Better Swivel Knives?

[fleabitpokey]

i have to agree with Greg here, I also have a few Don King swivel knives with extreme alloy blades in them, you will be amazed at how long you can use these blades and not have to sharpen them as long as you keep stropping them.

In regards to the fay book, I think it would be a great asset to anyone wanting to carve Sheridan style, there is enough good info there that even if you don't want to carve Sheridan style, you will still learn a bunch from the book.

steve,thanks for the information on swivel knives. And about the Clint Fay book. I may never truely carve Sheridan style but am hoping for the knowledge . Got to get from someplace. Thanks Stephanie

Hi Stephanie,

Bob Beard, by far the best, just best for my hand, feels right,

Barry King, excellent and I keep small blades in it,

Henley, these are really good and come in many diameters and knurls,

Chuck Smith, worked for Bob Beard, copied his knife, great knife also, I have mine somewhere but I think the dog is using it and won't give it back,

Tandy Al Stohlman Brand (ASB), if you like a really heave knife, this one is pretty good but definately look for it on sale.

I have all of these, a couple of some, blades don't always interchange among them, I use Beard and King the most, Dog likes the Smith, won't give it back. Bob's knives will take about 6 to 9 months to get, Barry's you can pick-up at the shows, Smith's also, Tandy at the Stores. These knives are very personal so if you can pick them up in person and try them out it would be better. Bob makes the best blades around, steel not ceramic.

All this is my opinion only.

Art

Thank you Art, until I asked about knives, I really didn't realize there were this many makers and styles. The information here is great. Everybody is so quick about sharing an opinion. Sounds like your dog knows what he likes. Is he trying to tell us something.

Thanks Stephanie

[Regis]

After reading all this and then talking to the Henley folks, I took the plunge. I wanted to have one very good and very sharp knife. I think mine is sharp but, I have nothing to compare to (until the IFoLG in Oct). I did go with 3/8ths barrel as I wanted to try one a little smaller than the standard $10 tandy that I'm using. I'd much rather try several as suggested but, there's nuttin' round here!

Regis

[fleabitpokey]

After reading all this and then talking to the Henley folks, I took the plunge. I wanted to have one very good and very sharp knife. I think mine is sharp but, I have nothing to compare to (until the IFoLG in Oct). I did go with 3/8ths barrel as I wanted to try one a little smaller than the standard $10 tandy that I'm using. I'd much rather try several as suggested but, there's nuttin' round here!

Regis

Regis, let me know when you get your knife,how you like it.

Stephanie

[Regis]

Got my new Henley swivel knife in today. Sure is great pleasure to handle and use a fine quality tool (of any kind). There is absolutely no comparison to the cheap tandy-like knives I've been using. My old blades feel as sharp (to touch) and are polished as well but, don't come near the smooth cuting of this Henley. I did get the 3/8" knerl handle and it is smooth turning and simply wonderful. My fingers are short but have fairly large hand and this fits perfect. I can't compare this to other high quality knives but, this one meets the "get-what-you-pay-for" test.

I would still agree with those that say try as many as you can and then buy the one that works best for you. With no stores or carvers nearby, you can say I got mail-order-lucky (with the help of folks here on leatherworker.net of course).

Regis

[fleabitpokey]

Got my new Henley swivel knife in today. Sure is great pleasure to handle and use a fine quality tool (of any kind). There is absolutely no comparison to the cheap tandy-like knives I've been using. My old blades feel as sharp (to touch) and are polished as well but, don't come near the smooth cuting of this Henley. I did get the 3/8" knerl handle and it is smooth turning and simply wonderful. My fingers are short but have fairly large hand and this fits perfect. I can't compare this to other high quality knives but, this one meets the "get-what-you-pay-for" test.

I would still agree with those that say try as many as you can and then buy the one that works best for you. With no stores or carvers nearby, you can say I got mail-order-lucky (with the help of folks here on leatherworker.net of course).

Regis

Regis,glad the new knife is a good, lucky one. Makes me want to see how my luck goes. Happy carvingStephanie