4 inch or smaller head knife around $150 or less? Is a "French" knife a good alternative?

[Hardrada]

I'll say it again: there isn't really anything better than a half-moon knife for cutting curves. I've tried all others and they just don't cut it (pun intended).

My current cutting stable, arranged from most to least used, starting from the left:

[Brigg]

Thank you all for your help! I really appreciate it.

I order a 3.5" head knife from Terry Moore and may end up also buying a knife from Bruce Johnson if he has one that fits my requirements.

From Moore Saddle Shop's Facebook Page:

[Webicons]

That’s a beautiful head knife.  I’m sure that it will do a great job on strait and curved cuts.  For skiving, though, I prefer a zero flat grind with no secondary bevels. 

Please update this thread when you get the chance to give them a shot.  Very curious to know how different knife designs perform.  I’ve been meaning to make a head knife. 

[OLESKIVER]

 i will offer this bit. it meets at least some of your criteria, but price wise, well, but you would wind up giving it to your kids and them to their kids. Knipschield knives. yes they are custom, but quality, don't have to sharpen them much, just strop them. the one that is in your stats is a chan geer knife. 3 1/4 '' from point to point. 5 1/2 from top to bottom. $245.00  He aslo has Texas Rosebud, 4  1/4 from point to point . $245.00 the blades are rc 60. Bob klenda loves his. just thought I would throw this out there for you. Remember, after you have been in this for a little while, you are not buying a tool, you are making an investment. that will last a long, long time. hope this helps.

'

[jcuk]

7 hours ago, OLESKIVER said:

 i will offer this bit. it meets at least some of your criteria, but price wise, well, but you would wind up giving it to your kids and them to their kids. Knipschield knives. yes they are custom, but quality, don't have to sharpen them much, just strop them. the one that is in your stats is a chan geer knife. 3 1/4 '' from point to point. 5 1/2 from top to bottom. $245.00  He aslo has Texas Rosebud, 4  1/4 from point to point . $245.00 the blades are rc 60. Bob klenda loves his. just thought I would throw this out there for you. Remember, after you have been in this for a little while, you are not buying a tool, you are making an investment. that will last a long, long time. hope this helps.

'

Totally agree i have a Knipschield Knife in fact the said Texas rosebud had it around five years its never been near a stone just strop and go works as well as the day i got  it, only mistake i made looking back cant help feeling should have got the full fat version the Texas Rose. Also i would be very shocked if they did not hold there value on the used market, when you think about it $245.00 is not a lot for something you use more or less every time you go into your work shop especially as i have said you can do more with this one knife than other knife which means you don't need to buy several different for likes of skiving and such if you take the time to learn how to use one. 

 

JCUK 

Edited January 26, 2021 by jcuk

[toxo]

I think I might like the action of the quarter moon in the first pic so I've just ordered one of these,  firstly, I know the edge is probably crap but it will let me know how well I get on with the action before buying a proper one and secondly I had a thought that the gubbins that comes with it might work as an upside down version of the two nails lace maker.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Professional-Welding-Flooring-Crescent-Trimming/dp/B08LBFX1YQ/ref=asc_df_B08LBFX1YQ/?tag=bingshoppinga-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=&hvpos=&hvnetw=o&hvrand=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583520393551512&psc=1

[buzzardbait]

Jeremiah Watt has a 3.5 inch knife that is a very well made knife, that holds an edge well . his website is ranch2arena.com. 

[jcuk]

3 hours ago, toxo said:

I think I might like the action of the quarter moon in the first pic so I've just ordered one of these,  firstly, I know the edge is probably crap but it will let me know how well I get on with the action before buying a proper one and secondly I had a thought that the gubbins that comes with it might work as an upside down version of the two nails lace maker.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Professional-Welding-Flooring-Crescent-Trimming/dp/B08LBFX1YQ/ref=asc_df_B08LBFX1YQ/?tag=bingshoppinga-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=&hvpos=&hvnetw=o&hvrand=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583520393551512&psc=1

Think this would have been a better choice i know its double the money but looks far better quality.

https://www.sheffieldknives.co.uk/acatalog/7-121.html#SID=15

Hope this helps

JCUK

 

[toxo]

34 minutes ago, jcuk said:

Think this would have been a better choice i know its double the money but looks far better quality.

https://www.sheffieldknives.co.uk/acatalog/7-121.html#SID=15

Hope this helps

JCUK

 

It does indeed but £30 + Shipping is less easy to slough off than £15 delivered. If I get on with the action (I've never used a push knife.), I'll look for quality. I've tried a few different knives and my favourite believe it or not is one of those skinny ali things with the really sharp point. A couple of strops now and then and it's as sharp as a sharp thing.

[jcuk]

35 minutes ago, toxo said:

It does indeed but £30 + Shipping is less easy to slough off than £15 delivered. If I get on with the action (I've never used a push knife.), I'll look for quality. I've tried a few different knives and my favourite believe it or not is one of those skinny ali things with the really sharp point. A couple of strops now and then and it's as sharp as a sharp thing.

Have to confess i have never used this kind of knife as you can tell from my previous post is this topic its a Round knife foe me at least 95% of the time .Skinny ali things with a really sharp point ?