New carving folder - well it is to me

[Whittler Kev]

Just found this
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Flexcut-Carvin-Jack-33282.htm
Good review here
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/004192.php
Saw one at the Spalding Show last weekend

 

[Paganwolf]

Great little tools those, i used to sell em, i use mine all the time, keep stropping it on the strop board regularly
whilst carving and the edge just keeps on going, only down side is the price!

 

[8thsinner]

I am nearly sure the last time I saw these it was half that price in a traders catologue so I suggest looking around. I have heard great things about it but never tried one

 

[Andy2112]

I've seen one in action Kev, great tool but a bit expensive for my tastes if i'm honest.

 

[Man of Tanith]

i have one
its a lovely bit of kit does more than i need it to at the moment but i am ever hopeful i will improve to be able to use it to its full potential
sam

 

[robin wood]

Jack of all trades? They are not what I want in a carving knife.

 

[Wayland]

If you are just an occasional whittler like me they are a nice bit of kit. Debs bought me a right handed one for Xmas one year.

The only problem I have with it is that it seems to be made for cutting towards yourself and is incredibly sharp. This does make me a bit nervous using it but so far I still have all my fingers.

If I was buying another, I would consider the left handed one instead but that is probably just down to personal choice.

 

[woodspirits]

hi kev, was at my local axminster store recently to have a nose at one of those, they are expensive. take a look at the flexcut sk travellers kit great value with a good range of gouges etc and roll up very small, i find mine quite versatile great when out in the woods!

 

[Buckshot]

If you are just an occasional whittler like me they are a nice bit of kit. Debs bought me a right handed one for Xmas one year.

The only problem I have with it is that it seems to be made for cutting towards yourself and is incredibly sharp. This does make me a bit nervous using it but so far I still have all my fingers.

If I was buying another, I might consider the left handed one instead but that is probably just down to personal choice.

Completely agree, I dare say for the pro carver they are not man enough but for us amateurs they are great.
I have a left hand version for exactly the reason you say - I've kinda got attached to my fingers...

Mark

 

[Wayland]

Completely agree, I dare say for the pro carver they are not man enough but for us amateurs they are great.
I have a left hand version for exactly the reason you say - I've kinda got attached to my fingers...

Mark

It's not just me then?

I thought it was an odd way to design it but maybe I'm just a scaredy cat.

If anyone has a lefty one that they would like to swap for a righty drop me a line.

 

[JohnC]

I'm also a left handed person who uses the right handed version of this knife...

 

[Whittler Kev]

Should someone tell them to swap the names over do you think?

 

[Wayland]

Well I'd certainly agree with that.

Not being a regular woodworker, I thought I was missing some subtle point or something, but it seems I'm not the only one.

 

[SteveW]

Aren’t they designed for regular chip carving of figurines and such? The cutting towards you would make sense if they were. Either way, I’m sure they are not meant to be used for anything large like spoons and Kuksas .

 

[Whittler Kev]

I've sent an email to the company asking if they're got any spares for me to try

 

[Hoodoo]

Yup, they aren't a spoon carving knife for the most part unless you are talking about decorative spoons like Welsh love spoons. Basically a basswood/lime/green wood carving knife. I find the main blade design on the Carvin' Jack one of the very best for whittling that I have ever used. As far as I know, Flexcut does not use that design on their fixed blades. I like it so much, I had a custom fixed blade made with the same design. The rest of the tools are just icing on the cake imo. The chisel is great for cutting out the windows on a "ball and cage." The gouges and v tool are excellent for texturing in figures. The large gouge is only useful for shallow spoons imo. I own a pile of folding carving knives but would not trade any for the Carvin' Jack. A nice feature is that the blades lock. I find the broad handle very comfy for carving. Some folks don't. As far as carving towards yourself, I don't know any figure carvers who don't do that. Buy a carving glove and wrap your thumb with rubberized carving tape (not vet wrap). Most of the figure carvers I've seen do this, including world class carvers (like this guy), so don't let people try to intimidate you into doing otherwise if you feel more comfortable with a glove and wrap. Also, the Carving Jack is not a knife for beginners. It was designed for experienced carvers and pros and is a very popular design among woodcarvers.

 

[Man of Tanith]

does anyone who has this carviong jack still have the stropping guide?
i think my copy went awol whilst clearing my room up.
i'd really appreciate a copy if anyone has one spare
Sam