[Linda L]

I'm thinking about purchasing a pocket knife to use for just "carry in my pocket, pick up carving" for times when I'm out and about and don't have my regular tools. I've seen a couple, but they are pretty pricy. I've thought of trying to take a regular pocketknife and try to grind/sharpen it for this purpose, but as a beginner, my skills in that area are very limited .

I just found a knife on line at Woodcraft, 2 Blade Folding Carving Knife #831906 .

Does anyone know anything about ths knife? Is it worth $20? Being so cheap, I'm wondering if it is one of those "you get what you pay for" deals or whether it might be useful to add to my collection. I probably would use it mainly when sitting in camp or out hiking for the day, that kind of thing. No "serious" carving, just practice pieces.

Any comments or suggestions?

thanks!
Linda

[AlArchie]

Linda, there are quite a few good pocket knives around and most of them will set you back between 40 and a hundred bucks.

I've found that the Camilus 3 blade whittler, sold by the Boy Scout National Supply Office for around $25 is as good as any I've seen or heard of. It's not the best in every way, but it has three very serviceable blades, designed strictly for carving, a nice delrin handle, good steel, easily sharpened and maintained and still around $25.

If you have a Scout Supply store near you, check it out. If not you can find them in the National Catalog. https://scoutnet.scouting.org/BSASup...NIVES&C4=&LV=3

Just checked the lates price....it's $26.75......last knife on this page of the catalog.

The "Leaders Classic Knife" is a good choice, also....a mite smaller with only two blades and no coping blade, but still a decent whittler.

Al

[Linda L]

I'll check that out. Only problem I see there is it will probably end up costing me $125! My three Eagle Scouts and Bear Cub Scout will think Mom/Grandma should get them one, too!

Thanks !

Linda

[AlArchie]

Tell the "Bear", he has earned one when he gets is First Class Badge! Mine's seen quite a bit of whittlin', then I lost it.....this one hasn't seen much service yet, but it will.

By the way, THREE EAGLES!!! Congradulations, Mom!

Al

[Mitchell]

This is a good knife:

http://www.woodcarvers.com/kn084.htm

Rick (Little Shavers) sells a Kershaw that has a locking blade - that is a plus. I believe it has two blades.

[Tom H]

Hey Linda, What do you mean "no serious pieces, just practice pieces"? My best pieces started out as "practice pieces". I know, that doesn't say much for my carving. What about pocket knives without the blade lock back? I haven't seen any of those. TOM H

[Linda L]

Tom, I know what you mean! Maybe that's the secret to this whole learning curve---don't try so hard, just have fun and see what developes! I think I've been too serious about my carving, afraid I'll mess up ---that's part of what's keeping this beginner from making more chips! Gotta give that one some thought!

Al, great idea for my Grandson! I was in Scouting for over 20 years and led a few down the Eagle Trail including my own. Lots of nights on the trail with a backpack , sleeping in a tent with my hubby. Wish I was a carver back then. I would have had the perfect captive audience, not to mention LOTS OF WOOD! In fact, my middle son was astounded when he saw me carving last year (he's 33 now). He said he thought carving was like those old neckerchif slides in pine they had to carve for the Merit Badge (really ugly). Just goes to show how they teach it. The instructors are usually non-carvers. Anyone wanting to show some young men what carving CAN be, contact your local Scout office and volunteer to teach the Merit Badge. They really are clueless and would appreciate the help! ---too bad I waited until now to start carving ! Did cut a few corners off those Tote-N-Chips though!

Mitchel, thanks for the suggestion. The reason the one at Woodcraft caught my attention was the "under $25" price! I'm already over budget on tools and haven't produced many carvings yet. When I get as good as some of the beginners here , I'll add more expensive tools to my collection. 'Till then, I was looking for something relatively inexpensive that had several blades I could just carry along to whittle! I will mark that one to chek out in the future , thanks for looking for me!

Linda

[wood-whittler]

linda,

i think i would spend just a few more dollars and get the boy scout edition these are made by camillus{or they used to be probably still are} these are pretty good knives and would give you good service. just my thoughts hope it helps


bart

[Linda L]

OK, I think I'll go the Scout route---supports the Scouting program at the same time---a twofer!

Thanks everyone!

Linda

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

The "Oar Carver" is a nice knife as is the flexcut "Carvin' Jack" but both expensive, also Rich Notto has a folder...