Best Wood Carving Knives Reviews

1. Blade Style: There are three styles of knife blades to choose from when you’re looking to purchase a wood carving knife.

The first is the single edged blade which is popular among beginner carvers. These knives have a sharp edge on one side with a blunt edge on the other.

They are generally easier to control and are preferred by those who are just starting out in the art of wood carving.

The second is the double edged knife, also called a caping knife. These knives have two sharp edges and are the most commonly used by professional wood carvers.

The third type is the single edged knife with a gut hook. These are the preferred knives of experienced wood carvers because they allow for greater precision.

2. Length of the Blade: The length of the blade is something you will have to determine based on what you intend to carve. Longer blades are generally used for rough carving while shorter blades are used for detail carving.

3. Steel: The steel that a knife is made from will have the greatest impact on the durability of the knife.

Higher quality steel, such as a lamination of metals, will hold an edge longer and resist wear and tear. They will also cause less damage to the wood if you accidentally slide the knife along the wood instead of carving into it.

4. Handle: Wood carving knives can either have a wood or metal handle. Wood handles are traditional and generally preferred by those who are more familiar with the art.

They are lightweight and absorb some of the vibrations from carving wood so your hands don’t feel as fatigued when you are finished carving.

Metal handled knives provide greater stability and can be easier to hold if you are carving something large.

5. Price: Like most tools, you get what you pay for when it comes to wood carving knives. Cheaper knives will generally not hold an edge as long and will break or become dull faster.

The higher the quality of the steel, the longer the knife will hold an edge.

Cheaper knives will also feel like they have a shorter lifespan and can be harder to control.

Higher quality knives will generally last longer, will have an edge that lasts longer, and will feel more comfortable and easier to control.

6. Maintenance: Before and after each carving session, it is important to sharpen your knife.

Sharpening the knife will prevent it from becoming dull and will prolong the life of the knife.

You should also hone the knife using a sharpening stone before each carving session.

Honing the knife will help create an edge on the knife instead of dulling it.

7. Storage: The way you store your wood carving knife will have an impact on its lifespan.

If you store it in a drawer where the blade will rub against other kitchen utensils, you will dull the edge faster and possibly cause damage to the other items.

You should either keep it in a pouch or leather sheath, or in a wooden block.

This will prevent it from being damaged by other utensils and will also help maintain the edge of the knife.

8. Types of Woods: The type of wood you are carving will also determine the type of knife you should use.

Soft woods, such as bass wood, will dull the knife faster and cause more damage to the wood.

Hard woods, such as maple or walnut, require a sharper knife that will not damage the carving.