Benefits of the various penknife shapes

S

stargawker

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Just joined this forum. I have always loved knives but only owned a couple of poor quality ones until recently.

Recently I took up whittling. I purchased several wood carving knives based on online recommendations but I also wanted a pocket knife I could use for whittling. So I bought a Rough Rider lockback Canoe.

I am really pleased with the Rough Rider Canoe knife for whittling but I was curious about all the various shapes of pocket knives like canoe, trapper, bowie, etc. Are certain shapes better for certain purposes than others or is it more about aesthetics?

Thanks,
 
Welcome to the Traditional Forum, this is a great group of folks here and you'll learn a lot. I can't help you with whittling applications as I've never used a pocket knife for that purpose. I'm sure those who have will chime in soon enough. In the mean time have you tried the Search feature to see what comes up?

Here's a link to give you a start. I went to the Advanced Search and typed in "Whittling". Hope this helps. When you get something share some pics!

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-favorite-whittling-knife?highlight=whittling
 
Hey - I was actually just testing all my pocket knives for whittling and I have to say the medium sized higonokami knife is pretty stellar in wood. The Scandi grind and laminated steel work great. The handle is a bit uncomfortable but I fashioned a leather sheath of sorts that hinges of the lanyard hole and makes a comfortable grip. Otherwise you might want to look into a 4 blade congress and/or 3blade stockman. These knives give the blade options for different types Of cuts and sometimes even repeat blades of the same type so you can grind their bevels for different purposes. I like to have a sheepsfoot and clip handy for whittling and the stockman will always take care of those.
 
But no matter what blade you use our going I want it to be incredibly sharp and carbon steel blades are often easier to get and keep sharp.
 
My actual question is what is the difference in the various shapes of pocket knives? Congress vs peanut vs canoe, etc. Are some shapes better for some tasks?
 
I don't whittle much, but when I do I find that the sheepfoot blade on a medium stockman (Buck 303, Schrade 34OT, etc.) is perfect for me. OH
 
I'm guessing that a decent sized handle would make it easier... So a Peanut vs a Barlow or large Stockman for example would seem to indicate the larger folders would give you a better grip on the knife as you work. This is just a guess on my part, but too small a handle would probably make it more difficult? I think personal preference is probably the biggest factor. Along with a blade that's conducive to carving, such as a Spear? Sheepfoot?
 
In theory, the "reverse" handle shapes, like Congress and Norfolk are more comfortable for draw cuts (pulling toward you) that are common in whittling/carving. A smaller handle likely will give more control over fine cuts, but a larger one may be generally more comfortable.

As far as blade shapes, the point and straight edge of wharnecliffe/sheepsfoot/coping blades are conventionally thought good for whittling. I have actually found the spey blade shape to be somewhat useful. Clip is good for the point, but the shallow belly may not be so good. Same generally true of spear.

Carbon steel, with its exceptional ability to take a very fine edge, is generally thought to be superior to most stainless for whittling/carving. You will probably want a strop or steel or fine "crock stick" to keep your edge superkeen.

All of this is going to end up being a matter of personal preference.
 
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