Good Whittling Knife?

[Slugless]

As a boy I remember whittling was a favorite pastime while camping in the boy scouts. I've read about Grant whittling to pass time/think while his battles were ongoing (Shiloh?) (And why on earth would you name a child Shiloh?)

I was thinking about it and thought I might pick up a whittling knife. I used to use a Camillus cub scout knife (rather a nice pocket knife, actually) but thought I'd ask around at the last gun show I went to. Even the Case dealer with about 1,000 knives looked at me funny.

What's up with whittling knives? Can you recommend me a good value in one & where to pick up a nice used one? (or even new if they're still made)

Thanks!

 

[JTW Jr.]

Case Seahorse Whittler

http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=7519

 

[coelacanth]

depends on how serious you are about it. . . . .

the Case Seahorse is a good design as are most whittler patterned slipjoint folders but most of the woodcarvers I've seen use a variety of fixed blade patterns to work their magic on a block of wood. Specialty shops such as Woodcarver's Supply and Lee Valley offer some superior tools for very reasonable prices.

 

[JohnKSa]

Yup, if this is an excuse to get another knife, or if you want to be able to pull out your knife and whittle anywhere you go then a folder is ok. If you want to get a good knife for woodcarving try something like this:

http://www.chippingaway.com/WoodCarving/CarvingKnives/FlexcutWoodcarvingKnives.htm

 

[sm]

JohnKSa,

Thanks for posting the link to the woodcarving knives.
Handles give purchase and control while being more comfortable.
One can "tweak the fit" of handle to hand as well.

I like the carbon steel blades and while these are for wood carving, having one for general use, is nice for many chores.

Add a nice leather sheath, and adds additional character.

Mine are missing, some fell under the heading of "reed carving knives".

-
Now take that small "woodworking knife" and use say Ivory handles, with a nice leather slip...
I had one, with a tad longer blade, lanyard hole, which I sometimes used a 18k yellow gold chain with.
I had a couple of leather slips, one I could wear around my neck *hint* .
I could have in a vest pocket, or...

A lady in a little black dress might have a loose thread, get gum on the sole of her shoe, or maybe needs a lemon sliced just so-so for her drink, and lest of us not forget, the imported chocolate that needed cutting into, as to not mess up lipstick...
shave some slivers into the coffee...

Not that a Boker Whittler would not done all this, still...*grin*

 

[Slugless]

depends on how serious you are about it. . . . .

You got me - the age old question, "what are you going to do with it?" When I was a kid I was always astonished at the blocks of wood carved into a hollow cube with a ball.

But I have no idea if I'll ever get that far. Not while I've got a full time job anyway.

if this is an excuse to get another knife, or if you want to be able to pull out your knife and whittle anywhere you go then a folder is ok.

That's about it. Whittling used to be a way to pass the time, sitting around BSing while putting a knife to wood. I've carved little Indian and eagle's heads (mediocre), spoons, stuff like that. Or just shaved down sticks. Kid stuff, nothing special.

Actually, the Case knife is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for. According to the website it's a really good discount.

If I start getting into it, now I have a link to a place for more serious carving.

Thanks, guys.

 

[markk]

A.G. Russel makes a beaut...http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_purpose/wood_carving/carvin_jack.html

 

[Kingcreek]

http://ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html
scroll down to #106
it is what I've used for years

 

[Slugless]

Ragnar's Knives?

As in Ragnar Benson?

Whatever happened to "Ragnar Benson?"

Speaking of non-firearms weapons, maybe I should start a thread on his book, "Breath of the Dragon". Sometimes a pickup truck-mounted flamethrower sounds like a heck of a lot of fun. I wonder if anyone ever tried building one to his specs.