Wood carving, like any other craftwork, requires the right tools to ensure a promising result. You need the right tools to bring to life your wood carving ideas. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a newbie, both must have the right equipment to retain their love for the art and to hone their skills.
6 Best Knives for Carving Wood
Here, we bring you the best knives for carving wood in the market to save your time and effort.
If you are someone fascinated by wood carving, the guide below will be all you need to start your wood carving journey or find the right companion if you have already begun. Without further ado, let’s hop into the review section to know more about these wonder knives!
1.Flexcut Cutting Knife KN12
Whether you are a jeweler, an artist, or whittle as a hobby, you will find the knife to be extremely useful. The fine shape of the wooden handle facilitates using the knife for all sorts of designs. The traditional design of the blade keeps your hands safe from wounds and cuts.
The carbon steel blade is resistant to corrosion, thus turning out to be a durable and reliable option. The knife allows you to dig, scoop, or slice wood with ease. It won’t lose its sharpness with frequent use as the blade is made to endure rough use.
Pros
- Sharp blade
- Honed handled is comfortable to use
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Best for beginners
Cons
- The glued blade might come off if dropped
2. Warren Deluxe Wood Carving Knives & Tool Set / New
Being able to handle your knives properly plays an important part. Therefore, the knives have been primed to be comfortable while you do your job.
The knives sport high carbon steel blades that are reliable for long term use. You can use the knife for wood carving without fear of bending the blade. They are heavy-duty and come with needlepoints that make them suitable for enduring service.
The kit comes in a steel box draped in vinyl and embedded with heavy-duty piano hinges that hold the tools. Among the accessories are carving chisels that are famous for the precise curves they make in the wood. The portable kit is handy and functional.
Pros
- Reliable
- Portable
- Steel case for safekeeping
- Brings about precise strokes
Cons
- The magnet in the case is poor
3. Flexcut Carving Knives Set of 3 (KN500)
The high carbon steel blades have a robust and durable build that makes the knives last longer. They are strong enough to handle both softwood and hardwood efficiently. The unprecedented comfort that the handles provide makes every move easy and swift.
The versatile knives don’t require sharpening from any shop as they come razor-sharp and with a sharpening tool included in the package. The versatile knives bring about detail and precision with the help of a rounded point.
Pros
- Smooth functioning
- Sharp blades
- Sharpener included
- Works on both hard and softwood
Cons
- Blades are a bit longer
4. Wood Carving Tools Kit by Gaxcoo Store
The blades are made of high carbon steel that, apart from being sharp and acute, are corrosion resistant. The high-end knives have a solid construction and are easy to maintain. The carbon steel blade and hardwood handles make the knife durable.
The versatile knives can perform various tasks, whether it is wood carving, whittling, or roughing wood out. The refined shape of the knife makes it super comfortable to hold and perform the job. The knife is easily moved around at various angles to fashion out various artwork.
Pros
- Set of three knives
- Corrosion-resistant
- Sharp blades
- Includes a razor
Cons
- Might be difficult to use for bowls
5. Loew-Cornell Wood Carving Knives, 12-Count
The hardwood handles are built to offer convenience. The more comfortable the handles are, the easier it is to sculpt out the design of your choice. The robust construction of the handle tightly holds the blade and does not come off.
The blades used in the carving knives are strong and sharp. The carbon steel blades neatly cut through the wood. They are corrosion-resistant, which helps in keeping the knives razor-sharp without going blunt.
Pros
- Great for carving softwoods
- Comprise 12 knives
- Complete toolset
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Not as sharp out of the box
6. 2 Wood Carving Knives by SUNREEK
The wood carving tool is made specifically for basic wood carving jobs. The sharpened and polished blade is fixed into a naturally oiled birchwood handle. It helps you in comfortably holding the knife for a long time.
The ergonomic design of the knife helps you with the hours-long project without causing hand fatigue. You can use it for a range of projects for carving out intricate designs with ease.
A cup, spoon, bowl, chair, whatever you want, it can be skillfully fashioned out with the highly-functional knives.
Pros
- Cuts easily
- Comfortable handle
- Sharp blade
- Affordable
Cons
- Average quality
Buying Guide
To help you with finding the right tool for your craft, a little bit of knowledge is essential. Although it all boils down to personal preference, you must have an insight into the details to make a sound choice.
Types of Knives
The most basic difference between the knives are:
Folding Knives
The folding knives have the advantage of being portable as they can easily fold into a size that can fit into bags and purses. The compact size allows you to carry them around easily. The discreet knives are versatile and help in accomplishing most tasks.
The convenience attracts many of the craftsmen. However, you have to be careful while using the knife and make sure you do not exert much pressure as the knife can break. The folding points are the weaker spots from where the breakage usually occurs.
Cleaning out and maintenance is another factor that needs contemplation. Small knives are difficult to clean.
Fixed Knives
Since folding knives tend to be small, the blades too are small. This can get in the way of a few projects where you need longer blades for the job. Wood carving requires a bit longer blades to achieve precision for which fixed knives are more useful.
Fixed blade knives are more strong and durable. They are longer and hence more functional. The style of the knife makes it easy to clean and maintain it.
Spoon/Hook Knives
Spoon or hook knives are curved, as the name suggests. They are made especially for carving our spoons and bowls. Any workpiece that requires caving or hollowing out should be dealt with using hook knives.
Spear Point Knives
The spear-shaped knives have a symmetrical spear point build that brings precision and detail in a workpiece. It is difficult to use them on the hardwood.
Chip Carving Knives
These are used in removing wood in chips or chunks to create a pattern. The blades are distinctly designed so that they are suited to a variety of designs.
Sheepsfoot Knives
The design of this knife sports a straight cutting edge with the back of the blade dropping down at the edge of the knife. They come in various lengths and thicknesses to offer more options to the user.
These are further divided into a roughing knife and a detail knife.
Durability
You can not invest your money in a knife set that will only last days or months. You need to purchase a kit that guarantees durability. You have to make sure that the blade, handle, and entire fixing of the knife is strong enough to control your projects.
Wood projects require knives that are strong and able to handle rough use. Otherwise, they might break after constant contact with the workpiece in a matter of time. The most sturdy of all is the carbon steel blade that must be your preferred choice.
Blade Edge
The edge of the blade is equally important. The edge determines the sharpness and efficiency of the knife. A material that retains its shape and sharpness are the ones appropriate for use. Carbon steel is sharper than other stainless steels.
Handle
No matter how artistically you maneuver your knife, it all comes down to how well you are able to handle it. Therefore, you need a knife that has a comfortable handle so you can use it for longer periods without hurting your hands.
Some knives have an ergonomic design and secure grip to facilitate your work and not cause hand fatigue. They are the preferable option for most artists.
Size of the Knife
For perfect strokes on the wood, you need a knife that fits into your palm and has a blade that is suitable for the kind of design you want. The size of the knife determines the amount of detail you want in the carving, so it is important. The task too determines the size, so it’s always wise to have knives of all sizes.
Final Thoughts
Carving is a fun activity. The ability to sculpt out beautiful objects is fulfilling and entertaining. However, even as a time pass or fun activity, it requires the right tools for you to carve out praiseworthy objects.
The types of knives discussed above offer everything you require to unleash your creativity in wood carving of all kinds. These tools are complete and suit all levels of skills. The guide educates you even more on picking up the correct equipment, solving all your problems.
Pick one from the above sets or choose another according to your preference. However, before you whip out your wallet, do understand what features you must expect of your knife to have.
Enjoy what you do and sculpt perfection!