carving knife for a beginner

[Zahid Naqvi]

I am trying to learn wood carving. I have tried one small project so far, but I am lacking a lot of essential tools, most importantly a carving knife. For now I am only after furniture carving (shells, ball and claw foot etc), but in the future I can see myself getting interested in figurative carving as well, the human face fascinates me a lot.
So with that in mind what would be a good general purpose knife to buy, which I can keep using in the years to come. I am partial to Lee Ferguson, since he is a local (Arkansas) craftsman and I'd like to support him if possible.

[Gord Pat]

I just purchased on of Lee Ferguson's knives, it appears to be well made , I haven't really had a chance to test drive it yet. What amazes me is how he is able to create these woodcarving knives and sell them at the reasonable price that he does my small bladed one cost $20.00 ...and shipping was included. It's got to be the l lowest priced carving knife around, well maybe the old standby Murphy bench knives are priced lower but that's about it.
Forgetting about price Helvie knives are top line as are Denny knives, have some of each and plenty happy with both.
Choosing a wood carving knife is most likely best done by feel, in other words check it out if possible, does it fit and feel good in your hand, the size and shape of the handle is an important feature. The shape of the blade will depend on what type of carving you intend to do, is it for roughing out or is it for detail and of course there are all sorts of specialty blades shapes and sizes that can make your knife choice difficult to decide.
Of course last but not least is how good is the steel and and how long does the edge stay sharp.
Lots of things to think about, so if it's possible to actually check the knife out by having it in your hand and maybe making a couple of cuts with it do so.
I'd say that a Lee Ferguson knife rough out knife looks like it might be a good choice for you.

I am trying to learn wood carving. I have tried one small project so far, but I am lacking a lot of essential tools, most importantly a carving knife. For now I am only after furniture carving (shells, ball and claw foot etc), but in the future I can see myself getting interested in figurative carving as well, the human face fascinates me a lot.
So with that in mind what would be a good general purpose knife to buy, which I can keep using in the years to come. I am partial to Lee Ferguson, since he is a local (Arkansas) craftsman and I'd like to support him if possible.

[Vic Castello]

Zahid....

I have a variety of carving knives, some are larger for roughing out, and some are smaller, thinner or curved for detail work. There is a glut of excellent knives to choose from out there. I think that the main thing that you might want to pay most attention to is how the knife feels in your hand because all hands are different. What works for me, might not work for you! What I might suggest is that you go to a show, or visit a store that sells them, and actually pick up the knife and hold it. See if it feels comfortable, and see if you can grip it well. Bring a piece of scrap wood as many exhibitors or store associates will allow you to try out the knife, or they have "demonstrators" that you can try out. After you get that part down, then tell the person what you intend to do with the knife, and most will be knowledgable enough to help you select just the right type for you.

If you like Mr. Ferguson's very fine collection of knives, why not contact him to arrange a visit, or to see where he may be exhibiting soon??? Hope I was helpful!

[Vic Castello]

As I appear to have posted at the exact same time as our friend Gord Pat, I can see that he and I are on the same wavelength with regard to feel and actually trying the knife!

And, he has actual experience with Lee Ferguson knives!

Beauty!

[Daniel Heine]

Zahid,

I have a Lee Furguson chip carving knife, and I like it a lot. However, my recomendation for an all purpose carving knife wopuld be for a Ron Wells knife. The 1 3/4 short blade is a great knife that comes razor sharp out of the box:
http://www.ronwellswoodcarving.com/knives.htm

The other suggestion I have is the beginner scarving kit from Rick at Little Shavers. You get a lot of gear for a small price:

http://www.littleshavers.com/BegKit.html

Anything you buy from Rick comes razor sharp, and ready for carving.

Good Luck,
Dan

[Vic Castello]

Also Zahid....

When I saw the safety glove that was shown on one of the sites that Dan just posted, I feel it is my duty to my fellow carver to recommend that you seriously consider using one! I wasn't until one of the members of my carving club seriously cut himself when his knife slipped and cut all the way down between his thumb and index finger. He had to have major surgery done by a hand specialist to repair the damage! Now, we all use them when we are holding pieces in one hand, and cutting with the other. None of us want to see you coming on here at any time in the future telling us you cut yourself!

[Zahid Naqvi]

The other suggestion I have is the beginner scarving kit from Rick at Little Shavers. You get a lot of gear for a small price:

http://www.littleshavers.com/BegKit.html

Anything you buy from Rick comes razor sharp, and ready for carving.

Dan, I wish I had'nt already bought the LeeValley Japanese details carving set or else I would have pulled the trigger on the beginner's set from Rick.

There is a local carver I know who has offered help and guidance. I will ask him if he will let me handle some of his knives. It seems feel of a knife is very important, considering everyone raised this question.

[Steve Friedman]

I love Lee Valley stuuf, but Del Stubbs (www.pinewoodforge.com) is, without a doubt, one of the finest knife makers around and his prices are very reasonable. If you're doing detail carving, he has a knife that was designed by Harley Refsal that seems terrific. I own two of his sloyd knives and one of the curved knives. They are all amazing!

Though they are a little pricier, Drew Langsner at Country Workshops (www.countryworkshops.org) also sells some incredible carving knives made in Sweden by Hans Karlsson and Svante Djarv. I own a couple of them are they are great, but Del's are more comfortable and (I think) easier to keep sharp.

Hope this helps.

Steve

[Zahid Naqvi]

I visited with Ken Glascock, a local carver, who was kind enough to let me try his carving knives. He has Helvie and Ron Wells knives, and I agree with his opinion that the Ron Wells knives feel better in your hands.