What is the best carving knife to use?

slug · #1 11-24-2005, 10:44 PM

I was told a few years ago that the Helvie knife was but recently I heard they have been sold. Does anyone know? Are the knives still as good? What are some of you old time carvers favorite knives?

AlArchie · #2 11-25-2005, 12:02 AM

Slug, there AIN'T NO BEST! There are many good knives, and the best for me is the one I like the best. Likewise, the best for you will be the one you like the best. For every recomendation for a particular knife, there will be someone who hates it, and for every derogatory comment on a particular knife, there will be someone who just loves it.

Buy any of the major makers' blades and you will, in all probability, be satisfied. Then you will try a few others, then a few more, well maybe just one more.....hey, you got a deal on a set by*****, so you picked them up.
Not entirely satisfied with any of them, you will find a custom knife maker, and have one made up to your specs. About then, you'll get the bug and try making a few knives yourself, just to see if you can do a better job than the best of them.....and you may just do it!

Pretty soon you'll have a small tackle box filled with all sorts of "best" knives, and you can take your pick any time you want.

As for my personal favorites.....Whittlin' Jacks with the wood handles, Flexcuts, Camilus Whittler, and best of all (so far) a special knife made by our friend Rick!

Al

MelNM · #3 11-25-2005, 02:51 AM

I'm of the same opinion as Al, what you need to find is one that works well for you. Personally I have a flexcut knife, Butz detail knife, Helvie is still around but I have never tried them, I now have the Denny Ortel V gouge, which I like and seriously thinking of trying one of the knives he makes.
Melvin

rick-in-seattle · #4 11-25-2005, 03:35 AM

Helvie was and still is a good knife.
Are they the best carving knife made? Probably not; I am not sure anyone can claim that title.

It is like asking which Ice cream flavor is best. My opinion on that?
Maple Nut is tops.

MelNM · #5 11-25-2005, 04:03 AM

Butter Pecan for me

Mark N. Akers · #6 11-25-2005, 05:22 AM

My prefrence is a sharp one,but all kidding aside I have 11 knives in my box
and about 30 in backup,but I find myself using mainly 1 or 2 all the time.I have
never tried a razor,but I hear once you do you will never go back.

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #7 11-25-2005, 08:30 AM

what Al said! Been there done that! LOL

wade clark · #8 11-25-2005, 09:47 AM

I'd say black walnut, Guys...at least we're all nuts!

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #9 11-25-2005, 10:03 AM

geez...you wanna list"? Butter Pecan, black walnut and the top of the list pralines and cream......uh oh, hear the freezer calling...........byee!

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #10 11-25-2005, 10:16 AM

back to knives....I keep hearing about Ricks knives, but haven't tried one....I made two myself and they are good, but I didn't get the blades thin enough so have to rework...the knives I use most now and really like are a set of 3 sizes from www.woodysknives.com they are the ones I pick up now all the time......