Pocket folder for whittling...

G

gcconspiracy

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Apr 3, 2012
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Okay, I am looking for a folder that will work well for whittling on the go. I don't have much to spend at the moment, so I am looking at a victorinox pocket pal or a Buck stockman of some sort (sadly not likely to be made in the USA). So yeah, any thoughts on these two knives, or possibly suggestions? Thanks.
 
You say you don't have much to spend, but if you did you could get this: http://www.agrussell.com/carvin-jack/p/FLXhhhJKN91/

It's pretty much designed only for wood carving. To be honest I'd just get a good stockman of the size and brand you prefer. I like carbon steels like the Case CV line. It's just a preference and I don't claim it to be superior to the stainless line.
 
Look for a gently used, U.S.-made Schrade Old Timer 34OT stockman. Great carbon steel knives for whittling. PM me for advice on where to find one that's not too pricey.
 
As far as Buck goes, most of their knives are made in the US, so if that is important to you, don't worry. Their two most common Stckman knives, the 301 and it's little brother, 303, are US made. They are also excellent knives for the money, and come with one of the best warranties around. Buy one with confidence.
 
The Victorninox SAK's actually work quite well for whittling. The blades are relatively thin and the handles, being a bit rounded, are relatively comfortable. They are not my first choice for a whittling knife, but they are a good choice for someone on a limited budget.
 
I will suggest that every suggestion you have gotten or will get is good. When it comes to whittling and carving, I find that I get the greatest satisfaction and pleasure from using whatever I have one me...and it is rarely a knife that anyone would recommend for carving.

It is all about the journey...the results are all in your mind. That said, with practice you can get results that are pleasing to others also.

I have lots of videos and photos on the subject if you are interested, shoot me a PM. Regardless, get yourself a good knife...good for whatever you think you might do with it. Then start whittling and carving. You will learn the limitations of the knife, but also learn to work with them and still produce happiness;)
 
Either knife would be a good choice: they are all well made, good fit and finish, great value and, with a little oil in the joints and a regular sharpening, will last a life time.

The Pocket Pal would be more pocket friendly simply because it is slimmer but the Bucks would be a littler easier on the hands while whittling because the handles are thicker. The 371 is a big knife but the 373 is much more pocketable (will easily fit the watch pocket of your jeans). The Bucks will give you one more blade over the Pocket Pal. The conventional blade steel used in each is actually more practical for whittling than the super steels on the market today. It's hard enough to hold a durable edge but not so hard as to be difficult to bring back to razor sharpness with a simple stropping.

You can't go wrong with either choice -- pick the one you think you will carry the most and enjoy it.

Rudd
 
A Case Seahorse Whittler, or a Stockmen would be good. A Sway Back Jack, or most anything with a wharncliffe or sheepsfoot blade would do IMO.
I don't carve, but we have a couple of members that are great at it. I think most prefer a Wharncliffe blade over any other.
 
Case Seahorse Whittler, in CV if ya can find it, I seen 'em startin' out at as low as $30 on fleabay.

I have one and love the ergonomics when it comes to carvin', the big warncliff main blade works great for detail work and bulk removal.

I believe if your patient and look around, you'll find a gently loved one for under $40.
 
Nothing wrong with any of the suggestions above. My personal preference for whittling with a 'pocket' knife is the Case Humpback Whittler. The blades set nice & deep close so it's easy on the hand. This is the big point - handle comfort. If you plan on whittling for any lenght of time - your knife must be COMFORTABLE in the hand. Any blade can be used for whittling, high carbon, stainless, even damascus (it must be sharp), blade styles/shapes can make a few tasks easier but are not necessary. I also like the Rough Rider Congress Whittler - it has very good thin blades & very inexpensive (around $12). The only thing I didn't care for was the handle is a little thin & my hand got tired quickly (about an hour or so). The two things that are a must for whittling are: 1 - COMFORT and 2 - keep it SHARP.
 
Wow, thanks for all the informative replies! I will be going to town sometime this week and I plan to stop by a few shops to see if I can look at some of the options you have all suggested. I will let you know if I get anything!
 
When it comes to working wood, I've always been a bit partial to the Opinel folders given their super thin blades. I'm most fond of the 06 size, which is the smallest opinel you can get with a lock. The ergonomics are pretty decent as well given its size. I'm pretty much a novice when it comes to working wood so my advice should be taken with a grain of salt.
 
i own a chinese-made buck 371 and it looks ok for whittling. i want to try a ball-in-a-cage, which is supposed to be beginner's level, but i have to get hold of some soft wood like falcata or balsa.
 
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