[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Some folks sharpen them for free and will sharpen them for as long as you own them. All you need to do is pay the postage. Seems like the hard way to do it, as easy as sharpening is, but if your so inclined it's one way to go. Rick is one of the folks who offers that service. There are more, but can't think of them off the top of my head.

[bill#1]

I painted my flexcut detail knives a neon pink...When you open your wood box or toolbox, what do you see first?..the sharp blades. ..The only dumb question..is the one that is not ask..

I met another carver at the Northeast woodcarvers roundup..that had a unmistakeable red and white band around each of his hand tools and blades..so when its time to clean up he knows whats his...not a bad .. you can never know too much!!!...meaning you learn something everyday..if you think you know it all..you better put away your blades for that day

Bill#1

[K. Ellenburg]

Sharpening knives really isnt a problem, but now v tools are another thing, but I have been reading a few books and looking at the post here and they have helped a lot. Plus getting all the terminology down I guess is something that comes with time.

[dmatias]

The first knife I purchased was a Flexcut Detail knife and it is still my favourite. It keeps it's edge and sharpens well.

Now "V" tools are my downfall. I have done a "DEBORAH" on two of them so far and that is the expression the guys I carve with use for anyone who "uses them as a prying bar instead of carving with it" as they say. Broke the tips off of them, however I learned really fast how to reshape the tip and re-sharpen them. So, now I have two different length "V" tools that I can choose from.

As some of these guys tell you there are no mistakes, just alternations and that can be applied to your tools as well.

[cedarshavings]

I'm still carving with a knife I bought at Michael's craft store. I've been reading up on several different detail knives. I'm sure there are knives that some will swear by but how much difference will I see in using a better quality knife as appose to just keeping mine sharp? I know I've tried to carve some stuff that I thought there just has to be an easier knife or so many people wouldn't be carving.

[Thomp]

cedarshavings,

i have 2 of those knives, here, worn from over sharpening.
cigar shaped handle and blade shape like a stock man pocket knife, they set in a box of unused tools....


Picasa Web Albums - thomp - Tools

i bought the second one on an idea
"if i had 2 i could carve longer between sharpening"
but the second one dulled as fast as the first..

there good knives if your not serious about wanting to carve, i call them 50% knives because 50% of the time you got them in your hand your honing them,
i like to carve while the inspiration hits me, if i have to stop to sharpen a knife, not much carving gets done.
and to force a dull knife, usually winds up with destroyed carvings or getting hurt..

Lynn droughtys old trusty old Stanly knife has a lot harder steel in the disposable blades than the Micheal's or hobbie lobby walnut hollow knives sold today..

since i started making straight razor carving knives im spoiled, and wont go back.... believe me there is better knives than sold at Micheal's...

[xsailer]

cedarshavings, You would be pleasently surprised if you would get ANY of the more popular carving knives discussed many places within this forum. ANY OF THEM!

RW,Denny,Flexcut,Stubia,Butz,Pfiel,Helvie to name a few. Just pick one in your price range buy a strop and glove if you don't have one and discover what carving is really about.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

The knives I reach for first are my own straight razor knives and my Helvie knives.....they are always first, then I may add in some others, like my Woody knives, my oar carver pocket knive etc etc.........didn't you know the more knives you own, the better carver you are? I am still looking for the one that will make me a "Master Carver" ha ha...why, I have gotten so desperate, I have even reached for "ol reliable" utility knife

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Another important thing to remember is that no matter how many knives you might have the sharpest is always the last one you reach for!

[K. Ellenburg]

Well I was pleased to receive a email back from Pfeil telling me to return the roughing knife that I broke the tip on. Its great to see that a big company will still stand behind a product they make.