[bckskin2]

I know some people use the folding utility knives to whittle. I tried my old Stanly retractable on some aged wild cherry. I had not stopped the blade, just touched it up with my diamond hone. It's an old blade. I was suprised it cut better than my Frosts laminated steel knife I usually use for roughing out. If the blade was 1/2" longer it would be great!
Jerry

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I think the reason it cuts better than the frost is because the frost is so thick on the back edge....I have one too and don't care for it.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Personally, I wouldn't use those retractable utility knives as there is a chance the blade will slip and you know how those things end up. Look around the next time you go to Lowes and you'll find one from Taiwan that locks the blade firmly in place. Those orientals make a mean boxcutter!!!

[bckskin2]

I have an older one that the blade is held in by a screw. There is no easy or safe way to retract the blade, but I can use it until I get a better one. I have about a ton of scrap leather I will make a sheath.
Thanks,
Jerry

[Jim-Iowa]

Jerry: Lynn is right! The Retractable feature is not what you want!
There are several Retractable Blade Stanleys in my woodworking/ home repair tool kit and the mechanism slips at the most inopertune times(is there really an oportune time to puncture or carve ones self?). Believe me I've the scars to prove it! I don't have the heart to even give them away and certainly won't let my grandson use one. The $5.00 fixed blade unit is what you want. Looks like you have what you need.

[bckskin2]

Do you strop the blades prior to use? I wear my carving glove when stoppping. I like the # of fingers I have too! I did put a wrap of the kids hocky stick tape on the handle

[Lynn O. Doughty]

A good stropping is all you need. As long as you don't bump the edge into something it will stay sharp a long time.

[Dean_Scott]

Lynn , how much of your carvings do you use a utility knife ?? Thanks

[Dull Knife]

Originally Posted by Dean_Scott

Lynn , how much of your carvings do you use a utility knife ?? Thanks

Why not invest in a GOOD knife?? Try a Denny knife, as far as I'm concerned, there aren't any better, sharp as can be when you get it, and they hold an edge better than any knife that I've ever had...utility knives are for opening card board boxes.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Hey Dull Knife,
I was wondering the same thing?? To me it takes longer to change a razor blade then it does to strop a real carving knife. And as for Denny knives, I just bought my 5th one (all different sizes) you can not beat these knives, good price and holds an edge.

Dave