[RussL.]

Thank you all once again. You have helped me make an informed decision.
For now I think I'll stick with my 330T Old Timers as my folding whittlers.

I also think I will also send one of them off to Little Shavers to see how they work onced professionally sharpened .

I had already acquired a couple of different traditional fixed blade carving knives to work with at home in the shop.

No doubt you haven't heard the last from me. :-)

Thank you again and Happy New Year!

RussL.

[Kenny_S]

When you send Rick your pocket knife, Might as well send him your fix Blade knives also. You will be kicking yourself if ya don't.

[dart]

I like my old 340T Schrade Old Timer. The 3 blades make it fairly versatile and I can get it really sharp. I've been carrying it for years and I strop it on my leather wallet sometimes just to keep it honed. It is the one that was made in the USA not the ones now being made overseas.

[mikeg]

Another vote for the Double Cross from Rick. I did modify the larger blade into a detail blade. I like the fact that both blades are locking blades.

mikeg

[bckskin2]

I have a 40+ Year old Case Stockman that was a present from my Dad when I was in High School. It was my favorite Whittler, but I was afraid I would lose it. I want a ne Case Seahorse, glad I didn't spend the money. I got an Old Timer Cigar Whittler I'm re-shaping. I bought a cheap Frost Congress at the same time. It's actually a better knife. The Old Timer needs a lot of work.
My favorite Carving Knives are some Warren Cutlery blades I attached to scrap walnut handles. Cut off every thing that doesn't fit my hand. When I'm done I have a knife that feel just right. My favorite spoon knife is a Warren bent blade. I like to show it to carvers & say I bent my knife. you would be suprised how many try to figure out how to straighten it.
Jerry

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

I've been through a pile of folders, and I really mean a pile, I count 22 laying on my desk and I've got a drawer full also (you never have enough knives, too many maybe, but never enough). A variety of patterns and manufacturers; stockmen, various whittlers, mini trappers, Rick's double-cross, Victorinox, to name a few. My current favorites are Rick's double-cross and the Victorinox Tinker (Modified iaw Mr. Lubkemann's inst.). I really like the Tinker, gives a bit more handle and of course you get a couple extra tools (bottle opener, can opener, couple screwdrivers, etc.)

[whittlinguy]

I agree with Plain Ol Ed. The modified Victorinox Tinker is a really nice knife to whittle with. I have a modified Kershaw Double Cross as well but the main knife I carry is the Red Victorinox Tinker. In fact I just purchased another one from E-Bay just in case I should ever loose it.

[DADDIO]

i have a remington 3 blade whittler i got from smoky mountain woodcarvers,and i love it. i do a pile of work just with it.most the times when i'm set up selling or doing demonstrations that's what i'm using so people can see you don't have to have a bunch of high dollar tools (although i do love them too!!!) but that some pretty neat carving can be done with just a knife,and personally i like to see just how much i can do with just my kife also.

[William M. Zerby]

The "W" series tool steels produce the keenest edge mostly due to the small refined grain structure. Most of the old straight razors are made from the "W" series steels. This is only one attribute of a "good" tool steel for carving. Hardness, edge retention and durability all play major factors. Tool steels are are made for specific applications for the most part, and there are 1000's of different types. Other elemts are added into the steel, much like a cake recipe. There are many cross-over uses. for instance I make carving knives for people out of M2 High speed tool steel (see my posts). It is what all my turning tools are made of. It has some great advantages like hardness (HRC 62-64),flexability and edge retention. You may as well know now, that my wife and co-workers here at the store all think I am way to anal retentive!

Kindest regards,
Bill

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

I hear ya. I used to be that way too. Got all wrapped up in the technicalities of the steel. I just knew stainless was no good and inox stainless on SAKs was for sure bad, wouldn't take and edge and couldn't possibly hold it if it did. But in the years of playing around with it, I've found that a lot of the stainless is pretty darned good. I missed out on buying a lot of really good knives because of my predjudices. Since deciding to just buy a knife I liked and not worry about what it was made from (assuming a name manufacturer) I have acquired a lot of knives that I would have previously passed up. Knives that I like a lot.

Discussing steel can get to be sort of like a religious experience. Even metalurgists can't make their mind up which is best for what. There are forums miles long devoted to it.

We sometimes get so wrapped up in the technicalities and pursuit of the ultimate that we forget the to ask the question of does something perform the desired function in a satisfactory manner.

And that's as far as I'm going on the subject on this forum. Much to the delight of many, I'm sure. I tend to get carried away.