Flexcut Carvin' Jack - Is it any good?

peripatew

peripatew

Joined
Jul 31, 2007
Messages
1,421
FLX-JKN91.jpg

Pic from A.G. Russell

It seems a little pricey, but the small package is really appealing. I search around, and it seemed like there were a few complaints back in 2004, curious if it has changed at all. I'd like to get into whittle and carving, and this seems like an expensive starting tool. But it just seems that having such flexibility in a small package would be great for taking with me on hikes and camping trips.

L
 
There's a lot of whittlers that hang out in the traditional forum. I don't think most of them use such a fancy knife. You might run through some of the thread over there and see if you don't get some ideas. You could also post there and ask about starting to whittle. They are friendly folk over there.
 
The lock on mine is nowhere acceptable for a knife IMO, but the blades are top quality, and are better at carving than I am.
 
knarfeng said:
There's a lot of whittlers that hang out in the traditional forum. I don't think most of them use such a fancy knife. You might run through some of the thread over there and see if you don't get some ideas. You could also post there and ask about starting to whittle. They are friendly folk over there.
Click to expand...

This is not a whittlin knife, it is a carving knife with gouges, vainers and chisels. Any knife will whittle.

We have sold a lot of them and VERY few have come back, always a measure of satisfaction.
 
A. G. Russell said:
This is not a whittlin knife, it is a carving knife with gouges, vainers and chisels. Any knife will whittle.

We have sold a lot of them and VERY few have come back, always a measure of satisfaction.
Click to expand...

Thanks AG. I used to live in Siloam Springs, so I miss being right around the corner from your shop. Even here in "knife country" nothing compares.
 
They are quite expensive but lots of fun . I have used mine quite a few times , mostly for entertainment . I had my lock jam once , but was able to clear it .

Chris
 
Is it any good? My answer is yes and no. I would recommend not buying one until after you have gotten in to carving/whittling and know better what you want. The lock and blade quality, etc. are not a problem in my opinion and it can be fun toy. But almost any decent pocket knife can get you off to a good start.

But you have to have a good idea of what you want to do with it to really decide. It has a lot of tools. Do you want or need them? My answer to this one turned out to be 4 out of 6. If the answer to that is yes, are they the right sizes for you? Next, do you want right or left handed (i.e.,do you plan to use the carving tools with a motion pulling in towards your body or away, perhaps aided by the thumb of the other hand, not whether you are right or left handed)? My answer to this last question has turned out to be both, and that is a problem because I do not want to add a left handed one to the right handed one I have? Mine now languishes as I use mostly puukko, Sloyd and bent knives.
 
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I whittle/carve alot and prefer single use tools. If you carve/whittle a lot you'll probably prefer the handling ability of a single tool. I use Flexcut tools a lot. I started with the 4-piece small palm set (two gouges, a v tool and a veiner) and a knife. As I figured out the need for other pieces, I added them.

If you want a NICE traditional slip joint that's also a GOOD whittling/carving knife, check out the Oar carver. It's designed by Rick Oar and made by Queen in D2 with jigged bone scales. It comes in a couple of variants; all with Wharncliffe blades.

Flexcut also has a system of blades that switch from handles to their power carver, similar to socket wrench system. I haven't tried them, but that's another way to get multiple functions without the bulk of a multiple function contraption. (Can you guess I don't like Swiss Army Knives? Saw one in a Christmas catalog that was practically square, it had so many tools in it.)
 
While I use a stockman for most of my whittling/carving, I like the Flexcut Jack for particular cuts or angles. It's a nice tool to have for some options. I'm very satisfied with mine.
 
i'm by no means a master carver but from my experience a comfortable and versatile handle is of the utmost importance, and this tool looks like it would fail on both aspects
 
The locks are sub par on it but the blades perform well. I've carved many walking sticks with mine. Its a complete kit in one convenient package. The sharpening strop that comes with this folder is worth having because its darn handy for other carvin' knives you may have and the strop works well for blades too. You'll love the flex cut gold polish compound. Used on a buffing wheel it really puts a keen edge on knives as well as lasts for a good long while.

STR
 
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