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| Woodcarving Tools, Technology & Sharpening | 
12-14-2005, 08:59 PM
|  | Moderator | | Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: Arizona
Posts: 9,409
| | New Helvie Knife! Awhile back we were having a discussion about knives, can't seem to find the thread, but Rich Smithson the new owner of Helvie came on and introduced himself. Anyway, I had said I had a helvie and that I liked it, but the blade was never quite right, had a secondary bevel and didn't cut basswood well at all, I just used it for hardwood (which I rarely carve unless on a walking stick) Anyway Rich contacted me and I sent him my knife, he just returned it plus a new one.....he too had a problem with the secondary bevel and the thickness....so he had to remove quite a bit of metal, the new one however has the flat blade from back to edge....we were at a Good Sam's Christmas dinner and I had to slip out to the car and try out the knives, from the little time I was able to try them, I can tell you....I now have two , count'em, two more favorite knives LOL, they cut great! Rich does know what a basswood carver needs in a blade and I would highly recommend him...Thanks also to Rich for a gift he included of a roughin knife with my name on it! That knife is also terrific.....but I tell you what, they will all get a thorough tryout tomorrow ha ha..........thanks again Rich! 
Last edited by Hi_Ho_Sliver : 12-14-2005 at 09:02 PM.
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12-14-2005, 09:22 PM
|  | Senior Member | | Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Springfield, MO
Posts: 522
| | Re: New Helvie Knife! Not many people or companies are willing to back their product, let alone go the extra mile to make a customer happy. Glad to say I've got 2 Helvies, both good knives and used primarily anytime I'm carving.
Garon | 
04-12-2006, 12:18 PM
| | Rich | | Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tipton, Indiana
Posts: 10
| | Re: New Helvie Knife! Dave
Really glad to see that the knives worked out well. I have many carvers tell me that the higher bevel I am putting on the knives works very well, though they may not be all the way to the top, they are higher than they were when I first started, thanks to all you carvers for the help!!
"Carve On"
Rich
Helvie Knives | 
04-12-2006, 12:21 PM
| | Rich | | Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tipton, Indiana
Posts: 10
| | Re: New Helvie Knife! Garon
Thanks for statement! Helvie Knives will always work with the carvers to try to make the best knife out there. We stand behind our knives 100%.
"Carve On"
Rich
Helvie Knives | 
04-12-2006, 01:59 PM
|  | Member | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 115
| | Re: New Helvie Knife! I always wanted a Helvie (probably because of the handle!), but was too cheap to pay for it. Well, last month the guy that came to our club meetings and sold tools had a big going out of business sale - half off! He had several Helvies so, I bought a detail knife from him. After giving it a try, I am convinced the only thing better than the handle on a Helvie is the blade! What a great knife!! Knowing what I know now, I would have bought ALL of his Helvies!
__________________
Tucson Bill Maker of Fine Firewood and Kustom Kindling | 
04-13-2006, 12:21 PM
| | Rich | | Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tipton, Indiana
Posts: 10
| | Re: New Helvie Knife! Tucson Bill
I am really glad you liked the knife. The cost is higher than some others, but I don't think some carvers know how much work goes into the knife. The knives are handmade, no jigs, guides or templetes, we make each knife one at a time. The handles are ground out by hand as well as the blades, even the sheath is dyed and sewn by hand. There are probably no two knives that are identical. I think if people seen what went into the knives they would understand the cost, we use a lot of supplies and band aides making the knives. Lucky for us, skin does grow back, lol.
Thanks
Rich
Helvie Knives | 
04-13-2006, 10:31 PM
| | Member | | Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Unicoi, TN
Posts: 432
| | Re: New Helvie Knife! I have 4 Helvies and would sure hate to give any of them up. They will remove wood. My one Helvie is old enough that it's a "cheap" Helvie, think I only paid $28 for it. In my beginners class I asked the question," What's the difference between a $15 knife and a $30 dollar knife". We took a break and the owner and instructor brought me a Helvie and told me to try it. The knife went home with me and the rest is history. | 
04-14-2006, 07:36 AM
|  | Moderator | | Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Miramichi, NB, Canada
Posts: 4,749
| | Re: New Helvie Knife! I have just the one Helvie and I love it. It's a sweet carving knife, sharp and true, slides off chips as smooth as a baby's bottom. Takes little honing to maintain and keeps a great edge. The shape is perfect for carving my half model hulls. Thanks Helvie, you make a great product, and I appreciate the detail and attention you put into your work.
Bob | 
04-14-2006, 08:58 AM
|  | Senior Member | | Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: SEKansas, Born and raised a Jayhawker
Posts: 6,437
| | Re: New Helvie Knife! Both the little bride and I have a Helvie, hers is a detailer and she loves the way the handle fits in her hand but it was bought because of the color of the handle, then she started using it, Mine is a longer blades one and have used it and use it but now have it in my travel box and use it when traveling. Less stropping with it. | 
04-17-2006, 11:29 AM
| | Member | | Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oak Lawn, IL
Posts: 106
| | Re: New Helvie Knife! Hello,
I bought my first Helvie knife a couple of years ago on Ebay. I loved the blade, but did not like the slippery handle. I sold it and bought the "double hump" handle from sharp-stuff.com, and I love it. I also have the double hump detail knife, and really enjoy uising both of the knives. On the http://www.sharp-stuff.com/catalog/k...ng-c-8_69.html web site, you will find a variety of knife handle styles available.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Thanks,
Dan Heine | | Thread Tools | | | | Display Modes | Linear Mode |
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