Best swivel knife to buy?

[bylinesupplyco]

So I have begun attempting to learn sheridan style carving. Out of the gate, I've realized this is fairly ambitious, but I'll keep working at it to get it down.

 

That being said, I have just been using a Tandy craftool swivel knife, which I am realizing may be causing some definite problems. I am wondering if I were to upgrade my swivel knife, what brand to purchase? I have heard good things about the Barry King knife, along with the Leather Wranglers knife, however I can't afford the $150 price tag (at least not yet!)

 

What swivel knife upgrade would you recommend?

[electrathon]

Leather wranglers is the best, Barry King the best for the money.

[chrstn53]

Chuck Smith makes some good swivel knives and he would be in the middle of the road between the two makers you mentioned at the $100 range

[Art]

Bob Beard or Henley, none any better for me, but you really need to go to a show and try them, some come with a ton of BS so just block that out if you can.  Swivel knives are very very personal, once you find your lover, nothing else will do.  Some use different shafts on the blades.  Blades can be personal too.  Beard knives, Beard blades for me, but go with what works for you.

Art

[Colt W Knight]

I have the 3/8 and 1/2 Crafttool Pro swivel knives and they are both very, very nice. Haven't tried any of the expensive boutique knives though

[ninety5percent]

You can spend money on the top of the line swivel knives, but what really matters is making sure the blade is sharp.  I've had craftool from the starter set and it sucked.  I upgraded to a Barry King knife and it was night an day.  So much smoother and well worth it.  Now I've switch to Leather Wranglers and I'm very pleased.  My next new knife is going to be a Clay Miller that I hope to get this weekend when i visit his shop.   Use what is comfortable to you.  Size of the barrel and blade.  My LW has a 3/8 barrel but I have very large hands and a lot of cutting I get cramped.  Hopefully Clay will have a 1/2 inch in stock and I can try that. 

I would recommend Barry King to upgrade first!  Good luck

[Northmount]

Go for a 5/8" barrel.  Like it a lot better, and I don't have large hands.

Tom

 

[brmax]

Its really a benefit to listen as other seriously experienced members here share their tips.

Hi, I'm new also and going to be trying my hand at carving, welcome any tips you find along the way. 

I ask a few of the same questions recently and have confirmed:

1. If it will fit securely, a great blade will make an award winning cut much smoother and quicker, also maybe use in many swivels.

2. If you have regularly used a size anything as the "barrel" and like it try that first, my case ( I used a snap-on 3/8 extension  knurled for 34 years day in day out and its 1/2" ) my plain ole reason to start there.

3. I have a few separate purchases to start the appreciation sharing with the tool builders like a swivel knife, a maul and a few stamps. Just looking ahead to the fun

Good day

Floyd

[Harry Marinakis]

If you keep the blade sharp, what's the difference between a $30 Craftool and a $150 Wrangler?

 

[electrathon]

 

If you keep the blade sharp, what's the difference between a $30 Craftool and a $150 Wrangler?

 

The primary difference is that better steel can be sharpened to a better edge and will hold that better edge longer.  Any knife will cut, a great knife will cut better, cleaner, smoother.  

Think of of it like music.  A K-Mart guitar plays music, a Gibson guitar plays music better.  But yes, they both work.