[SeaChips]

I'm in search of a new style of knife that will help me with the hollowing out process of my shoes. At the present, I've been pretty successful, though tedious, with a regular pocket knife; however, I know there must be something out there that can do the job more effectively. I saw a Flexcut Hook knife online and noticed that it was specifically for carving hollows. Has anyone used this knife for hollowing out? Or does anyone have any suggestions that might make this detail a little easier?

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Those knives work pretty good....just make sure you get two....one bent one way and the other bent the opposite.

[BobD]

I've gotten a few hooked knives in the past, but I really like by BeBe scorp...check out this link...it's too difficult to explain!
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...332,44073&ap=1

I've got the 5/16" version; It acts like a gouge you use like a knife. And since it is a full circle, you only need one instead of needing two, like you would with the flex cut ones!

To strop it, I just shaved a deep channel in a scrap of basswood and loaded it wiht stropping compound...a few passes through the channel and it's ready to go!!!

Bob

[SeaChips]

Thanks Bob. I pulled up the site, and I think that just might be the answer. Also, thanks for the stropping technique! I think you knew that would be my next question. That looks like a pretty versatile tool - guess I'll order it. Thanks again.

[whitecree]

Bent or hooked knives are the way to go. Some are - as Lynn mentioned - bent and sharpened for one hand or the other. Some - like mine - are sharpened for use with either hand. Lee Valley has some useful knives like this.

They also have some So-called 'Haida' knives, although all peoples of the pacific northwest used them.

[Raparee]

For a less expensive alternative, go to a tack shop, or farm store and buy a hoof knife... it's a knife that farriers and horse owners in general use to clean and trim horses hooves. They are generally made of a higher quality metal and hold an edge well. Plus, if it turns out you don't like it, you've only put out ten bucks at the most.