chip carving knives

[Rich2008]

I was just wondering about which chip carving knife everyone prefers. I'm just jumping into this type of carving, so I have lots to learn. I see many types on the INTERNET, but some are too wide I have found out for cutting tight curves, getting a chatter and not a clean cut. Some have more of a down pointed tip, while others are mostly sheep's foot shaped. Some blades are thick, while some are thin. Which do you experienced chippers prefer?

Thanks, Rich

[minowevie]

Hi Rich. I use a Wayne Barton knife mostly. and I also have a Drake chip carving knife, witch is thin and pointed down like you said. I use them both. I have heard that the lee Ferguson chip carving knife is good. But. I will say this. when you go around sharp curves. lean your knife up high.(standing up so to speak) that way you wont have so much blade in the wood. and if your getting chatter. maybe you are going against the grain. try turning around and doing the #2 position. you can also scribe the cut first some if that helps. I like the thickness for you kneed that to plunge into the wood with out the blade bending. if your cuts are wide. maybe you can cut down the center first so not to split the wood. you can even take out a small amount of the center first. that way your not trying to take out so much wood at once. and the cut will only go to the middle that you already took out. the knife is like a wedge and will separate the wood like a splitting mall. cutting the middle line first gives the wood some where to go. the biggest thing is, make sure your knife is razor sharp, and not rounded at the end, and shines like a mirror, you don't wont any resistance. hope this helped. Evie

[Ed Redwine]

I started out using Barton knives but expanded to Notto knives and to Denny's. All are great tools but I probably use the smaller bladed Notto's and Denny's the most.

[pallin]

Evie has covered some important considerations for your chip carving as well as the choice of knife. The wedging pressure of each cut has to be relieved somewhere. On cross grain chips, it may cause a narrow ridge to the next chip to fail. Curves require similar considerations. I like the short heavy blades like the Wayne Barton.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I prefer the Drake, Notto's got some nice chip knives also.

Chip Knife ( Awesome knife! )

STADTLANDER WOODCARVINGS


Dave

[brent]

Ralph Long makes some nice chip carving knives. I like the thin blades most of all. Try googling REL Knives.

woodbeecarver.com.........went ahead and found the link.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Originally Posted by brent

Ralph Long makes some nice chip carving knives. I like the thin blades most of all. Try googling REL Knives.

woodbeecarver.com.........went ahead and found the link.

Here is a link to REL

knives.http://woodbeecarver.com/dl/REL_Knife_Net_Brochure.pdf

Dave

[brent]

After I went back, I realized the mistake....glad you corrected it. Thanks

[Rich2008]

Thanks to all for posting.
You guys have given some good info here, and I really appreciate it. I'm still going through all my training manuals and getting all the lessons right before I jump into a finished project. This way, I figure, all or most of all of the cuts will not be too hard to do without messing up a plate or what ever I.m carving . Thanks for the info on the knives too. I got a bunch of practice boards to work on, and a few 8X10's to use for he larger designs. I've checked out the Drakes and the Denny's, and the Long's, but not sure on what to go for yet. I just got a Hock Chip Knife as a gift, which is made from hand wood plane blade stock. This one has a different kind of tip on it, and should be good for curves, etc. Now I have made it to exercises 4 in Pam Gresham's manual, then comes Wayne Barton's, or Dennis Moors! Once I have gone through all of them and accomplished their steps, I should almost be confident enough to do a plate. I still will get back into my flat plane, and some in the round realistic Santa's. I carved about 10 of Wayne Shinlevers glass ornament Santa's for Christmas gifts this year, but maybe I will carve some chip items for gifts also. Gees, I feel like Santa Claus!
Have a good day, and good carving...
Rich

[CarverRog]

Sorry for putting a wrench into the works but I use a John Dunkle chip carving knife. I have used most of the knives on the market and John's knives work the best for me. I call them a finesse knife because they are made from a thinner steel and flex just enough to help get around corners without chatter, at least for me. They also hold an edge longer than most that I have used. Good luck with whatever your choice may be.