Modified pocket knives

[GILLY]

I see that some folks are using modified pocket knives for whittling. My question is, is there a particular brand that has good steel that will make a really good whittling knife? I plan on doing this too, but want to get a good quality knife with good steel for holding a carving edge without having to strop every 15 minutes.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have a "Carvin' Jack" by flexcut, and an "Oar Carver" by Ross Oar, haven't used the Carvin' Jack much......the Oar Carver is a good knife, and I understand Rick at Little Shavers has an outstanding conversion he does on the "Kershaw"

[MelNM]

Gilly, I have the carving jack, its a good knife and steel is real good it holds and keeps a good edge. I only use it when I go camping or vacation.

But if your talking about pocket knives in general, I would look for a knife that the blades are carbon steel, theres a lot of opinions on brands. Kershaw and Case makes some good knives.
Mel

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

If you want an off the shelf folder, Rick modifies and sells a Kershaw Double Cross of AUS6A stainless. The Oar Carvers are made by Queen and have D2 Carbon Steel.

Here's an assortment that I use. All but the one on the right were modified by me. The one on the right is the Kershaw that Rick modifies, it is made of AUS6A stainless. The top one is a Case medium stockman (3318) of Chrome Vanadium steel. The next one down is a Case mini-trapper of Chrome Vanadium Steel and Osage Orange handles. Next down is a Rough Rider mini-trapper of 440 Stainless and Walnut handles. Finally is a model 303 Buck of 420 stainless. IMO the bum rap that stainless steel has is a hold over from the old days. The modern stainlesses seem to be just fine for all practical purposes. Each of those knives pictured take and hold an edge just fine. The Rough Rider can be had on ebay for around $10 and is a real value.

[Bartster]

gilly,
i have not tried the kershaw but if rick has laid his hands on it i am sure it would be a fine knife, i too have the oar carver good knife nice size to fit the hand i use it some also,but my faverite for the moment is a case mini trapper with carbon blades that i modified myself it is a good size for the hand and not to big and bulky for the pocket.it also comes with 2 fairly good sized blades that you could modify into just about any shape you could want. imo you cant go wrong with the case you will have to modify a good bit but it can be modified to what you want

happy carving

bart

[GILLY]

Thanks for the info folks.

[cerndog]

This is more of a question than a reply (new to the forum) How long can you use a pocket knife for whittling before the joints start to loosen and the blades start to wiggle? I worry that I will ruin some of my favorite knives by using them for carving. Any experience with this?

[GILLY]

Originally Posted by cerndog

This is more of a question than a reply (new to the forum) How long can you use a pocket knife for whittling before the joints start to loosen and the blades start to wiggle? I worry that I will ruin some of my favorite knives by using them for carving. Any experience with this?

I have a Buck "Bronco Custom" stockmans knife, I've used it for carving and whittling for 13 years or so and it is still tight and nice to carve. It has hollow ground blades that keep a keen edge for quite some time without having to touch up the edge.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

The only brand of knife that I have used that loosened up excessively were Schrades. Schrade uses a bit of a different method of construction than most other manufacurers. If you look closely at the front bolster on most any other make of knife you will see a round pin. This pin goes through the bolster, the liners, the blade, and the other bolster. It is all that holds the front of the knife together. If the blade on your knife does loosen up, put one bolster on something hard and give the pin on the other bolster a few taps with a hammer. Turn the knife over and repeat. Your blade is now tight. If you want you can then repolish the bolster. Doesn't work with a Schrade.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Here's a picture that may help