[Nancy_G]

Yes .... You have to find your own best. The first 'good' knife I bought was a Knotts ( and I bought 2 doz. of 'em when I heard that Alan Knotts was leaving the company) and since then I think I've bought just about every brand out there. But I just use those old Knotts --- and I have a favorite one of those.

Al - my weenie hands aren't much of a problem with knife handles but, boy, they can be with hand tool handles. And because I carve 'backwards', it's even more of a problem. I can't use those glorious Swiss Made hand tools at all unless I sand the edges off of the handles.

[Captain_Bandaid]

I have made quite a few carving knives using W1 tool steel. They were all hand forged, heat treated honed and stropped to a razor edge. Some carved very well, some did not. I found that a good blade for carving needs to be thin, flat ground, properly sharpened with only one bevel, and well polished. If the blade is more than 1.5' long, it should be tapered from the handle to the tip and from the spine to the edge. Otherwise, it will not flex correctly. Handle size is important too. I have average sized hands and one of my knives has a very small handle, making it uncomfortable to use. Find a maker you like and stick with it.

[FK]

On many of my new knives I have ordered just the blade from the maker. I prefer to make my own handles for comfortable fit.

Regards,
Fred Krow

[Kenny_S]

I have Helvies, Murphy, Whilltin Jack several Drastra( I think that is the name), Case whillting knife and a Boker. They all perform great. The little Bride has been reading this board and said she would like to try a Denny's knife. Personally, The best is what one thinks is the best. Knives are like sharpening, Many different kinds and ways. I like my knives and use then=m all at different times. Likd gouges, I have older Buck Brothers, Flexcut, and a couple of Taylor sets and again, equally used.

The best doesn't mean the highest priced either, But it is in the eyes of the owners. JMHO.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have a small Denny knife....I like it a lot! I also have a Helvie that I like, and flexcut, and oarcarver and and and...ummm maybe I am a knife addict! :P :

[mikeg]

I have a couple of Murphy's that are good but I need to resharpen. I've got a Denny with a 3/4' blade that I love for small work.

I've also got a couple of pocket knives(some of you may recall my polling you). The Case little congress is ok. I bought a Frost Cutlery one that is actually not an expensive knife but I'm going to sharpen it up because I like the shape of the blades.

Just my 2 cents. Monday!

mikeg

[Ric]

My favorite bench knife has become a Ferry knife. Hand made by our own Rick-in-Seattle. He made the mistake of letting me try it at a show last year, and I had to have it. I am not sure if he has plans to include the 'Ferry knife' in his new catalog, but what a pleasure it is to carve with. I hope he has had time to make another one for himself Â* .
Ric

Rick,
No plans to make knives for a living.
You have one of the best custom knives I ever made; and no, I haven't had time to make another like it; you can bet I will though.