The BEST Folding Pocket Knives for Whittling and Wood Carving! Tested and Reviewed!
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- Опубліковано 15 лип 2024
- There are a lot of folding knives on the market, and trying to find the best pocket knife for beginners who want to start whittling and wood carving can be a bit difficult! In this video, I compare $500 in pocket knives and see which ones work best for whittling and wood carving for anyone from first timers to experienced wood carvers.
Time Stamps:
1:05 - Reviews are focused on wood carving and whittling
1:31 - How each knife is being rated
3:37 - Multi bladed pocket knives for whittling
15:08 - Single bladed pocket knifes for whittling
23:35 - Multi-tool style knifes for whittling
27:50 - My favorite pocket knives for whittling
30:00 - Worst pocket knives for whittling
I need feedback! If you have the time to quickly fill out a 6 question survey I will greatly appreciate it!
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For my complete guide to the best pocket knives for whittling and wood carving, check out my website:
carvingisfun.com/best-pocket-...
Flexcut Carvin' Jack vs Old Timer 24OT Splinter video
• Wood Carving Multi-Too...
Knives Represented in the video:
Old Timer 44OT Workmate: • CHEAP Pocket Knife for...
Flexcut Whittlin' Jack: • The BEST Whittling and...
Sarge Vision Maker: • AFFORDABLE Chip Carvin...
Buck 301 Stockman: • WHITTLE With Your Buck...
Case Cutlery Seahorse Whittler: • Beautiful Knife! But i...
Opinel Carbon Steel No 7: • Best BUDGET Pocket Kni...
MasterCarver Pocket Whittler 2: • AMAZING Pocket Knife f...
Buck 55: • Whittling with a Buck ...
Jabe's Cutlery The Whittler: • The WORST Whittling Kn...
Victorinox Swiss Army Camper: • Whittling With A SWISS...
Flexcut Carvin' Jack: • The BEST Wood Carving ...
Old Timer Splinter: • Is It TOO CHEAP? - Old...
Recommended knives with links to Amazon and Ebay so you can find the best prices!:
Old Timer 44OT Workmate:
amzn.to/3pDoqTr | ebay.to/2PHvhYR
Flexcut Whittlin' Jack:
amzn.to/3b9ZdHM | ebay.to/3ahrScx
Opinel Carbon Steel No 7:
amzn.to/2Zr9fBy | ebay.to/2DAvbQu
MasterCarver Pocket Whittler 2:
amzn.to/3mbk3gd
Victorinox Swiss Army Camper:
amzn.to/3bdsZLS | ebay.to/2CnapTO
Flexcut Carvin' Jack:
amzn.to/3BaVMLC | ebay.to/3gQv9C8
Links to Amazon are and Ebay affiliate links, for more information click here: carvingisfun.com/affiliate-li...
#whittling #woodcarving #pocketknife
Quick edit!
The steel on the Case Cutlery Seahorse Whittler uses Case's Tru-Sharp Stainless steel with a Rockwell hardness of 54-57.
To see more knife reviews, check out my review playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLhLMm2vJBECQUrOMb8Ri5r-ueBWYiDldC.html
Quick question, what else do you have in your carry sheath - looks like a battery? I always carry my Gerber, but when I go for long walks I have EDC knife, but in a travel pouch with my phone I also have a tone of stuff, including batteries (AA and a charging battery for phones). Just curious, new subscriber and becoming a big fan.
Howdy!
In my Leatherman sheath I have extra tool bits and a flashlight (probably what looks like a battery).
In my whittling sheath I carry a thumb gard and a custom made leather strop with my whittling knife.
Have been thinking about getting into carving/whittling but purchasing a folding knife instead of traditional knives. Thank you for the reviews.
Finally someone that compares what matters much appreciated brother.
Videos like these are why I watch youtube, thanks for the well-made content and a new hobby.
A piece of advice regarding your Victorinox is that if the corkscrew is giving you a hotspot when you use the small blade you can buy one of those small screwdrivers that can fit in the corkscrew which will reduce the tendency to give you a hotspot or you can buy a Hiker instead of the Camper it has the same tools except the corkscrew is replaced with a Philips screwdriver. The reason for the 56 Rockwell on Victorinox is so the edge is less prone to chipping, the knife still has a decent retention and is easy to sharpen even for a less experienced user. I personally prefer the Huntsman because of the shape of the handle and it is a great EDC knife because of the addition of the scissor.
Great information and comparisons. I’ve been thinking about this concept a long time. But there’s alot of options to go through.
Love the roast session on the Whittler, loving the quality content 👍
Wonderful review with a lot of detail. Appreciate the information in your description. Subscribed !
Im glad you found the video helpful and informative!
Thanks for sharing,, very helpful
Excellent reviews ! Thanks for sharing your information and insights. 😊
My pleasure!
Commenting to try to boost the channel exposure, nothing to say other than thanks for the information and effort
Thanks!
Thank you. I have been looking for a simple knife to carry with me for carving.
I going to get the opinel.
I've always why more whittling brands haven't moved over to CPM d2. Sure it's a pain to sharpen but it holds an edge better than 420hc or the spring steel most brands use. Personally I'm not a fan of any type d2 for EDC use it's just over used in that sense but I think it would be a really great option for a designated whittling knife
I hear ya, maybe one day they will change it up some.
There are many D2 derivatives that offer way better performance. Sleipner is among my favorite D2 derivatives. Holds an edge longer than D2, and is significantly tougher. It never microchips. If you’re gonna go for a harder-to-sharpen steel, in my opinion, you should go with one that is chip resistant. Nothing more annoying than trying to sharpen out a chip in a steel with high wear resistance.
Dude thank you for making such awesome videos! U are so underrated. Keep it up and soon u will have tons of subs
Your welcome! The videos are quite fun to make and let me share my hobby with everyone else.
@@CarvingisFun I agreed totally as for camper knife I prefer the hiker I has a Swiss knife hiker in black walnut the corkscrew gets in way hiker is best tool I do modify the tips you has a Philips screwdriver instead of corkscrew I carry my Swiss Army knife every where as for leatherman tools not recommend when you close tool it pinches your finger I has a buck trio blade started to wobble from just stropping it I own few schrade Barlow and rough rider excellent tools for carving I own two schrade middle stockman in desert iron wood 🇬🇧👍🐾🦊🇮🇹
I'm discovering your channel, and whoua! Great videos.
This one is very interesting.
You give many useful informations.
Thank you very much.
I've subscribed!
I glad you are finding the videos to be helpful! Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Thanks to your channel, I've started a very very small business selling wood carvings to my friends to make a few quick bucks! I made 30$ so far! Thanks a lot, good videos as always. :)
Awesome! It's always that much more rewarding and encouraging when you can get something back from a very enjoyable hobby :)
How much you’ve made now?
Excellent informative to the point( pun intended) Doh!😎💓
Well made video thanks!
Thanks! Glad you liked the video!
Thanks for the information !
You're welcome!
Thank you for the amount of effort you put into this video it’s greatly appreciated
You're welcome! Have to admit, it was fun to make as I got to play around with a bunch of different pocket knives :)
@@CarvingisFun I carry a Swiss Army knife I modified both tips and edge I has mine a hiker has a excellent saw added is my edc knife uk law means your legal if blade is 3’’ inches non locking I has some whittle jack knives by flexcut and old timer issues with old timer was blunt so I put the radius edge further back then stropped it I has a desert iron wood old timer stockman great tools 🇺🇸I made a chisel from old flat screwdriver great tool 👍🐾🦊🇬🇧🇮🇹
I've found that most old timer knives need to have the cutting edges modified and sharpened as well. They make for excellent whittling knife when modified.
I've made similar modifications to small screwdrivers to make small chisels before, it is a great way to repurpose old tools you no longer use.
@@CarvingisFun very true I made excellent knives from old butcher knives they work very well and are strong and can get fantastic edge both qualities needed for safe whittling try it yourself I get my old knives from butcher shop they only toss em out so go and ask if they has any you can modify I’m sure because your age they won’t call cops lol unlike here in uk knife crime is bad with minors going around using blades as bayonet practice on each other but yep try my idea out you won’t be disappointed just modify blades like whittling blades don’t forget to cool blades in water often so temper is not lost 🇬🇧👍🇮🇹🐾🦊
I have been whittling for years and I used too be a blade setter so I know steels well and how too sharpen a blade. I collect knives especially slip joints and in my view the best for whittling is a rough rider. Case and buck are ok but they to my suprise don't seem too hold an edge as well as the rough rider and cost a fair bit more and that makes a difference when the chances are you will have too reprofile the blade anyway.. I reprofile my blades for a much finer blade angle and then polish the grind so you get less drag against the wood. It really makes a difference. All done old school on oil stones and finish with a Belgian water stone.
Great review. I wood (heh) add that the Victorinox has an awl that can be useful in carving and making holes (which can be expanded with the saw).
My favorite Victorinox model for whittling/carving is the Ranger, which has both the wood and metal saws, the latter of which has the fine file (good for smoothing), as well as the chisel on the back layer. Great size in hand.
I was heavily considering this one too! But in the end, I chose the simpler and cheaper variants. The Ranger is still a wonderful all in one option :)
I just got Camper SAK I love ❤️ it…
I just caught your channel, and found it pretty infirmative. I've got many of the same knives myself. I've been a whittler for over 30 yrs now, and still use my first Old Timer stockman my grand dad gave me. It's from when they were still made here, and high carbon steel. I've always been a pocket knife whittler, and never cared for the handled carving knives. All traditional pocket need a bit of personal blade modification and honing, to be whittling sharp, and generally to how "you" like to whittle or carve. What I personally look for in a pocket knife, is steel being 440c. The Old Timer's now are a Cr 17, which is equivalant to 440c. They have a rockwell hardness of 58, which 56-58 is ideal for a whittling knife. 420c or lower has a much less hardness, and won't sharpen well, or hold an edge very long. Flexcut uses a very good high carbon steel, but their price tags show that. A lil spring in the blades aren't a bad thing. But it pays to know what wood your cutting on to. Too hard a wood will chip and snap any blade if not careful. Most serious, pocket knife whittlers know some extra work will need to go into making a new pocket knife good to whittle with. But we don't tend to mind, and enjoy that process. The past few yrs I've been collecting and using Rough Rider pocket knives. In my opinion, they're the best budgeted, inexpensive, best quality pocket knives I've ever used. Fit and finish have always been great, comfortable to use for hrs, and several styles, when modified, are great whittlers. I actually love my under $18 Rough Rider's over my $60+ Flexcut's. It's ultimately what you prefer, like, and willing to pay and time modifying. The most important is the blade steel. 440c/ Cr 17, or better.
Thanks!!
I have been hearing lots of people enjoying their rough riders for whittling and may eventually pick one up myself to play around with.
I have a Victorinox Spartan (the classic swiss army knife with nothing fancy) and use it a lot to whittling, but just with the smaller blade, i don't trust very much in the big one.
great review
Thanks!
To contest the opinion that softer steels are not as desirable,
Note: I’ve used plenty of high end stainless and carbon blades and I have a knife sharpening side hustle.
Sharpening softer steels takes little time and low effort if you know what you’re doing.
Softer edges will gradually fold over opposed to experiencing micro-chipping in harder ones.
I don’t actually need a sharpening stone for softer steels very often, as I just use a few swipes on a fine honing steel to realign the edge.
Due to keeping up the edge more often, the blade always has the sharpest edge for working with.
I’ve actually found myself gravitating towards softer steels because of this. It is less work in the long run. Thanks for reading. :)
The longer Ive had this channel live the more I found that each person will have their preferences for what they like to use. It may not be the "reccomend" option but different people have different systems that works best for them.
Keep using what works best for you! It makes your process unique and that much more special
Pretty insightful. I was curious about the flexcut knives as I use flexcut knives at the bench. The locking one is a darn shame though as locking blades are illegal in UK and that kind of defeats the object if I can't carry it around. I swear by my victorinox hiker though, never had any issues from the box with any SAK I own, but not the most comfortable for longer carves and always ended up reshaping the blades to fit my needs. Great video though, a lot of detail and sound advice.
Thanks!!
SAKs are wonderful knives and work quite well for whittling, especially when honed properly.
It's a shame that the UK doesn't allow for locking blades, it really limits what y'all have available to you!
Why can’t you have locking pocket knife in UK 🇬🇧??? What about full tang knife or Bowie??? I am Canadian and thanks 🙏 to our Sikh brothers we can open carry full tang,,if you open carry it’s ok,if you put it into pocket it’s concealed weapon,,our laws are also Fooked up…
They have some seriously restrictive knife laws compared to us in North America. No locking blades, no open carry, have to have a reason to have one on your persons, and a few others I cant think of.
Wow, glad that I live in the land of the free, home of the brave.
Wow those flex cut carving jacks have gone up in price. I bought mine for $65.00 at Rockler 7 years ago.
My limited usual outdoors experience concours with what you say. The Splinter Jack takes some work when you first get one but if you are used to regular folders or fixed blades not the array of carving blades it's cheap enough to learn and make your mistakes on. Don't like carving/whittling with SAKs, not entirely sure why, the steel feels too soft for the task, prefer a smaller Traditional, preferably in carbon but have some good whittlers in stainless too. Be aware Opinels are great with soft woods but the edge can roll if you use them with hardwoods.
I prefer pocket knives with a full flat grind for carving, like the opinel.
Brian, I would like to send you a refurbished whittling knife that I have made. How do I get it to you. I'd like to see if you approve. Thanks! I've been watching your videos and they rock!
Ooooo! Sounds like fun!!!
Send me an email at brian@carvingisfun.com and I can give ya the deets.
Great video thanks 😊. I am glad I went with the flex jack as I watched some reviews first and did not want to buy a cheap multy bladed knife for whittling and did not get the cheeper one.
Thanks!
Flexcut makes some really nice knives and the jack knife series are very well made tools.
Hey Brian. Have you tried the Rough Ryder Carbon Swayback Whittler? It’s a wonderful knife. It’s the only whittler I’ve tried in which the secondary blades are not too flexible to be usable. They are about the same flex as an SAK. Also, the main blade is similar to the Case Seahorse but thinner. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on it.
I haven't tried it yet, but will add it to my list! Always in the market for a cool pocket knife :)
If I could get one of those case knives with a high end steel that’s actually hard I’d be good to go.
Really enjoying your videos! I am just wondering...what do you do with all those knives you buy, especially the ones you DON'T like? :)
Thanks!
Since I don't collect knives and hate having tools sitting around without a purpose or that I have no desire to use, they get passed on to friends and family, sold or traded so I can afford new knives to test out, or literally thrown out if it is just a garbage tool.
Victorinox is an instant yes. It's quality steel and built well. Chris Lubkemann a famous whittler uses only a victorinox tinker and he makes some mighty birds with it.
Opinel is also good quality, but it's not really intended for carving. It's just an all around knife. Many french people use it.
Old timer is... Good for beginners, but nothing else. Average steel, doesn't keep sharp, Needs lots of honing and sharpening.
Flexcut is flexcut. Top notch.
I own all of these above mentioned and each of their own is a very good tool. For whittling you probably want something with 2 blades. Big and small, so opinel out, victorinox works mighty fine, flexcut as well, old timer not so much but does an ok job.
Indeed! I like my whittling jack and is my primary whittling knife that stays on my belt. There is another knife that I just got done testing out that is making me question which one I should carry with me though but is twice the price. That video is coming out tomorrow :)
@@CarvingisFun wow really? Something that is flexcut quality... That would be interesting indeed. I wonder what brand is it.. can't wait for that video.
I subbed. Thanks for the content :)
Great comparison. I've suspected for a while that the Case would disappoint. I've actually found that the Victorinox (yup, you pronounced it correctly) knives perform surprisingly well and of course they are versatile. Now that I think about it I may have one with a saw in the bottom of some drawer. 🤔 The idea of that two blade Flexcut is definitely growing on me. Thanks. 👍
Thanks!
I was really looking forward for an excuse to buy a Case knife, but just couldn't find any solid reasons to recommend it with the other options currently on the market. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice knife! Just not the greatest option for whittling.
I'm going to pick up one of Case's medium stockman knives as I like the layout and have found the style to be useful from every day tasks to whittling. I will have both knives in the Seahorse whittler review.
Victorinox does indeed make a good knife, and is a great option for anyone looking for versatility.
@@CarvingisFun Yup, shame about the Case - they look gorgeous. But be careful, pocket knife addiction is real. Next you'll be drooling over a Great Eastern Cutlery Pocket Carver! 🗡😲
I'm the video you briefly mentioned carving in the woods. Is that a direction you have considered for your channel?
Ivancho Agree on the GEC’s and the addiction. I just got a #62 natural linen micarta Pocket Carver in the mail today & can’t wait to try it. The build quality is phenomenal. I have a few other GEC’s but this 62 micarta is the only one im ready to put to use.
@Ivancho @spaceseed72 GEC knives have been on my radar, but am trying to balance my knife inventory so I don't overdo it :) I will be picking one up later and giving it its own video. Already spent about $1500 in knives and tools, have to slow it down some and trade out some of the stuff I don't need for new equipment to check out.
Not exactly sure what direction this channel is going just yet. Carving in the woods may work, but doing so comfortably here in Florida can sometimes be a hit or miss depending on the weather (like the hurricane this weekend) the bugs, and getting good quality video footage with my current equipment. I do have some property 4 hours north of me in the deep sticks that is perfect for nature carving, you can't even get cell phone reception there!
@@spaceseed72 I hope that you enjoy using it. They are wonderful. 👍
Awesome review thank you for the time you put in, I have a question for you I'm fairly new at wood carving I got a set of Beaver Craft knifes what is your opinion on them so far I've had real good luck with mine.
Beavercraft is a great introductory wood carving set and are perfect for most beginner to intermediate wood carvers for a great price
@@CarvingisFun thank you for answering.
Thank you for the reviews on whittling knives. I bought Opinel no 7 after watching your review and also want to buy a Whittlin Jack. Beside these, there is a set of Two Cherries which includes 11 pcs of both knives and chisels. I am looking for the set review but unfortunately i couldn't find the set review nor the Two Cherries knives. It would be such a great chance for me to watch your reviews on Two Cherries knives / set.
Ha! I actually own the two cherries 11 pc set :) It is a great tool set and I highly recommend it. Just keep in mind while the chisels come razor sharp the knives need to be sharpened. Review is on the list, only thing I am short of is time to properly give the review.
@@CarvingisFun I've seen some of the chisels but not knives. I am very excited about the review. Thank you in advance!
Really love the channel man, great job!!! I have a question for ya, United Cutlery Bushmaster classic Whittlers knife, have you owned one? Any thoughts on it?
Yes I do, and I think it is a piece of garbage. That isn't an exaggeration at all, it is uncomfortable in the hands and some of the tools have serious defects. The worst one is the gouge is ground in a way that it makes it completely useless and wont remove any wood. The blade was improperly made and the tip has a little stick of metal coming out of it that needs to be removed. It's just a bad bad knife.
I did an unboxing video here: ua-cam.com/video/rxLjpjswCsM/v-deo.html
@@CarvingisFun thanks man, much appreciated
United Cutlery is not a great brand for knives.
What case and diamond whetstone do you use in the set up you have that you carry everyday? The one you briefly show with the flexcut whittling knife. Enjoying the videos!
Hi!
The sheath is a super cheap Rite Edge 4" leather pocket knife sheath that I got off of ebay for $10.
The diamond plate is a DMT Mini Sharp with Extra Fine grit.
@@CarvingisFun thanks!!
great video just curious, are you able to do detail work with the opinel knives.
Yes but with an asterisk.
Doing detail work with longer, wider blades is more difficult. I sometimes find that I have to choke up on the blade some with my pointer and middle fingers on the sharp blade itself. This requires me to wear finger wraps so I dont cut myself.
The best way around this is to modify the blade itself by cutting it down to a smaller blade. You can find many videos of this on UA-cam as well.
I’m wondering if these knifes would be good with hardwoods(oak) and if you were to suggest a good sharper for use of that. Thank you for sharing this! 🙏👍
Yes, any of them with a rockwell hardness of 59 or higher should do fine for you.
All you should need is a leather strop to maintain your cutting edge, this video goes over all of my recommendations for sharpeners and how they differ from each other: ua-cam.com/video/KlxFIzSV-Zc/v-deo.html
I once had this question. I do a lot of oak and (downed, seasoned old growth) red manzanita. Most knives work fine, high carbon is best, but some stainless holds up too (victorinox) Just avoid 420, and 440 (A, 440c will last a few x longer but still not the best) Older steel canoe knives like old timer, imperial, schrade and case are pretty good, some newer ones may not have as good a heat treating due to material and heat treat changes and outsourcing over the last 2 decades. Most of the edge retention or deformation has to do with techniques and use. try to work lightly rather than digging deep.
D2 seems to hold up great on thinner blades and can be found for 30 and under.
Carving specific, I would reserve genuine carving knives for final detail, as they will chip or roll an edge if you get too heavy (depth and cut pressure) but hold up just fine for thin shavings and detail.
A lot depends on blade shape preference, which is why I like the triple blade canoe knives like a vintage old timer or schrade, variety. opinel holds up well and is cheap but I wouldnt go larger than an 8. I may get a few opinel carbons in the tiny sizes and mount them in full size handles after some shape modifications. Victorinox is suprisingly nice. It slices well and holds an edge. Most of them also have a long and short blade, and an awl, and maybe a saw or file, but theyre more pricey too..
Most of my carvers, are just pocket knives, not chip carvers or details. I have them, and gouges etc, but I use my pocket knives or a mora the most.
The stanley brand utility cutter works well too. It has a blade lock (in the butt, opposite of blade) and full size handle and the blade is just barely shallow (edge to spine) enough to attempt roll/ scallop type cuts not just straight. You can also get extra blades and reshape them as desired and its a pretty simple blade change, just carry the extras in a small tube for a travel kit.
Id recommend a d2 locking knife with a thin blade and good curved belly for roughing and a canoe knife with 2 small blades, one preferable very shallow (spine to edge) for details and roll cuts. and another small blade with either a sheeps foot or curved tip, the larger blade may not get as much use but you can modify it so you have the sheeps foot as well as a curved tip along with the small, awl shaped blade for fine detail and rolling cuts.
The edge angle makes as much difference in retention/ damage as the technique does. I often go below 10-12 degrees, so my edges are fragile, but as long as Im not trying to dig deep, or force a cut, my edges still hold up to manzinita. Just hit the strop a few times before it gets tougher to cut. I do it whenever my shavings are no longer shiny and curly, it will often still shave at that point.
Thanks for the video. The flexcut one is still on my wishlist.
I also seek some advise. I have the pfeil kerb 2. But I find it performing less then expected. It has a tiny secondary bevel. Do you think it would be better to grind that one of to a full flat grind.
I would give it a shot, pfeil uses some good steel so it should hold up with the smaller edge grind angle.
@@CarvingisFun hey. Just wanted to give you an update. The knife cuts way easier in the wood. But the tip lost all its strength and bend really soon. I love the pfeil gouges but I'm not happy with this knife. I would not recommend grinding a full flat grind on it. But it was an interesting experiment. At least I learned from it.
Ooch, good to know!! I'll keep thatnin mind as well.
I like your vidoes. What sheath are you using for the flexcut? Which diamond stone are you using?
I believe the stone is a DMT stone, the sheath is a 4 inch sheath from Rite Edge
Quick question can I use a Old Timer 108OT Junior 4.7in to wood carving
A very good review, Brian! Thank you!
What's your opinion about this - BUCK HiLine D2
and that - Camillus Nautical Sailing Marlin Spike?
I mean if they are both suitable for carving and whittling?
Howdy!
The short answer is, yes you can use them for whittling if you put an edge on them.
However, in the long run they may not be the best option for carving as there are better options. The Buck you mentioned is a chopper, not a slicer which will make it harder to do your carvings with. It may have the steel quality, but blade shape is lacking
The Nautical sailing spikes are neat but all the ones I have seen have a stainless steel blade to withstand saltwater environments. This is fine for its intended application but may not have the best edge retention when compared to a carbon steel blade usually seen in carving tools.
@@CarvingisFun Hi! What a swift answer! Thank you! Sure, they are not the best options in the field but I hope they (or may be only the former/first one) can be used both as a universal knife and a carving one. I suppose their blade form of a sheepshoof is appropriate enough.
To be fair, I use my CRKT M21-14 that I have ground off the serrated portion for whittling every now and then. Even though I carry 3 different knives 99% of the time (GEC #62 pocket carver, leatherman charge, and this one) this is the knife that I grab that just sits in my back pocket all day long and is sharpened to perform all tasks, including whittling.
@@CarvingisFun Oh, great! A nice choice!
I used to whittle with a 110. It's big but that clip blade could get into small spots.
The 110t is a great every day carry knife and I agree, the clip blade is quite useful for whittling.
Awesome, thanks 🙏
You are most welcome!
Any experience with the Congress pattern? I’m curious about the boker tree brand Congress.
While I havent used the boker version, Im familiar with the congress pattern. They are a good all around knife and I would personally designate 1 or 2 blades of your liking as your whittling blades.
@@CarvingisFun Awesome. Thanks for your input.
It is a model 44 & the OT stands for ( Old Timer ) !!!
Oh, did I call a knife by the wrong name again?
The master carver has what is called a chisel grind. Where one side is flat and other has a bevel and edge.
Ya know, I was thinking the same thing but my brain was telling me this only exists on actual chisels and not on knives.
I'm sure you are correct though!
This vid is aging a bit but still good stuff. Not included here is the Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC) #62 Pocket Carver you have a later review on.
One very under the radar knife i picked up especially for carving is a Ruike M662-TZ. It's a very elegant little knife with 154CM steel (excellent edge retention), thin but rigid blade, slightly curved edge, reasonably comfortable in hand, fun to use, fun to carry, a little piece of pocket jewelry with the nicest fit and finish of any folder i've ever had. You'll want to carry it. Some here might find it appealing. (no, nobody's paying me to say this, something i bought with my own $)
Yep, been considering making an update for 2023. Just gotta get around to doing it lol.
Personally i like the seahorse whittler, i have to agree it didnt come ready to carve with.. but i put mine on the stones and stropped until i see i clean edge and it works great now.. i pair it up with a rough rider congress and annoyingly, the roughrider came bang on, they get alot of stick but for the price i know i can abuse it. Its frustrating how case come with crappy edges.. but yeh i like it for my carving (little figures around 3” tall) i choke up on the seahorse abit that point is perfect.. love seeing what other people carry to whittle knives are a good hobby but every video makes me want another knife. Ive just ordered the schrade now.. 😂
I did the same thing to my seahorse, but just was not happy with the length and thickness of the blade.
I have the case medium stockman and like it a heck of a lot better for whittling than the seahorse, but would probably grab the old timer workmate first.
A knife that I have been really enjoying the past week is the Great Eastern Cutlery #62 pocket carver as it feels more thought out and feels like a perfect whittling pocket knife.
Carving is Fun yes i normally swap alternate between seahorse and medium stockman, along with the rough rider congred as a beater.. i cant seem to find gec here in the uk for sale :/ i wish
Contact Mike's Knives to see what they have available. It looks like they have the Farm and Field variant of the GEC knives which are the same exact thing, just without the fancy bells and whistles to make it look nicer. That is the version that I have and it is really nice.
www.mikesknives.co.uk
Model #620320
Spot on, I use the seahorse for roughing out plus the rough rider congress which has four great blades. I would recommend any of the rough rider knives fantastic value. I have some of them for carving straight out of the box.
Graham Parr too right rough riders strop up amazingly well! Perfect for whittling and carving. Yeh rough rider congress and seahorse whittler i have in a pouch that fits both. I Take them everywhere. 👍
Thank you, this was extremely helpful! You mention carrying the flexcut whittlin jack with you, I'm just curious if you carry a protective glove with you? Wondering if you've thought of a practical way to keep one on your person. I'm definitely not experienced enough to carve without a glove, but am experienced enough to have learned that the hard way lol.
Thanks!
While I dont carry a glove with me, I do keep a thumb guard in the leather sheath with the knife.
We all learnt that the hard way haha. I was joking with my mate that I hadn't cut myself in so so long and then spent the last week gouging and slicing my hands to pieces, gotta love karma.
What size of the Opinel would you recommend?
I would personally recommend the smallest knife that will fit in your hand comfortably. For me, I measured the width of my palm to be just shy of 4 inches, and did the rough math for handle length for each knife (total length minus blade length).
Here are my handle length estimates:
No 6 - 3.63 inches
No 7 - 3.92 inches
No 8 - 4.31 inches
Victorinox Swiss Army, does not make a Wood Carving knife that has two carving blades, a saw, and a large roughing blade. Blades that have 58 or better Rockwell hardness or 440 or better stainless steel. Just three slots (not sure what they are called) handles. that are rounded for comfort, with locking blades. Folded no more than 3 1/2 inches long. If all the carvers out there will unite and keep bugging Vicky about it, I am sure they will listen.
:)
Hi. I’d be interested in your views on the Flexcut detail Jack. It’s a single blade and I think it locks. Thank You
Ya know, I have been eyeballing the detail jack recently. I do like that it locks in place but if it is anything like the whittlin jack where the blades are hard to open and close, the lock is overkill.
It uses the same steel and blade design as the other flexcuts so it is def a good blade to use and probably a great product.
I may have to get one and compare it to my whittlin jack some time, adding to my list now :)
@@CarvingisFun “I may have to get one and compare it . . . “ - Yes Please! my thoughts exactly. Apart from the colour I like the idea of it locking having only ever used fixed blades.
Thank You
So I just got it in the mail and let me tell ya, my initial thoughts were wrong on the blade stiffness.
The blade on the detail jack is so much easier to open than the whittlin jack and the blade design is perfect for detail work. Plus the detail jack handle is just a little bit thinner than the whittlin jack so it may sit in your pocket a bit nicer. Jez, now I feel like buying all of the jacks and do a big ol comparison on them all!
@@CarvingisFun does the blade lock and can Santa get them or is it too late to ask him?
Thank You
@@michaellionart4841 Yes the blade locks and uses a liner lock to hold the blade in place. Mine has a slight front to back wobble but it isn't too noticeable.
I picked mine up on ebay, but most places I have looked shows them nearly being sold out.
due to not having a dedicated work area I have settled on the Flexcut Whittlin jack. May I ask what EDC you carry and can recommend for cutting branches off treey to carve and boxes etc? While waiting for my air Dryed Basswood from Ebay I would like to try some branch work? What would you recommend as far as branches too being a fellow Floridian? Thanks...
I personally have been carrying around a Leatherman charge for about 10 years and it has a saw in it, but a Swiss Army knife with a saw blade will get the job done as well (Camper and Huntsman are great options).
One of my favorite branches to carve here in Florida are the palm frond branches both green and dry. They are easy to whittle, fit in your hand and are just about everywhere! Next would be oak branches that either fall down and have already dried or cut them right off the tree. They are going to be a bit harder to carve but make for excellent wood to carve. If you live near a pine forest, sometimes the dried pine tree branches on the ground make for great carving wood if they haven't been eaten up by bugs yet.
@@CarvingisFun How often do you put compound on your strop? I just received my Beaver Strop paddle and applied the compound but was wondering how often do I need to do this? Do I do this after every time I sharpen knife of it? Thank you you have been so helpful...
@@Antmf712 I probably only put extra compound on my strops every couple of months. You could probably get away with longer as I am typically stropping a lot of different tools as I am testing them. Even if the compound looks black, it will still get the job done.
Handle length is a big deal when whittling with a pocket knife !!! I am an average size man & I will not use a handle 3 1/2" or shorter as my baby finger does not have enough to hang on to !!! But 3 5/8" & longer or what is known as premium sized knives give my baby finger something to grip in extended work situations !!! The 44 OT is way to short for me , but you might have small hands ???
That sucker is way too short for me to comfortably use it long term. I like it and all but my hand starts cramping after 30 min.
If you could take one whittling knife into the woods would it be the 2 blade whittling jack, 4 blade pocket jack, or 6 blade Carvin' jack? I'm wondering if all the extra blades/tools are necessary?
Being 100% honest, after carying all the different flexcut jack knives with me, I found that I only used 1 type of blade 99% of the time, the detail knife.
Right now, my current knife of choice is the detail jack. It has only one blade, but really is the only blade I really use personally.
If I ever need a longer blade (cutting off a branch in the woods to carve) my multitool or flipper blade gets the job done.
@@CarvingisFun Great thanks for the info. I purchased through the link. It would be nice to have a video that explains the difference between whittling and wood carving. As a newbie there are so many different blades and it's hard to know what blades are for each task. Like the limitations of just a detail blade vs what more you can do with rounded blades, etc.
I have plans on making such videos in the future!
But, whittling is woodcarving with only knives (no chisels, gouges, scoops, ect) and is the simplest form of wood carving.
Rounded blades encourage a slicing motion and is sometimes easier to remove large sections of wood with.
I noticed no Leatherman products. Are they something you haven’t used or just don’t recommend ?
I actually carry one with me every day, but I usually dont recommend them for a purpose driven whittling tool.
However, they can be an effective whittler if that is what you have. Even more so if it has a 154HR blade.
Hello sir
I wish to begin in wood carving but instead of beginning with a sharp knife I want it durable and can you suggest some types of wood which are cheap to begin with
And thank you
Hello!
For most beginners, a durable knife will be a better choice as you are less likely to damage the edge from mishandling. However, you do sacrifice some of the cutting effectiveness of a well shaped and sharp edge.
If you want a pocket knife, the mastercarver pocket knife is really nice but really most good pocket knifes with a carbon steel blade will get the job done if sharpened properly.
Some good quality fixed blade knives with a more durable edge would be frim Beavercraft knives, Mora knives, Ray Iles, and Deepwoods Ventures.
The wood that most people use is called basswood or linden wood. Others like to use pine but the woodgrain can vary indirection.
@@CarvingisFun Thanks sir
I appreciate your help
You're welcome! If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
FYI if you look to buy another old timer, try to find a USA made vintage one. Yours is made in China and you'll be able to tell a substantial difference. They're typically carbon steel too.
Yeppers, I actually have a few of em. Much better quality knives than whats being made nowadays
Will my 3.5inch xm18 work?
I dont see why it wouldn't!! Even though it is longer, its not overly long and should still get the job done.
Also, y'all gotta stop showing me such cool knives! Thankfully they were all out of stock at the place I saw so my wallet wont take a hit.
The opening on the Opinel handle digs into my fingers. Otherwise I would like it a lot!
I can see how it can be uncomfortable, some people have actually rounded out that edge for added comfort.
23:43 victorinox
You gotta break the knives in. Ive got an old timer with one blade honed to damn near scalpel sharp, but it took years to get it like that without grinding the blades to nothing
Definitely agree. The two knives I have been carrying on me for the last 10 years have the perfect edge on them for every day use and most of my coworkers are afraid to use them because they don't like how sharp they are.
My 44OT is razor sharp and is a great knife for the price. Only took some 1000 grit sandpaper to smooth the machined edge and a leather strop to hone it crazy sharp.
That 24OT on the other hand uses some super soft steel that just wears out too quickly. After 3 months of using it next to my 44OT the difference in steel quality was more than obvious.
@@CarvingisFun yeah it just takes alot of time and effort to get a knife the way we want them. If you talk to alot of people with older styles like stockmans they'll get really ticked off if they lose their knife because the break in process takes so long to actually do it. I like to keep the factory edge as long as the grinds arent screwed up and then I slowly grind the edges to my preference over time.
@@JeffyLube I understand your pain when some A-hole steals your knife 🔪 that you cared for and modify it to your liking..I am still pissed 😡 off,,but was my fault,, I didn’t lock the door (truck) and that’s the end of the story.. I got new one but it doesn’t have soul in it,like a computer without software,,all good memories with that knife are now gone…
Where did you get sheath and stone?
If you are talking about the sheath and diamond plate that I use for the Whittlin' Jack, I found them both on ebay.
The sheath is a basic leather sheath for pocket knives 4" long.
The diamond plate is a DMT mini sharp extra fine. It was originally for keychains but I modified it to fit in the sheath
Thanks, found on ebay
When it comes to the Old Timer I was disappointed with the steep cutting angle on the main blade and the hinge seems to be loose. I am not a super big fan of the chisel. I would rather have a left handed bow knife. The one thing I do like about b it id the variety of tools I can have in my pocket when I have it on me.
It's kinda hard to beat for the price, but still needs some work to be a decent tool.
@@CarvingisFun agreed mine was a gift so it was great all things considered.
Old timer is relatively cheap nowadays.
Got my ot and reset the bevelled and hone it. Think it's a great knife for the price.
I want to start whittling and I am wondering which is the best knife to start with
The answer is regional, what country do you reside in?
@@CarvingisFun I live in England
Cool, you should have some good options available to you:
Flexcut - Great beginner knives at a good price
Beavercraft - More affordable option, still good but better than the no name variants
Ray Iles - (haven't used yet) looks to bee good quality tools
If you are willing to ship from the US to you, here are some good options:
OCC Tools - Great cutting edge, has a blocky handle
Lee Ferguson - Quality knives from a reputable knife manufacture
Deepwoods Ventures - Thicker blades but quality steel and sharp edge
@@CarvingisFun thanks!
I have very little money. I literally can only walk into Walmart and get what's on the shelf. And...I want to whittle with a pocket knife, keep it simple and traditional. Would a Buck Canoe work? Versus a Buck Deuce?
Oooo, both are good choices, but for handle shape alone the Canoe all day long.
Also, the trio and stockman are also great choices
@CarvingisFun I thought the handle was the advantage for the Canoe as well. The deuce is barely larger than a AA battery and I figured some notable pressure will be exerted on the blades. Thank you for responding.
I would not use the Swiss Army knife because the blade closes too easily
You are saying Victorinox correctly. I used to think it was said Victorino
Sorry, but I forgot manzanita! 🙏
Never tried manzanita, now I have to add it to my list of wood to try out!
I won’t give a chance to any other knife but SAK I’ll grab it and run away, I like simplicity,versatility and affordability,dependability as well…
This is my Rant,,,Peace Out 🖖
You really can't go wrong with a SAK for a multi use tool. It's a great option to run with :)
@@CarvingisFun SAK is safe to have in Canada 🇨🇦 since our Yahoo’s change the rules as wind blows,that Opinel and Mastercarver are also cool but to get them here is too expensive,,for one Opinel I can get 3 Mora Carbon which are my favourite knives, I love ❤️ my Companion and will probably outlast me.. I love 💕 knives and I collect them…Take care man 👨
Ug, I feel bad for so many of the craftsman outside the US with all the knife regulations put upon them. But you guys always impress me with how well you use the tools that you have available!
Take care up there :)
@@CarvingisFun ❤️👍⛺️
Lol, waste of steel 😄 not getting that knife
That $9 knife is straight up trash! Lol
Yep, still annoyed that I actually spent money on it.
Buck is made in China now
Awww man! When did they do that? Thought their whole thing was made in the US?
@@CarvingisFun I believe about 3/4's are made in thr USA. The rest made overseas. I think maybe the blades or parts are made in China as well and Assembly is done here in the USA. Still good for thr money.
You get what you pay for on carving tools. Just saying.
Its true!
@@CarvingisFun which one please?
If your a beginner and not on a budget, flexcut and occ tools are a great place to start. If you want to pay a little more for something hand made with care, drake knives and deepwoods ventures are great options. My favorite ones are made by helvie knives, but they typically have a wait list 3+ months long.
@@CarvingisFun Apologies I meant which model of Helvie? I have flexcut and even met the Helvie people at a wood carving show but they had been cleaned out.
I personally like their 1 3/4" model with the thinner blade (cant remember the model name). You may have to jump on their wait list to get one.
Case is garbage lately
I didn't want to say it in the video... but thats what I have been hearing.
@@CarvingisFun I bought 2 case knives and had to return them. Complete junk. I couldn't believe it. They won't be in business long putting out expensive junk and horrendous quality control. issues
Please stop calling each blade a knife. Driving me nuts
Ha, I noticed that while editing.
Completely my fault. Fun fact, I'm an introvert and hate talking to the "public" so my brain does strange things while making these videos. Ive gotten better but still not perfect :)