There's gotta be a strong whittling / woodworking knife out there!

M

Melancholoholic

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Jul 29, 2016
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Well, clearly I'm new to the world of knives and steel, huh?

I plan to get into some whittling and wood working as an artistic outlet and source of income (I'm aware it won't land me in Belair anytime soon. Well, ever 😉) and I tell you what. I am having one hell of a time finding a real knife that is devoted to whittling and wood working (other than the trade specific tools) I'm willing to spend some $300-400 on the knife alone. So far the biggest issue is the multiblades available for this idea are generally just too soft a steel I.E.https://www.knivesshipfree.com/grea...knife-antique-autumn-jigged-bone-three-blade/ . The blades on this knife are almost, literally, perfect for what I'd like. Big stripper, smaller chipper, and something for detail (I love line work). However a 1095 carbon steel seems so soft. I don't want to be over a whet stone every 3 hours of work. Or 10 for that matter.

I've spent about 30-40 hours poking around and this is the best suited I have been able to find as a practical whittling /woodworking knife.

Please tell me you fellas have some leads for me! 😁
 
Maybe try something with Aogami Super blue steel, or white shirogami. I have seen traditional folders in that steel. Might want to look at some Japanese customs. Or you might have to look for high carbides folders, they would be a step up in edge retention for wood working. I know this is nowhere near the same thing, but there is always a dremel with carbide bits, for the large amounts of materials removal, and a knife for the details.
Very cool what you do, whittling is a great art! Good luck!
 
High carbide will leave a thicker edge that wouldn't be as "clean" as 1095, w2, even possibly aeb-l.

That being said, this question is best left for the pros in the traditional subforum and whittling threads in particular. There are some artists in there!

I will see if I can find you the link. Edit to follow.
 
Melancholoholic said:
Well, clearly I'm new to the world of knives and steel, huh?

I plan to get into some whittling and wood working as an artistic outlet and source of income (I'm aware it won't land me in Belair anytime soon. Well, ever 😉) and I tell you what. I am having one hell of a time finding a real knife that is devoted to whittling and wood working (other than the trade specific tools) I'm willing to spend some $300-400 on the knife alone. So far the biggest issue is the multiblades available for this idea are generally just too soft a steel I.E.https://www.knivesshipfree.com/grea...knife-antique-autumn-jigged-bone-three-blade/ . The blades on this knife are almost, literally, perfect for what I'd like. Big stripper, smaller chipper, and something for detail (I love line work). However a 1095 carbon steel seems so soft. I don't want to be over a whet stone every 3 hours of work. Or 10 for that matter.

I've spent about 30-40 hours poking around and this is the best suited I have been able to find as a practical whittling /woodworking knife.

Please tell me you fellas have some leads for me! 😁
Click to expand...

The most common wood used for whittling is basswood which isn't super hard, so you shouldn't have to sharpen a 1095 blade ever 3min. If it wasn't a suitable Steel for a whittling knife they wouldn't use it.
I'd say you should just get whichever knife you're looking , you may also have better luck asking this in the traditional section . There's always a thread about whittling with your edc ( started by me, though I only dabble every once in a while when I'm bored ), and they'll be able to tell you for sure weather 1095 would get dull too quickly 👍
 
I guess I'm a simpleton. I just head to the knife box, grab a knife or 2, and whittle. I just finished stripping and carving out 60+ diamonds on a thoroughly dry 6ft diamond willow with a Mora Bushcraft FG, and a CRKT Squid. Start to finish in 2 days, and they worked fine. The stock before that, I used a Condore Bushlore I just finished addingvcuston handles to.

All 3 of those knives combined set me back $50.

How about just grab a blade in your hand, and whittle away. Millions of Boy Scouts do it every day.

If you need a blade name to choose: Case Sodbuster. Works great.

Quit thinking so hard, and get carving.
 
Hickory n steel said:
The most common wood used for whittling is basswood which isn't super hard, so you shouldn't have to sharpen a 1095 blade ever 3min. If it wasn't a suitable Steel for a whittling knife they wouldn't use it.
I'd say you should just get whichever knife you're looking , you may also have better luck asking this in the traditional section . There's always a thread about whittling with your edc ( started by me, though I only dabble every once in a while when I'm bored ), and they'll be able to tell you for sure weather 1095 would get dull too quickly 👍
Click to expand...

The problem is I won't be buying my wood. I feel like that cuts out the soul of it (and cuts into profits 😉). I'm buying a couple of solid axed to hunt wood on my own accord. Planning on starting off making staves and walking sticks, and would like to be able to dig into some tougher wood when wanted
 
For bigger whittling/carving jobs I use my Dozier Wharncliffe Personal knife in D2, for smaller detail work I use a few chip carving knives made by Pfeil. The Pfeil knives are comfortable to hold and are available in a range of blade shapes to suit your style of work. Off the top of my head I can't remember the exact high carbon steel there made from but the seem to be quite hard & maintain a sharp edge well during work.
 
There are plenty of custom makers that would be willing to make a whittler in the steel of your choice I'm sure. I'd go that route.
 
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