Hey everyone! I'm diving into the woodcarving hobby and finding all these guides a bit overwhelming. I've seen Linker mentioned as one of the best teachers, and in his video, he suggests getting a 1.75-inch knife, but I keep hearing about the Morakniv 120, which is 2.4 inches. I'm torn between the two! I also noticed he was using a knife from OCC during a five-minute tutorial, which looks like this one: https://mountainwoodcarvers.com/collections/occ-tools/products/occt-walnut-flat-grind-whittler-1-75. So I'm really trying to decide on either the Morakniv 120 or the OCCT knife.
Now, regarding strops and sharpening, do I really need all the tools if I choose a pre-sharpened knife and take care of it by stropping often? What strop kit do you recommend and where can I find a solid guide for beginners? I've checked out the sub's wiki and it's super helpful, but I'm still feeling a bit overwhelmed. Also, who makes a good 90-degree V-Tool? Is a quarter inch the most versatile option since that's the other knife Linker mentioned I might need?
4 Answers
Let’s break this down:
- For figurines, grab a Flexcut KN12; for bowls or spoons, stick with a Morakniv.
- A strop is a must-have right off the bat! Eventually, you’ll need a sharpening stone, but that can wait.
- Get yourself an ANSI cut-resistant glove for safety.
- Basswood blocks are great to practice on.
- Check out some videos about safe carving and stropping.
You can always add more tools later, just get started with the basics!
I’d go for the OCCT knife! I’ve tried a bunch of different knives, and honestly, the Mora didn’t work well for me—too wide for the small figures I carve. A lot of folks rave about Mora knives, but if you're into more complex stuff than spoon carving, I'd recommend looking into what the pros use. Carvers like Gene Messer and Doug Linker don't often use Mora. Give the OCCT a shot, you'll be happier with it!
Funny how preferences vary! But yeah, everyone has different styles. What works for one may not work for another.
Most new knives are sharp according to factory specs, but woodcarvers need more precise edges. You’ll find beginners often sharpen and hone their smaller knives more frequently, like Mora and Flex Cut, while bigger knives go for quicker wood removal. For keeping your knife in tip-top shape, a leather strop is your best friend. As a newbie, you should strop often—it's essential! And if you're looking for alternatives to sharpening stones, sandpaper on a block works well too.
This is super helpful! So what’s the deal with the OCCT being labeled as 'super sharp'? Is it actually that sharp for woodcarvers?
Stubai makes great V-tools, often found at places like the Whittling Shack. A 60-degree V is actually more versatile than a 90-degree one, but don't go for knives longer than 2 inches. Some folks find 1 inch too small for details, so experiment to see what fits your style! OCCT is well-reputed, but keep in mind that Mora isn't the best for detailed figures.
Thanks for the insights! I’m sold on the OCCT after hearing that!