Disclaimer: This is not a scientific (some may say not even qualified) test of this product. I am giving my personal opinion only, not associated with any company or institution.

I do have a huge carving and pocket knife collection and spent many years as a 'knife carver'. This knife will be displacing the 'Boker Whittler' in my pocket.

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The 'Oar Carver Pocket Knife' arrived today very well packaged.

I was immediately impressed with the quality workmanship and thought that had gone into the design.

The overall appearance out-of -the-box was exceptional.
It has beautiful 'Jigged Black Cherry' scales, and well polished nickel-silver bolsters. Two well shaped and matched blades, one mounted at each end creating a well balanced feel.

The instructions which accompany the knife indicates the blades are made from 'High Carbon D2 steel' Included are recommendations for putting a useable edge on the blades.

Ignoring the instructions, I spent ten minutes producing a serviceable edge using my Burke sharpener. Of course being extremely careful not to damage the bolsters or kicks. Another five minutes was spent hand-finishing edges that would eventually cut or wear on my hands.

The blade shape is pleasing to the eye and the angle of the cutting edge to the knife centerline is nearly perfect.

I believe the jigged handle or my hand will break-in eventually. Right now, the edge is noticeable while carving.

The knife is comfortable to carry, although I will require a second knife for non-carving uses.

I have barely had an opportunity to carve with this knife, so I can not speak as to the edge holding ability.

I took a look at the Oar knife today and I want one too!!!!

Good whittlin, Cliff
Charles City, Iowa
http://cliffordparker.tripod.com

Ric
Is there a web site whith a picture of this knife? I have tried several pocket versions over the years and still looking.

Ric

Hi Ric,

This should get you to a pic.
http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/M...egory_Code=TXO

Good whittlin, Cliff
Charles City, Iowa
http://cliffordparker.tripod.com

Rick, is this a lockblade? I recently ordered a Case Copperlock lockblade, but it was on backorder so long I cancelled it today. I also found out my carving club is pursuing ordering a bunch of them at wholesale, so I'll probably wait for that order now. It's $35-40. While I like the look of the Oar as well, I really want a lockblade (ok, it's 'cuz I push too hard behind the blade :-/) and I didn't want to go the $60 I've seen it advertised at. Thanx for taking the time to write up the review...I may switch yet. Or, wth, I may just have to get both!

- Brian

[AlArchie]

Check the site provided by Cliff; it has a good photpo and description of the OAR knife. It is not a lock-back knife.

Al

Al is correct, it is not a lock-back, but the spring is healthy and with the configuration of the knife I doubt it would close accidentally. That seems to occur most on thin blades, these are .586 inch wide by .142 thick at the spring. The blade length is nearly 1-3/4' which doesn't provide much leverage for accidental closing.

I wouldn't say it could not happen, but I feel pretty safe using it. I currently have about 2 hours carving with it, I have been carving medium-hard and dry 50+ year old wood.
I still prefer my detail knife when making fine cuts. I have found one very small nick near the tip of the blade. That is fairly common with new knives, which may require two or more sharpenings before they maintain their edge consistantly.

I would not rate the edge-holding ability of this knife without at least 30 hours of solid use on a variety of woods.

Last year I found a 'whittler' that I thought was very impressive. When it arrived I sharpened it and the first cut I made on a piece of basswood, the blade chipped, and then broke in half. Now it may have simply been a bad blade, but I returned the knife for a refund. It had a very well known name and a retail price of $90.00+. In that case, I rated it immediatly. :P

Thanks for the tip. I ordered mine today. Always looking for a good pocket carving knife.

Ric

[Kenny_S]

The par knofe looks great. But I still carry a Boker that my darling little bride and daughter got me for father's days many years ago. If the old bean is correct, it came very sharp and only strop it it.
However, I do like the looks of the blades on the Oar. May have to look deeper into it.
Y'll are going to cause me to see stars again. :
Thats it. I'll blame you all for the knife.
and safe carving
Ken

[Kenny_S]

See what you all have done to me, My fingers where so excited that they couldn't type correctly. That should have read Oar Knife instead of par knoke.Hehehehehe.