which chip carving knife?

[BullRunBear]

As we read up different wood carving styles, it's pretty clear my wife and I both want to learn chip carving. I have one knife, it has the letters WB on the handle, but I would like to get a second one. I saw the Denny chip knives on the Little Shavers site. Are these good knives for the purpose? And is the smaller one worth having as well? My wife has rather small hands so a bulky handle probably wouldn't work. The Denny knives look like a good value and I've seen on posts here that Little Shavers puts a great edge on the knives they sell.

If you have any suggestions, I'ld appreciate it.

Thanks, Jeff

[papasar]

Jeff,
You have a Wayne Barton knife. I have one but don't use it so I can't comment on it. I prefer me Denny's both the large and small. I mostly use the small knife. I find it easier for more smaller cuts and lettering. Maybe its just psychological with me since I really can do the same work with both knives. I have a very big hands and the smaller handle is no problem. They come sharp and hold a very good edge.
Bill K.

[BullRunBear]

Thanks, Bill. That's what I wanted to know. You also answered a question I forgot to ask. I have really big, thick hands and wondered how the Denny handles would fit.

Jeff

[Just Carving]

Jeff

Just a couple of thoughts. From what I've seen and read, you don't necessarily have to use a chip carving knife. You can use a simple bench knife, a locking folding knife--probably even a fixed blade utility knife for that matter. So, that might help out in your wife's case of small hands. And if you get a knife with a wood handle, you can shave it down so it's more comfortable for her. And in your case, if your knife isn't quite large enough for your hands, you can try using Vetrap--a self adhering tape--similar to an elastic bandage but self-adhering--used by vetenarians. it's known by other names, but you should be able to find it in WalMart, Target, the food store, or drug store, etc. Or you can make a new handle and use 5 minute epoxy and/or brass pins to put the blade in it .

Simply, put, wood carving is adaptable for everyone. It's just a matter of trial and error until you get what you want. Obviously, you don't wnat to spend a lot of money if you don't have to. That's why I mentioned a utility knife--they're fairly cheap, maybe 5 bucks, and the blade never needs sharpening--just replace it. If it doesn't work, toss it in the tool box for that next honey-do!

Bob L

[Ed Redwine]

Hi Jeff: The Wayne Barton knife has been around for many years and I've worn out a couple of them. Still a good knife but I find it a bit thick to make the smaller more intricate cuts. I have a small Denny and like it a lot too. My all time favorite though was one made by Rich Notto in Florida. He has since passed away but this brother is making some nice knives too. You can check them out at STADTLANDER WOODCARVINGS . Notto knives are marked with a Buffalo on the handle.

Chip carving is fun but developing the patterns is part of the fun too.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Not sure you can beat either the Wayne Barton knife or the Dennis Moor knife.....imho

[BullRunBear]

Ed,

I'm going to order the Denny knives from Little Shavers. They look like the best value.

Bob,

Thanks for the utility knife suggestion. You saved me some money. I was going to order another bench (murphy?) knife but made a run to Lowes instead. They didn't have the Stanley 199 in stock but the fixed blade house brand, I think it is Task Force, is the same shape and size. For $2.50 I had nothing to lose. The thing works like a charm! It is much more comfortable than the Butz-style bench knife I've been using and works just as well. I did try some chip carving with it and it was better than I thought it would be but the regular chip carving knife made it easier to be consistent.

Jeff

[RUssL.]

CarverRog is the guy who should chime in with a chip carving knife recommendation.
They come from Stadtlanders...but, oops, his website appears to be down.

You sometimes can get them through CarverRog, too.

Not much help, sorry.

Russ

[murphy82]

I have both the standard and mini-chip knives from denny. I really like them.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I use the Drake chip knife, better then any other I tried. Chip Knife

Dave