carving knife so I took his advice and bought it. I later bought a Murphy and I only have 2 knives so far. I also like the Murphy and use it more for detail and the Flexcut for roughing. For now I'm satisfied with the 2 but I might scope out other options as I get some experience. BTW, the carver at SMKW uses a Warren knife that he said just fits his hand and style better so I guess it's just what you prefer. He had some really nice pieces he had done including a full size hand and a snake running down a walking stick.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I prefer a thinner blade like on the Drake knives for most of my carving. For roughing (removing alot of wood fast), I like a thicker blade like Cape Forge, Helvie, older Denny. I have a Butz detail knife that I don't care for, as it has to much flex.

Dave

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Just a suggestion, maybe the knives that don't cut as well are not sharp. Some knives are harder to sharpen then other. You might consider sending them to Rick at www.littleshavers.com to work his magic.

Dave

[A_Swope]

When I'm carving a blank already cut out I like a Flexcut or Butz.
When I'm carving from a block I like to use my Imperial pocket knife, which has a thicker blade than the other two.

[Ron T]

Hi Eric,

As you can see, it all comes down to preference. If it works, stick with it.