All About Pocket Knives

I do, especially now that I take my 3 year old daughter to the playground on weekends, and I need something to occupy me for the hour or so.

I'm going to attempt to post pictures of two recent aquistions which I'm impressed with.

The first (with wood handles) is a pattern I was not familiar with until I encountered it recently, and immediately bought it. It's a Bulldog brand "Ground Hog" pattern. The blades are ideal for whittling, and it's the best knife I've come across for this purpose.

The second is a Queen Cutlery 3 1/2" whittler with "black cherry" delrin handes and D2 blades. The thing that impressed me so much about this knife is the fact that the main blade is ground from 4mm thick D2 stock. It's very impressive as I've attempted to show in the pictures. Also, unlike most 3 1/2" whittlers, the spear and coping blades are actually thick and strong enough for serious whittling. The fact that they are made of Queen's PH-D2 steel helps a lot of course. This is an amazing knife for $35 IMHO.

So, anyone else have favorite knives for whittling?

I am talentless at most things, especially whittling. However, I do sharpen pencils, and here is a Bulldog I have used for the task.

Bill

Hi Bill:

Is that a "Viking" pattern? I believe that's what Bulldog calls it's 3 7/8" seahorse whittler offering. I have one, and I like it a lot.

I read all over the place where people consider sheepfoot and wharncliffe blades to be ideal for whittling and carving, and to an extent I agree. However, I find that I often need a blade with some belly. That's why I like that "Ground Hog" so much. For this reason I've also tended to prefer a stockman for whittling (utilizing the sheep foot and spey blades) over the congress, which is thought of as the wood carvers pattern.

Thanks for the pic. Take care.

Jim

My grandfather whittled for years, mostly birds, which he gave away to friends. How about posting some of your productions?

I like whittling, though perhaps I should say carving since I often use a set of X-acto carving tools along with pocket knives, I find a Schrade stockman 34OT fine for whittling and also like an inexpensive Imperial Ireland stockman (from the old Schrade factory in Ireland) which has very thin blades, Opinels are also good.

First picture is some stuff that I've made, the rattle is turned on a lathe and the balls in a cage and the spoon are carved. Second picture is my Opinels, one with a carved handle.

Luis


Click to enlarge

Here is one of my finest works...



Oh, wait...I'll bet you meant JIM'S work...

Seriously, that Bulldog of mine is 4 1/8"...and I believe it is called the "Thor"...just bigger than the "Viking".

Bill

P. S.
You are quick today Luis.

Whittling, that great American past time, nothing better than to test the quality of your blades. Unfortunately my artistic abilities are lacking far behind my technical abilities and my useful creations are toothpicks. But I do whittle while I think and test the blades. I do like warncliff blades and I like Bulldogs 4 1/8 THOR and the 3 7/8 VIKING for whittling. The 3 1/8 or 3 inch SEDUCTRESS (forgot the length) is just to small in my hand and I just have some prototypes for my collection. I also like the old Parker Bob Cat lock back for whittling, it's only 3 inches closed but it fits well in my hand and has been indestructable for 20 years. Funny how the style of knife makes the length important. I like the 4 1/8 THOR for whittling but find little use for a 4 1/8 trapper other than collecting based on my preferences. I also like a couple of stockman knives with 3 5/8 being the minimum length.

calico jack wrote:My grandfather whittled for years, mostly birds, which he gave away to friends. How about posting some of your productions?

Although I do like to whittle, I haven't turned out anything worth taking a picture of. To give you an idea of my accomplishments in this regard, I was very impressed with Lobo's creation.

I made a cane from a birch limb for my mother in law for monthers day, which involved some whittling. I notice it hasn't seen the light of day since. I figure she likes it so much that she doesn't want to ruin it by using it. Yeah, that's the ticket...

Don Luis, VERY impressive specimens. Thanks for the pics!

I like to make walking canes and walking sticks, some with a few words burned on them with a small wood burner... no fancy art work though. I'm impressed with the work of Luis and Lobo. Keep doin it guys. It's good for the soul. Carvers and whittlers should check out a tool made by "Flexcut" called a "Whittlin Jack". Available at "Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers.com". It's a multi-blade folder with blades designed for pushing, pulling, whittlin, cuttin, etc. It's a little pricey though.

CORRECTION;

The "Whittlin Jack" is supposed to be "Carving Jack" (sorry)

Here's a pic.

By the way, does anyone know where I can find a similar tool for less than $110 ?