Carving knife brands...Best? your oppinion..

[robf911]

I am not too happy with Flexcut at the moment. 2 weeks ago I purchased a new roughing knife. It came dull. So I spent a couple of hours working it over my strop to make it suitable to carve with. Then yesterday, I am roughing out a piece of basswood, and the blade breaks free from the handle and slices a nice gash into my hand.

So, I am in the market for a relatively inexpensive but high quality roughing knife.

Preferably one that arrives sharp, and doesn't injure me. I am quite adapt at injuring myself without the help of a faulty knife.

What do you folks use, prefer and recommend?

[robf911]

I have seen several posts on this board for Ralph E Long Knives. But when I google search for them online I can't locate a shop that sells them. Can anyone link me to a retailer?

[carver33]

If you're looking for a really good, inexpensive knife, try the Wells knives that Little Shavers sells:

Wells Knives at Little Shavers

I know people who own nothing but Wells knives. I've tried a couple and I must say, that for the price they can't be beat.

Although I've not found anything that I like better than the knives I've made myself, the Wells come darn close.

[carver33]

By the way, Rick at Little Shavers will sharpen the knife for free if you so request.

[Iowa Carver]

There are so many knives out there... all good ones. Ron Wells (Now Mike Shipley) knives are my primary knives, sharp as all get out. I love them. Close second are Alan Goodman knives and they are flexible, I really like that. Also Denny makes great knives, Gil Drake... and I really like the Ferguson knives once the secondary bevel is taken off. Nice pointing knives and they roll cut really well. But Mike Shipley's (Wells) knives I love, especially his new designs with the larger handle.

Corey

[Mitchell]

Use the search function to find sources for Ralph's knives.

Also there was a thread in the Beginners section listing other knife makers.... I believe it was a Poll thread.

[rick-in-seattle]

I have seen several broken blades, and Flexcut is not the only brand that breaks.
If you want a roughout knife that comes sharp (where ever you buy it) and won't break, I recommend Helvie.

[William]

That's good to hear Rick, I have the 2"+ Helvie Jumbo - Gerald Sears #7 for roughout and when I need to hog off wood it's the one I reach for first, nice to know it won't let me down.

Bill
^v^

[Donald K. Mertz]

Here is information on Ralph E Long (REL) knives that you order directly from him as they are not in any stores and they are excellent knives at a reasonable price. WoodBeeCarver 2008 May 26

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by Donald K. Mertz

Here is information on Ralph E Long (REL) knives that you order directly from him as they are not in any stores and they are excellent knives at a reasonable price. WoodBeeCarver 2008 May 26

I just tried the email address listed and it bounced back.