First knife suggestions

[mrpipster]

Hey everyone I am brand new to carving and need recomendations for a beginners knife.
I am really interested in tree spirit carving\'s I see and that is where I will start my wood carving adventure.
Thanks.

[pallin]

Re: First knife suggestions

Answered already! I\\\'d suggest any knife, folding or fixed blade, that is comfortable in your hand and which you can keep really sharp.

[mrpipster]

Re: First knife suggestions

Yea.
I just want to make sure I am not buying something to big or small for that type of carving.
It looks like a 1x1 basswood block is where I should start?

[Nomad]

Re: First knife suggestions

For a 1\" by 1\" block of wood, I think a blade length of 1\" to 1 1/2\" would work. So many good knives out there. If you can find a carving club or a carving show, you would have the opportunity to handle some knives to find what suits you. Of course, that can change over time as well.

[mrpipster]

Re: First knife suggestions

Well I am thinking a fixed blade knife would work best for me as it has a larger handle?
I am confused with all the shapes out there though.

[papasar]

Re: First knife suggestions

I suggest a Murphy knife. It is fairly cheap and holds a good edge. I have a feeling more carvers start out with this knife than other knives.
Bill K.

[Bob K.]

Re: First knife suggestions

I would suggest a Helvie knife. They are beautiful custom made knives that come in all kinds of handle styles. Start with their Roughout Knife. It comes with a standard 2\" blade but you can request a 1 1/2\" blade (my recommendation). Holli and Rich Smithson, the owners, are very accommodating. And they come carving sharp! I have several Helvie knives that Rich custom made for me and I love them! A Helvie knife will run you about $37, but it is well worth it! It will last you a lifetime! The last thing you want to do is start out with a cheap knife that is dull or isn\'t comfortable in your hand. You can check out all of their knives at: http://www.helvieknives.com I highly recommend it!

[Nomad]

Re: First knife suggestions

Can\'t argue with Bob\'s recommendation. Excellent knife and you won\'t have to sharpen it or reprofile the edge to begin with and the edge should last a long time by just stropping. Great recommendation.

[mrpipster]

Re: First knife suggestions

I suggest a Murphy knife. It is fairly cheap and holds a good edge. I have a feeling more carvers start out with this knife than other knives.
Bill K.

what is a Murphy knife?

[joepaulbutler]

Re: First knife suggestions

https://www.rmurphyknives.com.

I use google to locate things that people suggest. . . JoeB

[papasar]

Re: First knife suggestions

go to the bottom of this thread for more suggestions.

[Bob K.]

Re: First knife suggestions

A Murphy knife is a very inexpensive (cheap) knife that has a very cheap, thin and boring (unattractive) handle (in my opinion). You can even buy them in a craft store. The blade comes pretty sharp but it will require some honing to get to carving sharp (in my opinion)...the Helvie comes ready to carve. Like Joe said, Google Murphy knife and compare it to the Helvie knives I recommended and make your own decision. A little extra money spent up front will save you a lot of frustration and aggravation in the long run. The attached photo shows a Murphy knife and a Helvie knife (the Helvie has a shorter than usual handle because I had it custom made for myself).

[Bob K.]

Re: First knife suggestions

Actually, I may have a real good knife I can sell you for a few bucks. Send me a PM and We can talk about it.

[mrpipster]

Re: First knife suggestions

Actually, I may have a real good knife I can sell you for a few bucks. Send me a PM and We can talk about it.

Wow! Thanks! PM coming.

[natdob]

Re: First knife suggestions

There\'s plenty of websites to find reviews of good carving knives for beginners all over the web.
http://www.bestwoodcarvingtools.com/
I usually go to this website for their recommendations.