Warren Cutlery

[PerpetuallyNewCarver]

Has anyone here ever used Warren carving knives with the single handle and interchangeable blades? If so what is your honest opinion about them? They seem like really fancy versions of the x-acto sets but are they any better and are they worth the money over conventional knives?

[Inadv]

PNC,

In my humble opinion Warren blades are vastly superior to X-acto. They come sharp enough to carve out of the box, but with a little attention can be greatly improved with a little shaping and honing. I use them frequently in handles of my own design as the handles that Warren offers are just way to small for my hands, but it is my understanding that the collet arrangement on the Warren handles is also superior to X-acto (and the handles for them are really awful in my hands). Many other carvers that make their own knives use the Warren blades, and the spring WCI issue featured an article on making handles for the Warren blades. For the price it is an exceptional value. I plan on purchasing a few of the gouge blades in the near future as well. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

X-acto is fine for some things, but for wood carving I find them totally inferior.

L.P.

[PerpetuallyNewCarver]

Thanks, I am looking at the set and thinking i could stand to make my own handles for the blades and that the blades seem to be better than the x-acto but my other concern was are they as good as some of the other knives out there or just a high end version of the x-acto

[Dicky]

I agree totally with Inadv. One year for Christmas I got about 8 different gouge profiles and set them in my own turned handles. Simply excellent steel.

[PerpetuallyNewCarver]

Thanks, I am thinking I will try one of their sets, the blades are not very expensive either which is nice.


BTW if there is moderator who can move this i accidentally placed it in the wrong list.

[TreeWizard]

I agree with the others. I buy the blades and make my own handles. The interchangeable handles are fine but I find that I try to make the blade I'm using work for all cuts ( that's not always a good idea) rather than change the blade in the handle. Making my own handles gives me the chance to just grab another knife and continue carving with the right blade.

I bought a set of gouges and made handles for then when I started to teach my grandchildren to carve. They have been using them for over 3 years now and they stay sharp with just a bit of stropping.

[Terry Vance]

I like their tools. I put the blades into handles I make and use the handle that comes with it to hold other tools. Mainly Flex Cut gouges. I also have a jig saw blade in one handle and use it to cut holes in sheet rock.....

[Ed Redwine]

Many carvers who travel to carve (carve-ins, seminars and such) will take the Warren kit with them. Seems to work well for them. I agree with the others in that the Warren would be preferably over X-acto.

[Stan Curtis]

Warren blades and gouges are essentially my travel kit...plus they get a lot of use when I'm here at home. Come ready to carve, easy to hone to a real sharp edge, and about the right size for what I do. I have bought more blades that are not in the boxed sets, and an assortment of handles. I cut a slot in the wrench to accomodate the handles that have the knurled nut; fits the blade to loosen or tighten as neded. Incidentally a power saw blade fits well for those cut offs that you want to hurry.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

For travel I think they are fine, but not for every day use. (IMHO)


Dave