[hoosieruke]

I recently read Wm.Coperthwaite's "A Handmade Life" (A book that must be read.) While crooked knives are not a new idea to me, I've never found thetime and materials to make one and learn to use it. Bill's description of crooked knife use (no need for heavy benches, vises, a variety of gouges,etc.) has prompted me to action.

I carve spoons, bowls and paddles (and ukulele necks!) and would love to have the ability to take work with me to work, off-and-on, during the day.

I'm not sure that I have a question,but would appreciate thoughts and ideas.

My metal working skills are limited, but I'm always willing to learn. I don't have a grinder so I searched for metal already annealed and cut to shape.

This is what I found:

http://www.rockisland.com/~kestrel/supplies.html

I'm ordering a half-dozen, or so blanks to play with.

I do have a question...

There are many different shapes of curves on these knives. I presume that the extreme curves aare for reaching into pockets, spoon bowls, etc.

What kind of curve and bevel is desireable for general work when learning touse the knife?

Thanks!

[mdallensr]

Hi Geoff: If you're more interested in carving with curved knives than making knives, there are some good sources for the knives you described. One is John Dunkle. I have two of his curved knives, one right-handed and one left handed. I use them mostly for clean-up on concave surfaces such as spoon bowls. I wouldn't use them for general carving or rough-outs, since they're very thin, made like detail knives. John goes to a lot of carving shows to sell his knives, strops and stropping compound. You can reach him at John Dunkle, 20400 County Road F, Archbold, OH 43502. Phone 419-494-5948.

[hoosieruke]

Thanks for the suggestion.

I just "Googled" these and they look nice.

http://www.goestores.com/catalog.asp...&DeptID=249555

I really think that I'd like to start with something heavier. Though I would like one of these to workin tight places.

It seems, these days, that everything new that I try is framed in "Whould this be a good class to teach?" I do want to explore the knife making end of things so that I can explore teaching making the knives as well as how to use them.

Thanks

[Dan S]

I just purchased a bent knife from this company. It's heavy and the quality looks good but I have not had time to play with it yet.

http://www.deepwoodsventures.com/

Dan

[squbrigg]

I had a couple of crooked knives made for me, and use them for carving the hulls on half models I make. They work great and are super for getting the smooth finish you need when an ordinary straight knife starts to tears the wood, because of the angle of cut. Mine have custom shaped handles and I have a right and a left handed knife.

Bob

[hoosieruke]

Those are beautiful!

Thanks.

[Donny]

I just use a Frosts Crook knife...Bushcraft style