[bcarvings]

Hi,
Those flexcut carving knives, how long does it take them to dull? Like how long do they stay sharp when carving Basswood? Are they easy to sharpen? Any reccomendation? Thanks again

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

they will stay sharp if you strop them and don't use them for a pry bar Â*here is one of many sites on sharpening...I suggest you read and study this, it will answer most if not all your sharpening questions.... http://www.antiquetools.com/sharp/index.html Â*if you finish this and want another, I have a number of them : Our society has an instant gratification/satisfaction mentality..but I have to tell you, anything worth doing is going to take some study, practice and time! :P

[Kenny_S]

Ditto to Dave's suggestion! Flexcut are good cravers for the price they are. Any knife will get dull if not stropped offten and if misused, dulls quicker.

Yep, what they both said.

Any knife is going to eventually need sharpening/honing though frequent stropping will keep a good blade sharp for a long time. There is no easy way around the 'sharpening problem' even if you buy only 'top dollar' knives and tools. Sooner or later you will have to either take the time to learn to sharpen/hone your tools or spend the money to have someone else do it.

I personally do not like the flexcut tools. I bought and gave away or sold two knives and one set of gouges before I decided that they weren't right for me.

[bcarvings]

Hi,
Cliffard Parker what knives do you prefer? Why don't you like the flexcut's? Is it because they are hold to hold because there handles look a little weird.

I use a Solingen bench knife and several detail knives that I have made for most of my work.

As for the Flexcut tools, I didn't like the fit of the handles in my hands and was not greatly impressed by the blades either. Flexcut tools are designed for soft woods like basswood and, as a stickmaker, I use quite a bit of wood that is harder than basswood.

Bcarvings - Look way at the top f the page (the top carving world banner) you have a message). As for the flexcut knives, like Clifford-Parker, I gave away a set of palm tools and a knife. Did not like the way the blades kept chipping out if I got in a fight with anything harder than butter.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Anyone else not happy with flexcut and want to give them away.....here I is!! LOL :P : 8)

[Kenny_S]

Goes to show you, Different strokes for different folks. I like HI HO will take anyones cast off Flexcuts. Work nicely in Hickory as long as you keep them sharp. Not to be putting anyone down but again, Different carvers likes different knives. I think I am about the only only who likes Helvies. No problem with bassword , wanut,oak Hickory, or even black walnut. But then, I a not a murphy fan either.
BCarving, You will find that different carvers like different type of knives or gouges. That is what so neat about carvers. Still some of the nices people you want to meet with different opinions.

[bcarvings]

Hi,
I searched for the Solingen bench knife and found that they are begginer knives? Also the handles look very krapy. The knives are also double the price of the murphy's they are like $16, $17 dollars.