Beginners carving knife suggestions?

[Luke McFadden]

Me again! I don't have a lot of time during the day to be in the "shop" working. So I think that if I was working with a carving knife in some moments throughout the day it would help.

So what is a good carving knife? I wanting to just learn more about working with wood. I'm wanting to get a decent sample of wood types so I can learn the differences between them. I'm not sure what I'll carve yet, I'm looking for a book to pick up with some patterns or examples.

Lee Valley has a lot of options. I didn't know if I should get a specific carving knife, or just use a pocket knife? I'm new, and so I appreciate all comments!

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...332,43339&ap=1

These seem nice and inexpensive, what blade style should I try to find?

Luke

[Rick Whitehead]

Of those pictured,"E" is the most versatile for all-around use. I'd get it and start making shavings!
I think you're definately on the right track. Get several different kinds of wood and try carving something (anything) from all of them.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Rick

[James Mittlefehldt]

Luke go back one page on that LV link to the carving knives and look instead at the Bubinga carving knives or the first carving knife, I forget what it was called, that is if you are talking about three dimensional carving.

The chip carving knives are for relief carving in wood where a pattern is drawn and the bits to be renoved are cut out.

Good luck.

[Chuck Nickerson]

1. Starting out, avoid a knife with a curved cutting edge; it's much harder to sharpen.

2. If you can afford the slight price increase, consider the tools of North Bay Forge. They are wonderful hand-forged tools at a very reasonable price. You'll also help promote the artisan tool movement.

[Tom Hartranft]

Take a look at the carving tool discussions in this carving discussion group site ... http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.co...splay.php?f=52

There are many carving sites that offer beginners packages of basic knife, strop, thumb protector, etc. for a modest price.

Tom

[Chuck Saunders]

My plug for www.littleshavers.com. Good begginners carving kit. I was pleased.
Chuck

[Robert Clarcke]

May be this can help