Wood carving knives
The various types of wood carving knives, including whittling knives, detail knives, geometric knives, and whittling or draw knives, each serve different purposes. It's crucial to choose the appropriate knife for the job. It's also worth noting that investing in high-quality wood carving tools will yield better results and have a longer lifespan.
The ideal wood carving knife should be made from carbon steel, with high sharpness and should be kept clean and sharp. The hardness of steel for a wood carving knife should ideally fall within the range of 57 to 62 HRC, which offers the perfect balance between hardness and durability. Knives with a hardness lower than 57 HRC can dull quickly and require frequent sharpening, while knives with a hardness higher than 62 HRC may become too brittle and risk breaking.
How to choose a wood carving knife?
Wood carving knives come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from general-purpose knives to those specifically designed for intricate shapes and lines. Each knife serves a different purpose.
For beginners who want to carve wooden spoons, cutting boards, or even a kuksa, we suggest starting with a universal wood carving knife (such as the Morakniv 120 or BeaverCraft C1) paired with a curved hook knife for cutting holes. The popular spoon knife Morakniv 164 is also a good choice.
A wood carving knife set typically includes the most commonly used models, making the selection process easier. With the right set, you can carve without worry and enjoy the experience of creating your first wood carving. These sets also make excellent gifts for those with a passion for working with wood.
Types of wood carving knives
Different types of wood carving knives allow for a variety of wood carving techniques. Whether you are a beginner or a professional carver, the right and high-quality wood carving tool will make the wood carving process much easier and more enjoyable.
Basic wood carving knives
Sloyd wood carving knives are versatile wood carving knives that are typically used to remove large sections of wood. However, thanks to the sharp tip, you can also use them for precise work. They usually have a much thicker and longer blade than bench or whittling knives. A typical representative of this category are the Swedish Morakniv wood carving knives 106, 120 and 122.
Whittling wood carving knives are used to whittle away a small piece of wood and is also suitable for rough cuts. Whittling is done with only one tool – a knife, which you use to shape the wood into the desired shape. Whittling type knives are of different sizes and shapes that will help achieve the desired wood carving result.
Bench wood carving knives are used for general woodworking, such as shaping and edge bevelling. They are suitable not only for wood carving, but also carpenters and do-it-yourselfers will use them.
Specialized wood carving knives
Roughing wood carving knives are used for fast and efficient removal of large pieces of wood. They feature a rounded tip that is break resistant.
Detail wood carving knives are ideal for wood carving fine details. They are usually shorter and feature a thin and sharp tip.
Chip wood carving knives are used for gradually breaking out or chipping away small pieces of wood from the material. Geometric patterns are usually created during chipping.
Geometric wood carving knives are designed to create straight lines and curved cuts.
Drawknives are intended for initial shaping of wood with both hands and remove large slices of wood. The processed wood must be secured and stabilized.