Carving and Whittling: Discussion and Recommendation

humblerodent

humblerodent

Joined
May 28, 2011
Messages
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I've done some searching for a recommendation for a good carving and whittling knife. The majority of the recommendation are for traditional slipjoint patterns with multiple blades. I see the advantages here, but for me carving for a long stretch with a traditional folder would be madness because of how small the handles are. My hand would become incredibly fatigued by this. Also, I don't see any reason to use a folding knife. Without having much experience on the subject, the following are the attributes that I think a carving knife would have. Those more knowledgeable, please tell me if I'm way off base, and also please make me a recommendation for a specific knife with these or other important traits. I'm looking for a single knife, not a carving set. I'm willing to spend, but I understand the appeal of Moras.

Attributes:
Fixed blade
Thin blade stock
Carbon steel
Thin high hollow grind with convex edge
High polish finish
Fine point and a little but not too much belly
Small blade (between 2 and 3 inches)
Large contoured handle (maybe the most important attribute in my mind)

Thanks!
 
I feel you man, I love to whittle and carve but find that using some of my folders is a real pain in my vag.
 
Doesn't have to be a Mora, but there are plenty of Scandinavian knife brands that make carving blades with big, comfortable and easy to control handles.

If you want a specific name, take a look at the Ahti blades, specifically the Tikka, Korpi and Janka.

Or, Roselli makes the Bear Claw and Carpenter's Knife.

Only thing you won't find is "Thin high hollow grind with convex edge" -not really sure what you want here.
 
I'd look into having one custom made it probably wouldn't cost much more than $100.
Just my $0.02.
 
duckman1 use's Tony Bose fixed blade swaybacks for his professional duck decoy carvings. He makes some of the best I've ever seen. Found a pic of a couple he did. They don't have thick handles though. Others make a similar versions of the knives.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...all-and-cage!-Pic-heavy?p=5697297#post5697297

I have a Case fixed swayback that would be great for carving, but it doesn't have a thick handle either, and has 154CM.
 
CWL said:
Doesn't have to be a Mora, but there are plenty of Scandinavian knife brands that make carving blades with big, comfortable and easy to control handles.

If you want a specific name, take a look at the Ahti blades, specifically the Tikka, Korpi and Janka.

Or, Roselli makes the Bear Claw and Carpenter's Knife.

Only thing you won't find is "Thin high hollow grind with convex edge" -not really sure what you want here.
Click to expand...

Some of these look promising, thank you.

Ken44 said:
duckman1 use's Tony Bose fixed blade swaybacks for his professional duck decoy carvings. He makes some of the best I've ever seen. Found a pic of a couple he did. They don't have thick handles though. Others make a similar versions of the knives.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...97#post5697297

I have a Case fixed swayback that would be great for carving, but it doesn't have a thick handle either, and has 154CM.
Click to expand...

Ken, this is a very good suggestion. I have always admired the fixed sway back style. I may give this a shot, and see if the smaller handle will be a problem for me. If so, I'll probably move to more scandinavian, big handled, style. Thanks!
 
Take a look at Flex Cuts - JKN95 Tri-Jack Pro (around $90). It isn't a fixed blade (has three) but they all lock. Decent handle too. the blades are not carbon, but IMO very good steel/temper.
 
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