I'm working on a project to carve a map and I need some really fine carving knives. Since this is likely my only wood carving project, I'm not looking to spend much on tools. I tried using an arts and crafts knife, but it was really tough to work with, especially since my hands tend to shake. Does anyone have recommendations for inexpensive, thin carving tools, or suggestions on where I can find them quickly? I also have a tight deadline, so I can't wait for shipping.
5 Answers
My grandpa used to make his own carving knives from old saw blades! You just need to find one that's made to be resharpened. You can shape it with an angle grinder and make a handle. Just be careful when cutting not to overheat the blade, or it can ruin its heat treatment.
If there's a Woodcraft store nearby, they have a great selection of carving knives under $30. It’s the perfect place to find what you need without breaking the bank!
Given your time constraints, a Dremel or another rotary tool could be your best bet! It makes carving easier and quicker.
Have you considered using a chip carving knife? They're usually quite affordable and might be just what you need for this type of project.
For a solid start, you can use a sharp knife, a rasp or file, and some sandpaper. Keeping your knife sharp will really help. If you have a Dremel tool, that could take the strain off your hands by handling more detail work. If you’re carving indentations for your map, a set of chisels with various shapes could also be useful.