Carving Tools

[carvin don]

I was wonderin' what type of knives/tools the woodcarvers here prefer? I photographed some of the knives and palm tools I like to use.

[BIGHEAD]

You have plenty

[keithlong]

Hey Don,
What little carving I have done, I use my trusty ole pocket knives. Not really into carving that much, more into just whittling. However I think you have a nice collection of tools and knives there. You sure do some nice carvings.

[TM]

I haven't learned how to use chisels and gouges yet, but would like to get a few and try. Looks like you have quite a few there, Don - nice tools

Here's what I've been using: Seahorse whittlers, sodbuster, medium pen and a hobby knife with interchangeable blades.

The sodbuster is great for large stock removal. It takes a real sharp edge and feels good to cut with. For those of you who are just starting to whittle; If you're not sure what kind of knife to get and you're on a tight budget, I would recommend getting a CV pen knife like the one in the picture.

[carvin don]

Hey Keith,
Pocket knife whittlin' just can't be beat. Something real special about the feel and sound of a pocket knife slicin' through a hunk of wood

TM,
Nice knives, is that a Warren interchangeable set? Warren makes some good stuff.

If you're lookin' to buy some palm tools, they are not that expensive. Ramelson (used to be Harmon) makes nice affordable palm tools. If you buy them from a reputable store, you can get them pre-sharpened if you don't want to deal with sharpening them. V-tools can be onry to sharpen sometimes.

Just adding a v-tool and a u gouge to your tools might reel you deeper into carving Then, just like knife collecting, you'll find yourself "needing" more specialty tools for the type of carvings you create

Thanks for sharin' your carving tools fellas'

[TM]

Hey guys, it's true, pocket knife whittlin' really can't be beat!

Don, thanks for the advice on the palm tools - I'm already hooked, so I plan on getting some soon

The hobby knife I've been using is made by a company called Excel. I picked it up at a Hobby Lobby. It's been a big help with my carving. They make lots of different blades, and they're all thin and razor sharp - but more sturdy than a standard Xacto setup.

[aspenwhittler]

The Ramelson Tool cannot be beat. PERIOD Quality Materials & Made in America

resp.<

[TM]

Well, I broke down and got myself some proper carving knives

I am very happy with them so far

Hey aspenwhittler, can you tell us more about this Ramelson tool? How about some pics and a description - and some pics of something you've made with it?

[carvin don]

Congrats TM Flexcut makes mighty fine tools. I have several palm tools by them and enjoy carvin' with 'em. Keep us posted as to what yer makin'.

[carvin don]

Oh, and by the way, you might want to check out Flexcuts "Carvin' Jack?" I think that's what it's called. It has a knife, a gouge, a v-tool, a skew and a chisel, I believe. Comes with a sheath and is a folding carving tool. Pretty neat, I know a guy who has one. They run around $120 though. Just thought I'd let you know 'bout it in case you haven't heard of it.