chip carving knives

[bud188]

Originally Posted by 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

I really like the Dunkle chip carving knives and the LEE FERGUSON knives
and yes I use the Wayne Barton ceramic stones for sharpening them
bud188

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

The ones I have..and only ones I have really tried are the Wayne Barton knives and the Dennis Moor knife..............good knives!!

Did anyone else have an opinion about the Pfeil chip-carving knives at Woodcraft (and elsewhere)?

Buy PFEIL "Swiss Made" Chip Carving Set (Knives B & I) at Woodcraft.com

Thanks.

[pallin]

I have several Pfeil chip carving knives (and a nearly identical knife from a German manufacturer). They are quite good, but overpriced in the ad per your link. They have about a dozen blade shapes, but I use only the "B" shape. The other is intended for "plunge cuts," but most of us prefer not to switch knives between the plunge and slice cuts.

Thanks for the tip, Phil.

[garywk]

Hi All,

I'm looking at getting into chip carving and have seen the Barton, Pfiel, 2 Cherries, LAMP, Flexcut, etc... brands in my research. What I would like to ask is if anyone has used the laminated, blue steel, chip carving knives sold at japanwoodworker.com. Here's a link to 4 chip carving knives they sell. The Japan Woodworker Catalog - Chip Carving Knives

This is my second attempt to ask this question here and it seems my previous post has been deemed to be spam as I can find no evidence that I have posted here and it's close to 8 hours since I posted the first time. This seems to be some very overzealous moderation as I didn't recommend anything and only gave a link so the knives I'm asking about could be found easily and some details on the quality of the steel such as Rockwell hardness and the fact that the steel is laminated.

[Rich2008]

garywk;
I bought one of these from Japan wood workers, and it has only one bevel, on one side. I had to send it back for full refund. Their web site stated that their chip carving knives are double bevel, which is wrong! The handle is like a Barton, just beautiful, and fits the hand well. Be careful when ordering.
Rich

[ghaugen]

GaryWk,

There's a couple of knives, knifemakers would be better possibly, to add to your list of potential knife options. These three knive's have a single bevel, as in they're sharpened fat-not held at an angle to the stone or strop, and not on only one side like the Japan knives evidently. The knives are the Dunkle Knives and Chips Knives (Notto Knives) from Stadtlander Carving and Supplies, and also Drake Knives from Drake Knives. One advantage of the Dunkle and Chips knives is that there are several options to "pick your fit" in blade shape and handle. I have a couple of Dunkle Knives, standard and mini, with the longer handles. I'm also considering a Chips Knife as well. There's another knife I'm looking forward to but are not available yet-the new "My Chip Carving" Signature Knives.

Bob Stadtlander and Drake Knives are both a pleasure to deal with. I'd highly recommend both.

[garywk]

Thanks for the replies.

I wondered about the single-bevel and how it would work. Too bad, as other than that they looked like a really good deal as I like that steel for holding an edge, as it seems to me that holding an edge is a very important part of a good chip carving knife. The less time you spend sharpening the more time you can spend carving.

I will take a look at the other knives you recommended to me.

[virwil]

I use Dunkle knives almost exclusively in caring and chip carving. His left and right hand curved knives work really well in cleaning up a releaf carving.

Originally Posted by 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.