I always recommend that beginning carvers start with a 1-1/2 inch straight blade. Why? The straight blade is the most useful for all around carving, and 1-1/2 inches is about all a beginner can handle safely.

If the blade is much longer than that, 'over-reach' cuts become a real problem. That is; the blade reaches across the carving and cuts the other hand.

So why are there longer blades available? The reason is, once a carver gains skill and respect for the knife, a longer blade is much more useful; especially on larger carvings.

Most of the time I carve with a 2-3/8 inch straight blade; but I also have a slightly curved knife with a blade over 4 inches long that I enjoy carving with.

Blade length is a personal decision much like hair length;
it is really what you are comfortable with.
(No, I don't have a ponytail)

Gee, Rick, that's really too bad; Â*about the pony tsil, I mean!
I have to agree wholeheartedly with you an the beginner's carving knife blade. Â*Several years back when you offered that advice to me for the Scouts at camp, for their wood carving merit badge, I thought the Murphys you sent were too short, but that summer I don't think we had a single cut hand (well maybe a couple) but not the two or three nicks a day from previous years. The shorter blades were an excellent suggestion.

Come to think of it, I don't think I 've gotten any 'off-base' advice from you!

al

Al,
Glad to hear we reduced the injury rate.

Thank you for your confidence in my advice.

(just don't ask how to invest your money) :-/

What money?

Al

[Callynne]

So far the longest knife I have used is 1 1/2', seems plenty long enough for my carvings, which are up to twelve inches tall. I prefer the one that is 1 1/8' long, Dave Lyons brand, of course! Callynne

Just finished a seminar with Pete LeClair....

He uses very long knife blades - over 3' for almost all of his work. He does use a shorter blade at about 2' for detail and will use a gouge sparingly.

I like a relatively short blade at about 1'. I feel I have better control. I do use gouges quite a bit, especially for roughing out.

Caution on long blades: be careful on paring cuts with the thumb. The heel of the blade can cut into the thumb and cause multiple light cuts that may not be noticed right away. This happens most often if you carve towards the tip of the knife. Also, when using longer blades, the tip can cut your holding hand (and or fingers) if you are not using good techniques.