Anything on Okapi Knives from Ragnar?

M

matlau

Joined
Feb 19, 2006
Messages
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Hi, I'm really new to knives. I'm looking for an inexpensive folder mainly for carving wood. Over the past two weeks, I've gotten a really strong case of knife-lust, but I can't rationalize spending too much on a knife for myself (still in school, no time to carve).

I got into this knife lust when I was building my first guitar (not done yet), when I realized how many things a good knife can do (I had to make do with my tiny 2" victorianox swiss army knife). My main experience with sharp objects have been limitted to scalpels, kitchen knives, japanese chisels, and handplanes.

I've heard some good things about some of the okapis, but it seems really nebulous. Any ideas? I'm also considering getting an Optinel #8 for a friend.
-matt

ps. feel free to let me know if you have any ideas of good carving knives for under $15. I've heard of the frost mora blades, but I've yet to try them.
 
The Okapi is an interesting knife, but as they come from the factory they need to be reground. They arethat dull.

If I was going to be doing wood carving and needed a really sharp knife, I'd just get a small Opinel. The Okapi I got I had a bladesmith friend do a regrind on it to reprofile the edge. Once that was done it cut good.

For the money, the Opinel is a better knife.

The mora knives are an under rated wonder of the knife world. I have a couple and my wood handle Frosts with the laminated carbon blade is a slicing machine. You have'nt had fun till you whitle with a sharp mora.
 
Just ask and Ragnar will reprofile an Okapi for you if you call and place the order, free of charge. I have had many dealings with him and he is a gentleman and a scholar. Tell him what you're trying to do, and I'm sure he'll have some good suggestions.

I only have the large lockback Okapi model, and it is a great knife, but a little large for carving IMHO. Good steel, though.

If you aren't specifically looking for a folding knife, I will second JackKnife and say that a Mora is a wonderful tool.

For a folder, I would go with Stockman or Whittler pattern knife in carbon steel, preferably.

The Eka knives on Ragnar's site are a great value and would work well, too.
 
Ragnar is great to deal with. As for carving I suggest a #7 Opinel in carbon steel over an Okapi. I like the Okapi especially the large locking version but Opinel is not world famous for nothing. Very versatile and won't break the bank to replace plus you can get 'em sharp enough to shave with pretty easily.
 
Opinel #8 is a pretty big knife, I'm not a carver but like the #8 for basic cutting tasks.

A big fan of the Mora but again the 4" blade I use is likely a bit large for carving. Lee Valley sells Mora carving knives just like the 4" version but with smaller blades.

Bought from Ragnar twice and he provided good communication and shipping times.
 
Okapi knives are interesting. I have the large lockback folder, which I reground by hand on a stone (only took a couple minutes), and I gave a smaller non-locking folder to my lady-friend. Mine's a little large for whittling, but is nice as a general utility/food blade.
Sure, get an Okapi. But first, get an Opinel.

For your purposes, I'll recommend a Boker stockman, with carbon steel blades. They can be had for $20-30, depending on where you buy one. If you can get one for cheap, also check out Eye Brand knives (good carbon steel blades), Case knives (only get CV, don't mess with the stainless), or Queen (their D2 is great).

Good luck!
Peace.
Alex.
 
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