Mike, it is a clip point, not that it matters much, I removed the point to create a upswept cutting edge on that blade.

You have brought up a point concerning new pocket knives that needs to be talked over.

The hardest part of configuring a new knife to your own tastes is getting over the idea of it being new.
That's why it is really difficult to sharpen them far enough to carve with. Â*We tend to blame it on the stones or the metal in the blade, but it's really our minds telling us not to mess up a shiney new knife.

I'm telling you it simply has to be done. Â*You will never be happy with a knife until it truly fits you and cuts like a dream.

Remember that old knife that had been worn to the point that it was your favorite? Â*Then it wore out for some reason and had to be shelved? Â*The idea is to get your new knife nearly to that perfect point before you ever use it.

It's hard to do, but you won't be happy with it until its done.

I have been carving on and off about 15yrs now...I say use the knife that is the most comfortable..does not tire your hand out after serious episodes of carving. a small knife may be good for opening a package etc..but a person with large hands like myself my find a small knife uncomfortable after awhile..meaning you want to stay with a knife with a larger handle.. carving knives come in variety of blade lengths 'rough-out' blades are longer and detail knives are right around 1.5' in length in that ballpark

thats my 2cents for today
bill

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Someone..I think it is on 'knotholes' forum takes a buck stockman and converts it, one blade becomes a gouge, one a v tool and the other a detail blade....from what I can see it looks like a good, neat job...wants 99.00 for them I think.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Anyone that likes Imperial boy scout knives should look at this ebay site..they have several, 2 at .99 ... http://search.ebay.com/Imperial-knif...QsosortorderZ1

[quote author=Hi_Ho_Sliver link=board=Beginner;num=1092319229;start=15#23 date=08/13/04 at 16:39:09]Anyone that likes Imperial boy scout knives should look at this ebay site..they have several, 2 at .99 ... Â*http://search.ebay.com/Imperial-knif...QsosortorderZ1[/quote]


NOOOOOO!!!!!!! Not an E-Bay link!!!!! I'm in enough trouble already!!!

I envy you all. I have several pocket knives and over the years, modified many and sharpened them to the peak of perfection, and despite best intentions end up stripping wire or something because it seemed urgent at the time. now I have a collection of knives needing nicks sharpened away

Why I always carry two and many times three.

To expand on what Rick says about not wanting to modify a new pocket knife; if your CAREFUL about what your doing you can usually find a package deal for several quality (but usually well used) pocket knives on ebay for less the $5 per knife. The well used part won't bother you much because you going to be happily grinding away anyhow.

I've got a particular fondness for Schrade 'Old Timer's.' They come in several sizes from too small to too big.

I guess now we all know every one like something differant. I would also like to add that along with the bulldog knives I suggested. I also picked up a few J.A.Henckles whittler pattern that seems to be very well suited to carving and the thing really hold an edge

I recieved the Bear knife and gave it a good working over with the stones and strop. This is a VERY nice knife!! I have used it for several sticks and one bark carving with good results.

Being brand new and a $70 knife to begin with I haven't modified the blades yet but the small blades all work well enough and the coping blade is good for detail work.

Now if I can only get out of the doghouse long enough to go get some more sticks. LOL