Recommendation? USA Whittler

[BP_]

Been looking into doing some whittling lately, something to pass the time. I don’t have much as far as artistic skill, but I think I’d enjoy the challenge. Can anyone recommend me a good, USA made whittler knife for around $100 give or take? Users fine as long as they’re not used up. Thanks in advance, I’m interested to see what kinds of options exist out there.

ETA: I’d like to keep it around that price point, but don’t be afraid to throw good quality suggestions out there even if they’re a little higher. Never know what will sing to the soul.

 

[eveled]

Keep your eye out for carbon steel pocket knives with comfortable handle shapes with no hot spots.

Then modify the blades. Shorten them and shape them. Turn clip points into wharncliffs etc. I thin them by rubbing them flat on a diamond plate.

I prefer blades with straight edges and strong tips. Longer handles with shorter blades.

 

[eveled]

This is a NIB KA-BAR 1026 looks like. Just for reference.

 

[eveled]

Don’t underestimate the good old Stanley utility knife either. I’d recommend one of the fixed blade versions.

 

[BP_]

Interesting. I had not thought about modifying any blades. My skill level (zero) doesn’t allow much wiggle room for that on the other hand, something used/sharpened down over the years, with a good comfortable handle (no hotspots as mentioned) might be a good place to start. I suppose every task doesn’t require a “new” knife, just a new to me knife.

 

[eveled]

All the modifications I made were with a file and a vise. Simple stuff. The vise is optional.

We all started with 0 skill level.

Even new knives will benefit from a little bit of thinning. The factory grinds across the blades. Then polishes the blades you can’t see them because of the polish but there are lines across the blades from the grinding.

I lay the blades flat on the diamond sharpener and rub the long way (think stabbing motion). This gets rid of the factory lines across the blades and thins the blades out. Making them more slicy and stronger because you eliminate all those stress risers.

 

[eveled]

It’s hard to photograph but this is what I mean. The long fine lines are mine. The short spine to edge lines are factory. Every blade has them. They hide them with coatings or by polishing over them

It’s a big job to eliminate them on a sheath knife. But it’s easy on a small modified carving blade.

 

[Old Biker]

My favorite folding whittling knife is the Boker carvers congress. But it is German made not USA.

For a USA made folding knife to whittle with, I use one of my Stockman knives made by the old Colonial knife company of Providence R.I. They have thin carbon steel blades that take a sharp edge and hold it well. The stockman pattern gives three blade shapes to choose from. I use the two secondary blades the most. You will find them under the Colonial and Ranger brand names, and probably others as well.

Then there is the Anvil brand, also made by Colonial. The handle is a little different, but otherwise the same knife.

These shell construction knives weren't as knice looking but they cut just as well.

The buck 701 and 703 should work well also, and even the 301 and 303. I don't have pictures of the 301 and 303. I would choose the 703, first and then the 303, because of their smaller size.

For a fixed blade, I use a Pinewood Forge Slyod knife.

I generally have one of the folders with me all the time. The Sloyd knives stay home unless I set out with the plan to whittle something.

O.B.

 

[eveled]

Avoid Schrade knives. They are made with Swinden Keys. And will loosen up if used a lot whittling.

Some Bucks were made by Schrade. Camillus is a good brand to look for. They also made a lot of knives for Buck.

It’s not rocket science see what works for you and run with it.

 

[tejasandre]

I’m very new to whittling, but a flexcut moves a lot more wood with less blisters than a folding knife.

 

[BP_]

Thanks gents. I have a ton of Bucks, I’ll have to dig a couple old ones with no boxes out and see if I may try my hand at doing a little modification as suggested. Looking through the forums I’ve seen some other nice examples as well! Seems like it could be another “rabbit hole” hobby if I let it

 

[eveled]

Definitely look up flex cut knives. tejasandre is spot on. They are great for whittling at home. My Dad used them a lot. He had a tool roll full of them.

I somehow enjoy using modified pocket knives more.

 

[BP_]

Definitely look up flex cut knives. tejasandre is spot on. They are great for whittling at home. My Dad used them a lot. He had a tool roll full of them.

I somehow enjoy using modified pocket knives more.

I will definitely pick up a set of those. They look pretty handy (literally) which will help me get started as well.

Funny thing, went swimming in the bay this morning and what popped up? Buck 310 Whittler. So that’ll be on its way here soon. Kind of a lucky find.

I also plan on digging a few out and seeing what I can do about modifying/thinning out some blades on patterns I like but haven’t used much.

Also, if anyone wants to show of their amazing whittling skills, I don’t think any of us would mind at all I know I’ve seen threads in the past but they haven’t popped up on my timeline in a while. Might as well keep this one going with some good eye candy I will be sure to post up my abominations when I get around to making something happen (still recovering from surgery, but I’ll be alright in a few weeks).

 

[Henry Beige]

Case seahorse whittler. I don’t whittle much, but mine worked a treat on a couple of small projects.

 

[BP_]

Case seahorse whittler. I don’t whittle much, but mine worked a treat on a couple of small projects.

If I can find a carbon blade version for a decent price, I think I might pick one of those up as well. They look quite handy.

 

[Henry Beige]

If I can find a carbon blade version for a decent price, I think I might pick one of those up as well. They look quite handy.

Even as I posted, I was thinking a carbon one would be nice. I don’t know if such a thing exists.

 

[BP_]

Even as I posted, I was thinking a carbon one would be nice. I don’t know if such a thing exists.

As they say, the hunt is part of the fun
I’ll have to do some looking (unless someone can chime in), but either way it might be a good idea to pick up an old user SS.

 

[eveled]

Some inspiration

The interlocking hearts are a tradition in my family. Given while dating. Christmas ornaments are always fun, simple and appreciated as gifts.
The Santa and the tree are the same ornament. Santa on one side the tree on the other. The cross is in a style called chip carving.

 

[BP_]

Some inspiration View attachment 1625233View attachment 1625234View attachment 1625235View attachment 1625236View attachment 1625237View attachment 1625238View attachment 1625239View attachment 1625240
The interlocking hearts are a tradition in my family. Given while dating. Christmas ornaments are always fun, simple and appreciated as gifts.
The Santa and the tree are the same ornament. Santa on one side the tree on the other. The cross is in a style called chip carving.

Very nice and thanks for sharing! I think I’ll pick up a few scrap blocks from work to start out when I get back. I’m also looking forward to what nature has laying around when I’m out and about.

Not sure why it took me this long to take an interest in whittling, but I’m glad I did and very thankful for the knowledge shared here (and pics!)

 

[eveled]

Bass wood is the preferred carving wood. Soft and very little grain.
Pine is next best. I used to pick up a stick and turn it into a totem pole. Back scratchers can be fun too. Make the handle ornate. Rings balls spirals etc. decorate a walking stick initials on a jewelry box. There is no limit.
Have fun post pictures.