Hello, Potential chip carver here!

[jleiwig]

Hi everyone! I've been a longtime admirer of chip carving, but have never taken a plunge into doing it.

Here is my dilemma.

After drooling over his works and speaking to Roger Stautman at the Artistry in Wood show this past weekend I decided take the plunge without much regard or research, which was totally stupid and very unlike me. Anyway I ended up buying a Warren Cutlery Handle and interchangeable blade system from someone at the show because I thought that the larger padded rubber handle would help my grip, only to find out that I can't really do chip carving with it, even though the guy said I could do chip carving with it. I'm upset about the whole deal, mostly at myself for not researching my choices ahead of time before making an impulse buy and very discouraged before I even begin! I was hoping to run out and get a basswood board from the hobby shop and start practicing cuts!

Now I'm stuck with this knife and blade set, which is no one's fault buy my own. I've listed the setup on Craigslist, but I don't think I'll get a hit there. In the meantime I'm looking at different knife choices and I'm overwhelmed and confused.

On one hand I feel like I should buy the best quality knife I possibly can, but on the other hand I feel like I should just buy a cheapy knife to see if chipcarving is really what I want to pursue.

[ghaugen]

First off, welcome to the forum. Second of all, we've all done that-"bought tools that seemed to be a good idea at the time and quickly found out differently."

I think far too often people buy cheap to start and more often than not get too frustrated with inferior tools. It's hard to resell a cheap tool but if you buy a better knife and don't like it-it's easier to resell a better tool than a cheap tool.

The last I've heard Roger is using Dunkle Knives. You can get them the easiest from Robert Stadtlander at StadtlanderCarvings.com. I've tried them, they're not bad. The main issue I had with them was that they have a round handle. With using proper technique and using the #1 and #2 positions it's too easy to change your angle of the blade with a round handle. If I had them again, I'd sand or carve registry marks on the handle so it would help to realign at a repeatable angle.

I'd highly recommend Marty at mychipcarving.com. I like the Lamp Modified Knife, and spend the extra few dollars and have him sharpen it. When I first started I was told to stay away from double beveled knives (knives that are sharpened at an angle, not flat). I've since tried both, double bevel knives and single bevel knives. I much prefer a properly sharpened double bevel knife than a single bevel knife. If you start with a sharp knife while learning it will help you in the beginning and you'll learn what it means to have a sharp knife. I think the "wives' tale" that double bevel knives are bad started from knives that were not sharpened correctly. Also if you ask Marty really, really nice ;-) he'll add a registry, if you're left handed or right handed. This will help you to keep the proper angle and to get it back after changing positions. Marty is the "one stop shop" for chip carvers. The modified knife, sharpened, is still about the same price as a Dunkle knife. It's also a lot more forgiving and Marty is excellent to deal with. He also has a lot of youtube video lessons for chip carvers. If you wanted to get the bare bones to get started, I'd recommend a sharpened Modified knife, a set of practice boards, and at least the white stone, (but the set of two would be ideal). The bare bones (sharpened mod. knife, white stone and practice boards) would be under $80 plus shipping.

When it comes to sharpening and knives everyone has their "magic" combination. There is no "right" one or wrong one. I've tried Dunkle Knives, Barton Knives, and this modified knife. This Lamp Modified knife from Marty is my favorite hands down. It's a great collaboration of all of the "advantages" of the other knives and it's a great price.

Just my 2 cents.

[papasar]

Welcome.
I would hold on to the Warren kit until you are sure you wont be doing any other type of carving. It is a very good starter kit.
I use a Notto chip carving knife for the last 8 yrs. I prefer it due to the thinner blade which makes small lettering easier. My other favorites that I use every day are made by Denny. I use the smaller blade more than the big blade. One knife and a strop with compound and you are all set. Pretty cheap way to create some beautiful and useful gifts. IMHO
Bill K.

[jleiwig]

Thanks for your responses guys! Got a bunch of books on hold at the library, just gotta go pick them up. It'll be a bit before I can order some knives and stones with the holidays and gift shopping coming up.

[My Chip Carving]

Originally Posted by ghaugen

I'd highly recommend Marty at mychipcarving.com.

Thanks for your kind words, Greg. You know how I'm always ready to help anyone wanting to learn chip carving.

Marty Leenhouts
www.MyChipCarving.com
866-444-6996

[Blue Danube]

I would look at the Flex Cut knives to start chip carving. They have served me well for the past couple of years and only needed minor stropping from time to time.

Keep the Warren knife in case you need it for different carving whittling techniques.

Enjoy!

[Blue Danube]

I would look at the Flex Cut knives to start chip carving. They have served me well for the past couple of years and only needed minor stropping from time to time.

Keep the Warren knife in case you need it for different carving whittling techniques.

Enjoy!

[jleiwig]

Looks like I've got a deal worked out to trade some knifemaking stuff I have to a guy who's going to buy me a couple Dunkle knives in return. I'm excited!

[CarverRog]

In my opinion what I like to call "a chip carving sharp knife" is the key for all new chip carvers. A dull knife is the quickest way to give up chip carving. Most large knife manufactures make knives that are whittling sharp not chip carving sharp so it is best to buy from someone that sharpens his own chip carving knives. If you aren't capable of making your own handles then buy a knife with a handle that you prefer. I always tell my students to use or do what works for you. There is no right or wrong way in what or how you chip carve as long as you are happy with what you make.

Yes, I use a Dunkle chip carving knife now but in the second breath I started with a properly sharpened Wayne Barton knife. Barton knives will take the newbie abuse better than the Dunkle which I call a finesse blade due to it's flexibility.

No matter what direction you choose to go in I wish you Good Luck!

Roger S.

[jleiwig]

Thanks Roger. I don't know if you remember me, but I stopped and talked to you on Sunday at the Artistry in Wood show. I'm the lumberjocks guy.

I have a couple of the Dunkle knives on order to replace this warren interchangeable set I got by mistake at the show. I also plan on purchasing the Barton knives and stones as well.

Thanks for being an inspiration.