Hey everyone! I'm new to carving and I'm currently using a utility knife, but I need something better for my projects. Can you recommend some affordable and reliable carving knives? I'd love to hear about your favorites. Also, if you're in NYC and want to carve together, let me know!
3 Answers
It really depends on what kind of carving you’re into and the sizes you’ll be working with. My first good carving tool was a Mora 122—it’s super reliable! I’d probably still choose it if I could only use one tool. The Mora 120 is also a solid option.
A Flexcut knife could be a great starting point! They come sharp right out of the box, and you can keep them sharp with a strop. You can find them on Amazon or at woodworking stores.
Check out this list I've linked to! It has solid recommendations. Just a heads up, some brands like Helvie and Drake have long waiting lists, and it’s not worth it to pay scalpers on eBay. I suggest getting on their waiting list while picking up one of the other knives from the list in the meantime; you’ll end up with a good collection!
I have a Silvern Works knife from that list, and it's fantastic! Really impressed with the quality.