advice on wood carving tools pls.

[jonah.]

Hi all,

i'm looking to get my bro a crook knife / carving set for xmas.
i think he'll mainly be looking to have go at spoons to start off with, but if he gets a taste for it i wouldnt be surprised if he moved onto walking sticks, camp tools etc etc..
we have axes, saws and a multitude of knives, from mora's right through to custom, so we have that lot covered.
the question is, are there any good value starter carving sets , or would i be best buying the tools individually ?
are there any brands to avoid ?
could i realistically get him going for around 50 quid ?

thanks all
jonah

 

[bushwacker bob]

Yes, you could easily sort it out for less than £50. A mora 120 or 106 or even the bog standard No1 or 2 are very good carving knives for £15 or less. A crook knife from Nic Westerman or Ben Orford will cost about £30 and a blade would be even cheaper if you don't mind putting a handle on one. Mora don't make the best crook knives so avoid them if possible.

 

[swright81076]

I might get slated for this but draper do a miniature set of carving chisels, and I like them. Only a few quid from hobbycraft.

The Mora carver is quite good, but if you want good stuff, there may be some talented makers from this parish that make stuff that's far superior to moras.

sent from my brain using my fingers.

 

[grey-array]

I personally use a Svante Djarv hook knife, they are around 35 pounds and really good imo, but might you have the skill and time to fit a handle get a hook knife blade from Dave Budd or Ben Orford or another good britisch maker. which would leave room for a mora 106 a really good carver. and that would be a great starter in my opinion.
Yours sincerely Ruud

 

[Andy T]

Have a look at the flexcut range.

 

[plastic-ninja]

Spoon knife blades from the smiths mentioned would be the way to go I'd think.
You could even get the handle materials ready for him to assemble over Christmas too.
Great present idea.Don't forget to look out some nice bits of wood for him to have a go on.
Oh and it might be an idea to get hold of some leather and stropping compound.Maybe a present idea for another family member.
Cheers , Simon

 

[jonah.]

thanks very much guys.
plenty of food for thought there...

 

[Baggy]

£54 wil get you a pair, left and right, of Bens "SMALL FLATTER - £27 - blade length 2”with 3” diameter curve"
http://www.benorford.com/CarvingTools.aspx

or if you like to put your own handles on (Ben does not do blade only) Nics MacNic hook knife looks excellent.
If it is good enough for Jon Mac it will be great for anyone.
http://www.nicwestermann.co.uk/traditional-hand-tools/macnic-hook-knife/prod_27.html

http://spooncarvingfirststeps.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/knife-sharpening-with-jon-mac-part-1.html[h=2]
[/h]

 

[jonah.]

£54 wil get you a pair, left and right, of Bens "SMALL FLATTER - £27 - blade length 2”with 3” diameter curve"
http://www.benorford.com/CarvingTools.aspx

or if you like to put your own handles on (Ben does not do blade only) Nics MacNic hook knife looks excellent.
If it is good enough for Jon Mac it will be great for anyone.
http://www.nicwestermann.co.uk/traditional-hand-tools/macnic-hook-knife/prod_27.html

http://spooncarvingfirststeps.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/knife-sharpening-with-jon-mac-part-1.html[h=2]
[/h]

sorry if this obvious but, why would i need a left and right of the same design?, he's right handed so would i go for the small flatter to get him started ?
thanks for the tips, i fancy 1 of them ben orford jobbies.....

 

[Baggy]

Hi Jonah

With the right handed knife used by a right handed person the knife is held in the right hand and cuts towards the user.

With the left handed knife also used by a right handed person the knife is held in the right hand and pushed away from the user, t is very useful to work this way. I find this very useful.

I have my spoon knives in pairs now and it is a much easier and more efficient way to work.. for me anyway.

HTH
Mark

 

[jonah.]

Hi Jonah

With the right handed knife used by a right handed person the knife is held in the right hand and cuts towards the user.

With the left handed knife also used by a right handed person the knife is held in the right hand and pushed away from the user, t is very useful to work this way. I find this very useful.

I have my spoon knives in pairs now and it is a much easier and more efficient way to work.. for me anyway.

HTH
Mark

Thanks for that Mark, i'll probably just go for the 1 to get him started and see how his enthusiasm fare's.
had a click through to your website some stunning photo's there (and ladies )

 

[calgarychef]

It seems to me that a hoof knife is a lot like a crooked knife, even if you just use the blade and put it in the handle of your choice. Hoof knives are plentiful and cheap.

 

[Retired Member southey]

Frost equis hoof knife are very good crook knives.

 

[Baggy]

had a click through to your website some stunning photo's there (and ladies )

Gotta love the ladies