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Comment by Brian Martin on November 15, 2013 at 19:57

Sweet knives Ivars!!

Comment by J.J. Smith III on November 15, 2013 at 19:47

I'm fond of Barlows too.  Saw a nice stag handeled sway back in a hardware store in North Carolina once.  Didn't pick it up at that time, but came back the next day and it was gone.  You snooze, you loose.

I'd love to have one with a coping blade secondary.  I'd be ALL over that.

Comment by Howard P Reynolds on November 15, 2013 at 10:40

Thanks, guys.  It looks like I need to get at least a couple different carvers.  The Oar carver looks good, and so does the 2-blade GEC.  The Seahorse is also worth a try.  I don't intend on being a dedicated carver, so I should probably pick one of the three and go with it.  However, I do like to test knives and I need more than one to make comparisons.  Probably any well made Whittler would do for someone like me who intends to just play around.  You guys don't think I need a Bill Ruple Whittler do you?  Hahahahaha.

Comment by J.J. Smith III on November 14, 2013 at 18:47

Howard,

In the end, it all depends on what you want to carve.  Dedicated carving knives are nice, but a slip joint whittler let's you carry it anywhere you like.  Ivar's makes excellent observations and recommendations tho I like the downturn on the Seahorses main blade.  He makes his own carving knives, while I like to modify knives to suit my tastes,  

http://www.iknifecollector.com/photo/albums/knife-modifications.

Either way, experiment with what's available.

Comment by Howard P Reynolds on November 14, 2013 at 17:33

Ivars,

I looked at Oar carvers today, too.  They look pretty good, and as you say, Queen makes them.  And a Canoe is my favorite knife pattern in folders.  Also, I think you are correct about 1095 or high carbon steel being easy to work with and sharpen.  My problem with it is that most of my life I lived without central heating/cooling, and rust loves hot and humid weather.  I live in a controlled environment now, but it's hard to forget all the pitting I experienced with carbon bladed knives.  Whatever carver I get will sit around a long time between uses.

Comment by Howard P Reynolds on November 14, 2013 at 17:19

Thanks, J.J.,  Good point about "pocket worn", that is, might want smooth bone or wood for the scales/handles for comfort.

I took a look around the Internet this afternoon and a sowbelly might feel pretty good, but they have 4 and sometimes 5 blades which makes for a little fatter knife, and I don't have big hands.

Comment by J.J. Smith III on November 14, 2013 at 15:57

I'm a big fan of the Seahorse, Howard.
If you can find one in "pocket worn" you'll love it. You can always smooth out the edges of the scales to your liking on a regular one.

Comment by Howard P Reynolds on November 14, 2013 at 14:49

Well, that does it, Steve.  I have to get a whittler.  What make/kind do I need?  I bought a "Carvin Jack" just so I had something, but reading this blog it seems that REAL carvers don't much like the "Carvin Jack".  So, Seahorse Whittlers look good, but do they feel better in the hand than a straight Whittler?  As you know, I am not much for 1095, even though that is what the "Carvin Jack" is.  D2 sounds like a good option, but are there any "super steel" (154 CPM, Aus-10, S30V,etc.) carvers out there?

Comment by Howard P Reynolds on November 14, 2013 at 13:43

Hahahaha.  Steve, that is something (walking stick carving) I can't do with my big Busse knife - totem pole maybe, but not fine work.  Great talent, and I saw on "Antiques Roadshow" that a couple old ones, from nobody famous, brought some big bucks.

Comment by Brian Martin on November 9, 2013 at 22:17

They fit in the hand nice Howard and don't feel heavy in the pocket make nice EDC.  Thanks Pat I am trying to make better pics, working on better lighting is my next goal.

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