Stab and Chip carving knives

[againstthegrain]

I would like to expand my woodcarving horizons and try chip carving. I have been looking on line for a stab knife and chip carving knife. Does anyone have an opinion on the Pfeil vs. the Wayne Barton knives? I am very anti Flex Cut, so please don't even suggest them. (It is a long story, but it has to do with a spoon gouge)

I own a set of Pfeil palm gouges and like them well enough, but have no experience with the Wayne Barton knives.

Thank you! Smile

[CarverFromNoWhere]

I like the wayne barton over the Pfeil, and just look at his chip carvings he seems to know what he is doing.
Carl

[RUssL.]

I have Wayne Barton, Dennis Moor (2 plastic handled & 1 wooden), Lamp "Switzerland" brand, Two Cherries, John Dunkle, Ron Wells and maybe one or two other chip carving knives.

I keep switching to see which one I like the best.
I really think that it comes down to which one is either the sharpest or that I have been able to keep the sharpest.

Both the Barton and the Moor have the thickest metal in their blades and the most comfortable handles.

Having said that, I find myself returning to, what I think was the least expensive(!): the Lamp "Switzerland" brand... or the John Dunkle.

The John Dunkle is not a conventionally shaped chip carving knife but the small, sharp blade offers very little resistance in cutting, which is what sharpness is all about is it not?

I have an old Two Cherries stab knife and Flex Cut(sorry) skew for that task.

All IMHO and only my $0.02.
I am only a newbie chip carver,

Russ

[againstthegrain]

RussL.,

I am more of a newbie than you, so I appreciate your 2 cents!

Where did you find your Lamp brand?

I am that way with my knives, and tend to reach for whatever is the sharpest. I hate to sharpen. It takes time away from carving.

[kitaye]

I agree with you on the flexcut chip carving knives. I only have a small pfeil chip knife and it is ok, though I find the handle a little small. As for cutting it works just fine. My favorite is still the german chip carving knife I bought as a set from Lee Valley. I think you can also buy them individually but I'm not sure.

Any thoughts on the Moor chip carving knives? I've seen them at ChippingAway.com and at Lee Valley but haven't had the chance to try one yet.

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Ever thought of making your own? then ya can get exactly what ya want. If one brand has nice blades ya like but bad handles remove the blades and make your own handles, or if it's the opposite.
Carl

[RUssL.]

Lamp brand is the house brand of
Wood Carver's Supply, Inc.

Russ

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Lamp are quite nice and yeah they are woodcarverssupply main brand, here is a link to there site.
Wood Carvers Supply, Inc.
I deal with them all the time with orders, they are very helpfull and friendly, plus they have great shipping speed and price.
Carl

[Ed Redwine]

I have the Barton model and one made by the late Rich Notto. When that one wears out I'm going to be very sad. It has been a winner. I've owned the Barton stab knife for 15 years and never used it.
I like Barton but it is thicker and you can't get precision cuts like some of the thinner models. my .02c worth too!
Ed

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I like the Wayne Barton and Dennis Moor knives, I also have one I like alot by "Woody" ....as for not being able to make certain cuts? Might want to take a look at Wayne Bartons work...don't seem to see any problem there!