My knives (in depth review)
All my carvings are knife only. I've owned more than 10 knives over the last year or so, tested them all, sold most of them, learned what I like and dislike on a whittling knife. I don't want to collect knives anymore, so I only keep those I intend to use. I've used beavercraft, flexcut, and local handmade knives.
From left to right:
1- MStein N2 knife
I've been using this knife and this knife only for the past 6 months. I got used to its handle and blade, done A LOT of stropping and carving with it. I can say it is a very reliable tool, and even though I payed more with shipping and taxes, its price is at 13 euros. It's a simple tool that works really well. With this knife, I found the handle style I prefer (something I can wrap my hand around completely), and fully understood that I really need one simple good knife, and that's enough. Would 100% recommend to someone, beginner or experienced. Never had a problem with the steel, holds the edge very well, easy to strop. The type of grind never stopped me from gliding though the wood like butter. A couple of nicks on the edge when I moved to harder woods, until I learned to adapt when using tougher materials. Stropped it all away. If I ever need it, I would buy a batch of those for giving a class or something without a second thought. I intend to give the handle a little treat by sanding and oiling it.
2- Custom made knife, by a local blacksmith
One knife is all it takes to whittle, but one is none. If I break it or lose it, I can't carve. So I ordered a custom knife from a local blacksmith. I was already familiar with his work, having owned, used then sold a knife of his making. As the pictures tell, I asked for a copy of my trusted MStein knife. I have to say he nailed it. The blade shape and size is pretty much the same, the bevel is grinded higher than the MStein style per my request. The handle is the same shape and size, but MUCH more nicely finished. it is very comfortable to hold, came super sharp and will probably become my favourite over time. I tested it for a couple hours, and I think the bevel angle is different because I struggled to carve with it for the first couple of minutes, till I changed the angle of the cut. I trust that by using it and stropping it my way it will slowly adjust. I will carve a lot to see how it holds, as to compare with the MStein. Mainly interested in seeing if there is any notable difference due to the different steel. If I end up liking it, it may replace the MStein knife, as to support a local handmade product.
3- OCCT knife
This one is a sad story, and I made a whole post about it for those interested. In short terms, It came to me not as sharp as I've hoped, very disapointing at the time. I tried to fix it, made it worse, so I sent to the blacksmith that made knife 2. He fixed the shape, maintained the flat grind, gave the handle a little treat and sent it back. The steel seems to be harder than the other ones, and it is a little bit longer. I got to admit I kind of prefer the sharper shape on the tip, it goes down in a straight fashion rather than in a curve. Makes it easier for chip carvings thinkgs like pyramid cuts. The flat grind everyone told me it was great, not a fan. The knife goes straight into the wood, the angle you insert it is the angle it comes out (it does not deflect) and I believe that's the idea, maybe I am just not used to it but made carving harder for me. Still makes clean cuts, holds the edge very well, it just feels very stiff. I don't really care anymore, since I found knives I like now. Might sell it in the near future, after carving more with it. Also not a fan of the handle, but it could be sanded. Perhaps I was just out of luck with this one, just didn't 'click' for me, but it works, it is sharp and functioning.