Whittling knives

[Makoz]

Hi there,
I haven't posted anything for a while, so thought I'd show a couple of knives I've developed. I think I've made 4 or 5 of them to the same design, and really quite a handy item in the woodwork tool kit. I use mine mostly for whittling sticks and removing bark, but equally good for cutting carpet, leather etc and really good to sharpen a pencil!
The one underneath in this photo is my first one, and still my favourite. The steel is leaf spring from a 1930's Chevie, forged and ground, with some file work. Hardened & tempered into a beautiful blade! As I was new to heat treating this thing developed a noticeable bow along the blade, something I now see as a happy accident! The bow fits the blade ever so slightly around a round stick (on the top side, bow is to the left), and maybe its only in my mind but it helps get into forks and irregularities.. The handle/scales are Australian rose mahogany. The other knife is unknown spring steel, the handle is some unidentified timber (tropical?) salvaged from a pallet, with a beautiful chocolate colour.
The only downside of the knife is the concave edge is slightly tricky to hone. I use the rounded shoulder of an oil stone followed by cotton mop and rouge.

Cheers,

[craig]

Those are neat little knives, I like them !!

[JohnW]

Makoz, why are these knives so good for sharpening a pencil? It makes me think I don't know how (and that's a possibility). I partially whittle away some of the wood to make space(?) for a longer point, then do fine whittling on the point.

[andy ebbers]

hey Makoz, nice little knives, very handy looking, and also good looking. thanks,

[rmcpb]

Nice work there. Being a bit of a woodworker I especially like the fit and finish of the handles.

[Makoz]

Thanks for the comments guys!
rmpcb, have you used any rose mahogany aka Australian rosewood? Lovely stuff to work, one of my favourites.

Originally Posted by JohnW

Makoz, why are these knives so good for sharpening a pencil? It makes me think I don't know how (and that's a possibility). I partially whittle away some of the wood to make space(?) for a longer point, then do fine whittling on the point.

John, I think its a combination of the curve and the wickedly sharp blade which has no real bevel. The curve means that the blade keeps in full contact as it swipes the pencil? Prolly seems a bit fussy, but I do a lot of drawing and like a sharp pencil! Hate the edge a pencil sharpener gives.

Cheers,
Makoz