Best Wood Carving Tools

Find the best wood carving tools, guides, tutorials, and more!

Opinel No 8 Review

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Opinel

It might just be a brand name to us, but among the French it has become a genericized trademark developing since 1890, much similar to how we refer to a hot tub as a Jacuzzi but it’s ultimately the name of a brand.

Instead, they refer to any wood handled pocket tool as an Opinel.

Ever since reports of Pablo Picasso using Opinels for sculpting, which started out as a utility tool knife, the brand quickly became shaped into the French language and symbolical of the culture.

Yes, freakin Pablo Picasso.

Nowadays, the Opinel No 8 review receives recognition for it’s unique knife design by sitting alongside the Porsche 911 sports car and the Rolex watch in the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design (Victoria and Albert Museum, also referred to as V&A) in London since 1985 as part of an exhibit celebrating the “100 most beautiful products in the world”.

The Opinel No 8 review introduces a popular object used on a daily basis. Its aesthetics and functionality have convinced several generations of users. Unchanged for over a century, its design is one of the most successful of all times. For this reason, Opinel is recognised by the “Victoria and Albert Museum” as being among the 100 best designs. This list includes the Porsche 911 and the Rolex watch.Opinel

 

Opinel No 8 Review Specs

Widley known as their best selling knife, the Opinel No 8 review acknowledges that size is ideal for a pocket knife and this tool conceals very well. Materials used are mid-range, but at a price point that is quite exciting. 

 The lightweight beechwood handle has a special texture and contour that makes the knife not only comfortable, but gives you the satisfaction of having that certain feel of a higher end product.

In total, the knife sits at only 1.6 oz. Its weight only adds to the versatility and is surprising when you first hold it.

It is equipped with a 3.25” carbon steel blade with a tightly polished edge and stamped factory logo.

Check Amazon for Pricing
Knife:Opinel No 8
Steel:Carbon Steel
Handle:Beechwood
Blade Length:3.25"
Weight:1.6 ounces
Dimensions:5 x 1 x 0.7 inches
Locking Mechanism:Yes
Type:Multi purpose folding knife

When extended, the knife has a total length of 7 5/8”. The blade is held in place by a stainless steel, twist able lock collar to eliminate the possibility of it closing in on your hand and ensuring a stable cutting edge while working. [Read more…] about Opinel No 8 Review

Flexcut Carvin Jack Review

By Woodcarver 3 Comments

flexcut carvin jack

The Flexcut Carvin Jack review brings a small multi-tool used for woodcarving. The size of a large pocketknife, this woodcarver’s product is a convenient and portable tool for whittling on the go.

It offers six different woodcarver’s implements and is known for its extremely sharp blades. The majority of reviews, more than ninety percent on Amazon, have been strongly favorable. Take an in-depth look into the Flexcut Carvin Jack review to see if it holds up to the high capacity many have claimed it to function at.

We will look at the intricacies of the knife, its benefits, purpose, its flaws, and why so many people highly value it.

Now let’s get down to all the nooks and crannies of this interesting woodcarving pocketknife:

Flexcut Carvin Jack Review Details

The Flexcut Carvin Jack review explains this unique tool that is one of the first of its kind, so let’s see what it brings to the table:

  • High Carbon Steel blades on all six of its instruments
  • Features a folding design
  • Convenient size of 3.5 ounces and a closed length of 4-1/4”
  • All blades are pre-sharpened and razor sharp
  • The tool features six different blades: 3/4” #7 Sweep knife blade, 3/8” #6 scorp, 3/8” #11 gouge, 3/8” #1 straight chisel, 1-3/8” detail carving knife, and 1/4” 70° V-scorp
  • Leather, belt mounted pouch
  • Custom strop for sharpening
  • Right and left handed models available

The highlights of this product are its six unique instruments, conveniently portable size, and accessories.

Having the six different blades provides a woodcarver’s kit right in your pocket, allowing you to do anything a woodcarver would need to do when at his/her work bench at home. Since the tool is small and easily accessible straight from your pocket, it is convenient to do any kind of wood whittling just about anywhere.

Knife:
Steel:High Carbon Steel
#7 Sweep Knife Blade:3/4”
#6 Scorp3/8”
#11 Gouge3/8”
#1 Straight Chisel3/8”
Detail Carving Knife1-3/8”
70° V-Scorp1/4”
Weight:10.2 ounces
Dimensions:10.3 x 6.7 x 1.8 inches
Type:Multi-Purpose Knife
This Purchase Includes:Nice leather case, small strop, and gold compound hard stick
Not only do you get the tool when purchasing, but you also receive a pouch and a strop for sharpening whenever you might need it. These features offer promising value from the start.

After taking in the details, let’s look at some of the benefits it provides and why this tool is attractive to so many. [Read more…] about Flexcut Carvin Jack Review

Mora 164 Hook Knife Review

By Woodcarver 6 Comments

mora 164

Even if you’re passionate about wood carving, this passion is wasted without proper know-how. As with many other facets of our lives, knowledge and research are crucial to making informed decisions.

Couple this with hands on experience and some good old trial and error and there will be no stopping you.

Bringing it to back to the research part, the Mora 164 hook knife is up for review.

Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned carver, the right tools are a necessity.  The Mora 164 hook knife is such a tool and is up for consideration and evaluation accordingly.

Its specs shall be covered alongside its usage, pros and cons. As any good review should suggest, do further research on top of this and make sure you invest in a product that works for you.

Knife:
Steel:Carbon Steel
Blade Length:2.0 inches (50 mm)
Internal Radius: 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Edge:Single-Edge
Weight: 2.1 oz. (59 g)
HandleOiled Birche Wood
TangFull tang
Type:Precision Hook Knife
Items Included:None
WarrantyLimited lifetime warranty
[Read more…] about Mora 164 Hook Knife Review

Mora Classic 2 Knife Review

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The Morakniv Classic No 2 is a traditional model from Sweden of camping/wilderness knives. It is a high quality knife, the top of its class, known for its durability and effectiveness. Hundreds of customer reviews of the item proclaim its greatness and the superiority over other utility knives.

So what makes this classic cutting machine such a work of art?

We will look at the intricacies of the mora classic 2, its benefits, multi-functionality, and why it is so highly valued.

First, let’s dive into the details and dimensions of the knife:

Knife Details

Since it is a classic model, this knife is not meant for style and special ergonomic design, but what it lacks in features, it makes up for in reliability:

The aspects that most standout about this knife lie in its blade and grind.

Swedish carbon steel has been trusted and has proven itself superior to most any other type of blade.

The Scandinavian grind of the blade also allows for trouble-free regrinding and sharpening, as well as an effortless cutting ability. Understanding what this knife presents, what are its main advantages you ask.

What would persuade you to purchase this knife over other utility knives?

Top Mora Classic 2 Qualities

Being a classic model, this knife is made to exceed industry standards and offer higher quality materials than its competition:

  • Sharpness: The Classic No 2 is one of the sharpest knives anyone will find because of its carbon blade. Stronger than stainless steel, the carbon blade can hold a sharper edge. Not only is it one of the sharpest knives available, it’s valuable quality for holding an edge is highly sought after.
Knife:
Steel:Carbon Steel
Blade Length:4.2" (106 mm)
Blade Width:0.08" (2.0 mm)
Total Length:8.3" (210 mm)
Weight:Weight: 3 oz. (86g)
HandleRed Ochre Birch
GrindScandinavian
Tang¾ rat tail
Type:Multi-purpose knife
Items Included:Plastic sheath with belt-clip
WarrantyLimited lifetime warranty
[Read more…] about Mora Classic 2 Knife Review

Mora 122 Knife Review

By Woodcarver 1 Comment

mora 122Back at it again with the Morakniv!

Manufactured and created for over 100 years in Mora, Sweden: the Mora 122 is a knife for whittling. 

But not just a general carving knife like the 106.

The Mora 122 is uniquely crafted for detail work.

 

More on that later.

 

Mora 122 Top Qualities

This precision tool is designed with oiled birch wood attached to a customization full tang laminated carbon steel blade that fits comfortably and firmly in your hands.

It’s undeniable small body is a direct correlation to it’s intended purpose.

This knife is made for removing material from a spot that is otherwise difficult to achieve with a different size knife.

A task like this receives a lot of help from the thin tapered blade.

Knife:
Steel:Laminated Carbon Steel
Handle:Oiled Birch Wood
Blade Length:2.4-inches (60 mm)
Blade Width: 0.08-inches (2.0 mm)
Total Length:6.7-inches (169 mm)
Weight:1.9 oz. (53g)
Type:Chip Carving
Items Included:Sheath
[Read more…] about Mora 122 Knife Review

Mora 106 Knife Review

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mora 106

 Morakniv 106

Check prices on Amazon

 

Morakniv, a company with over 125 years of knife knowledge handcrafting knives in Mora, Sweden with nothing but it’s customer’s needs in mind.

Today, I bring you a special knife created by this company.

It is sibling to the Mora 120 knife and it’s blade is identical to the Mora 105 we have already reviewed.

 

It is the Mora 106.

 

Mora 106 Top Qualities

In comparison, the mora 106 blade is longer (by 0.85″ a total length of 3.2″) to take on generous cuts that the 120 blade (2.35″) can not accomplish.

A huge part of what makes these two knives so great, and often bought together, is this detail:

They compliment eachother.

Where one lacks in performance, the other specializes in.

Knife:
Mora 106
Steel:Laminated Carbon Steel
Blade Length:3.2" (82 mm)
Blade Width:0.08" (2.0 mm)
Total Length: 7.4" (188 mm)
Weight:2.0 oz. (58g)
Type:General Whittling
Items Included:Sheath
 
[Read more…] about Mora 106 Knife Review

7 Reasons Basswood Is The Best Wood For Carving

By Woodcarver 6 Comments

One of the most tedious and frustrating aspects about the art of wood carving is not the amount of money spent on tools.

It’s not even when you accidentally cut your finger and have to retire yourself out of commission for weeks until it’s healed.

Want to know what the most tiresome thing that we all have to deal with is?

 

Wood that damages knives.

Chipping, rolling, bending: all are damages we have or will encounter if you choose the wrong wood for your carving tools.

So what wood should you be using instead?

Well, basswood is famously known for being incredibly versatile and the easiest to carve wood with. But there’s more reasons than that to pick this type of wood for modeling figures with.

Read Full Review

See Price on Amazon

Here are 7 reasons you should consider basswood as the best wood for carving:

[Read more…] about 7 Reasons Basswood Is The Best Wood For Carving

Wood Carving Instructional Beginner’s Guide

By Woodcarver 4 Comments

Interested in wood carving, but don’t know where to start?

Can’t find any helpful articles that give detailed and thorough explanations to all of your questions?

Then you have come to the right place!

This article will be a guide to all the information you will need right here in Best Wood Carving Tools website.

Just Beginning

Most of us have varying stories on how we got began, but the important thing is that everyone here has the desire to learn and create.

So now you’re asking: How do I get started?

Here’s how:best wood for carving

  1. Find out what carving style you are most interested in.

    Most people start off with Whittling, a.k.a. hand carving, which is meant for carving shapes, figures, and utensils. 

      All-Inclusive Whittling Guide

    A great example of whittling is this picture to the right of a necklace book pendant which we made a how to tutorial on carving it.

    Another wood carving style is called Chip Carving. This technique is used to create symmetrical and geometrical designs in wood planks by literally chipping out material from the lumber.

  2. Check out our >>Chip Carving: Top Leading Online Handbook<<
  3. Also >>Comprehensive Guide To Relief Carving

  4. Acquire the right knives.

    This is where most people make mistakes. They’ll go purchase a wood carvers kit at a big brand named store but their tools are cheaply made and designed so they don’t last long which results frustration then they stop the craft all together.

    Purchasing the right knives for a certain style is imperative, not all tools work for each style. >>Best Whittling Knives

  Here are the best wood chisels for relief carving style.

  Or if you need heavy duty tools, check out our best hand saw top picks!

  1. Don’t buy from big named stores. This means don’t go to Hobby Lobby, Lowe’s, Walmart, etc. Either buy tools online or from a store that specializes in making carving knives. Find out our top recommendations for wood carving knives from number 4 above to be sure you have the right tools. There’s also a table included in this article to look through, but unless you know which each one is for, I would suggest looking through our articles listed above.

  2. Wood

    I always felt like the best wood for carving with is the one in your hand. Lately, I feel like this is mainly true for those who are familiar with multiple types of woods. This goes without saying to be careful what type of lumber you begin with, the harder it is the more experienced the carver should be.

    I always suggest basswood to anyone who hasn’t had any experience carving other types of wood. It is the best wood to begin with while learning new techniques and carving styles.

    Basswood is rather forgiving to those who don’t completely know what they’re doing. Since it is a softwood, it is very easy to cut material of wood from it while not straining your tools too much.

    If you were to use hardwood, you would notice right away how much more difficult it is to cut. Not only this but you will need to sharpen your equipment much more frequently as well.

    Basswood Whittlers Carving Blocks

    Check Amazon for Prices!

 

[Read more…] about Wood Carving Instructional Beginner’s Guide

The Top Leading Spoon Carving Guide

By Woodcarver 3 Comments

In a long-term survival situation, you may need to fashion your own cooking and eating tools from whatever is available.  This article will give you a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a spoon and bowl from wood that you can scavenge or find.

The wooden bowl and spoon are a good starting point for making tools as well as a useful introduction to wood carving. Carving them will teach you the primary skills you need to implement when creating other useful utensils. I suggest you start off with this basic project and then expand from there based on your personal needs.

The Artful Wooden Spoon: How to Make Exquisite Keepsakes for the Kitchen

How-to-guides for aesthetic wooden spoons

Purchase hardcover on Amazon

 

This is a great skill for people of all ages.  Kids find whittling fun and adults often find it relaxing so let’s get started!

Need A Spoon Carving Knife?

[Read more…] about The Top Leading Spoon Carving Guide