Whittling Knives

[Jay Pugsley]

Just thought I would share my whittling knives that I use. I whittle little folks, ball in cages, chains, etc. I decided that I wanted to whittle with the precious little time I had, instead of sharpening, so I started using the disposable bladed hobby knives. You can get a large variety of blades and handles, and the best part, always have an extremely sharp knife. Probably blasphemy to you folks, but I like it. I have a little tool case with wood, knifes, and all other supplies I use (always bandages!), and can take it with me and whittle anywhere I am. Anyone else do this?

[Mike Schnorr]

I buy X-acto #11 blades by the case. It's the final product that counts - not the tool! This memorial piece for my late uncle was done exclusively with a #11 X-acto knife...
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[Jay Pugsley]

I couldn't agree more Mike. That is a beautiful piece. What type of wood is that? I use almost exclusively basswood. WHen I get a few minutes spare time, I am going to try to take some pictures and post them.

[Mike Schnorr]

Thanks Jay! I look forward to seeing some of your handiwork!
That was an old piece of 1x2 pine I had laying around. Uncle John was a carver too so I thought his wife would like something like that. I gave it to her for last Christmas - her first Christmas without him...

[Mel Fulks]

When I was a kid I used to whittle some, took the fewest tools to do some woodwork. A lot of the old stuff was done by guys during the depression and is sold as " tramp art". Hope none of us ever have to take it up to get a meal.

[paul cottingham]

I wittle and carve mostly with a Frost knife. Easy to keep sharp, and a great handle for my large hands. But i am a hack.

[John K Jordan]

I use disposable scalpels when I need a really sharp and fine point. Fairly cheap by the box. Sharper than xacto I think. Each has a plastic handle.
Good for cutting out deep splinters too.

[Jay Pugsley]

That is a great idea. Where do you get those?

[John K Jordan]

Any medical supply place should have them but I bought the last ones from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EP0T1HY

They are more expensive then Xacto blades but I like them better for fine work. The steel is good and can be stropped. Someone closing down a doctor's office gave me the first I had.

JKJ

[Kyle Iwamoto]

Off the original topic, but maybe close enough. Do you (any of you) strop your X-Acto? I'll admit I'm cheap and I do think it makes them sharper. I'm just starting out, so I actually know nothing.

[Jay Pugsley]

I have before, but then I started looking for blades that were clearanced out, or on deep sales, and decided that it just wasn't worth the time. But it did resharpen them.

[Mike Schnorr]

JKJ,
Thanks for the heads-up! I ordered some of those scalpels from Amazon and they should be here on Monday!