[Carp]

Originally Posted by 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...

The Carvin' Jack is expensive and the knife blade is a little too big. I have taken one with me on scout outings (Scoutmaster, Troop 400) and when you are working with the knife the chisel and gouges make little cuts in the palm of your hand. Irritating. Now I just stick with the fixed blade carving knife and a self made wooden blade cover.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

those little nicks come from when you open a blade the other two come with it, you have to make sure you push the two down you are not using....got the chisel blade in my hand a couple of times before I wised up LOL

[Just Carving]

Gee I could make a knife that'll cut me every time I used it for a lot cheaper than the Carvin Jack! LOL

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

But I will bet it won't have the blades the carvin jack does! lol

[Kenny_S]

Linda L, Congratulation ofn the three eagle sciouters. My eagle Scouter is 27 now and he as well as I cherish the time we had together in scouts. As for kives, ALA said it beat as there are some real good ones out there by different namebrands. the Scout whittler was made by camiulius at one time, I still have mine and alternate it with my Case whittler and a Boker whittler. The Scouter has seen more use as it was carried for the 11 years I was in Scouts and carved a lot of Eagle topped walking staffs. It isn't usewd as mush now as the blades are a little wobbelly from carving and general scouting use. However, A fine knife.
I do understand the supporting of Scouts as My little Bride and I still heavly support our local Scouting program, Boys, Cub and Girl Scout. I know whatever knife you choose, you will enjoy it as well as the scouting experince. I miss those campouts.

[Linda L]

Thanks Ken, I miss those campouts as well. My oldest Eagle Scout is 35, youngest is 24 now. Have a grandson who we hope to be involved with again, but since his dad is divorced, he's having a tough time getting him to meetings. He's now joined the same Troop my sons were in (Troop 53). My oldest son went back and was also the Scoutmaster for several years.

My biggest regret is that it never occurred to me to learn to carve during that time. I guess I was in the same "mindset" as my middle son. The first time he saw my first carving of a feather, his response was what every beginner loves to hear. He was in absolute shock! It wasn't that great, after all it was my "first," but he said he thought carving was like those "stupid neckerchief slides they had us do at summer camp." He said he had no idea that carving could be something of beauty or an actual art. Guess I kind of saw it the same way until I saw a carving done by a gentleman who brought his for a show and tell at a meeting I attended (non-Scouting).

My guess is one of the many reasons our youth aren't picking up this art is because it is being taught and shown to them by well meaning Scouters, Club Leaders and Teachers who have no idea of the potential it holds. I hope someday to reach a point where maybe I can learn enough and return to Scouting and teach the carving Merit Badge to show some of the guys what carving REALLY is!

Hey, who knows, our backpacking has dwindled down to zero since the last bird left the nest. Maybe hubby and I will be back in it once my grandson starts hiking. A backpacking trip provides a true "captive audience!" Of course, that will mean I'll have to pack enough tools and such 'cause they'll all want to try! This time I'll BE PREPARED !

Haven't been to the local Scout office yet, but I think I'm going to pick up the Scout Knife. I just want something I can carry to carve "on the spot" when I'm out and about and find a nice log to sit on and rest.

Thanks for all the input guys, very helpful information!

Linda

[Rare Decoys]

Just bought a small set of chiels...tryin them out this week.

[stickman]

One of my favorites is an old timer three blade pocket knife. somewhere around 30 $ I find the three different blade shapes really mean a lot .they make two sizes the smaller one caries better in your pocket! In my opinion they are of better quality than the boy scout knife. they sharpen easily and if you strop them regularly they will hold an edge quit a while. I probably have more pocket knives than the average guy and I find myself carrying it most of the time .Who am I kidding I carry it all the time no matter what even if I carry another one.

[Terry Vance]

Linda,

I purchased one of those knives and the blade angles don't feel right in my hand. I used a pocket knife for years. It was a three blade folder by case I think. If I were you I would shop around (with a piece of wood in my hand) so I could give it a try before I bought it.

Good luck,

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Well one of these days when I am feeling flush, I will get one of Ricks modified Kershaw doublecross folders.