Woodcarving knives: a sharp solution for every shape

How to choose the best woodcarving knife?

It depends on the task you want to use the knife for: general woodcarving, detailed woodcarving or spoon carving. Do you want a little bit of everything, or a complete kit that you can enjoy for years? Then buy a ready-made spoon-carving kit or complete woodworking tool set.

The handle is another important feature to consider when choosing a woodcarving knife. A large, rounded handle ensures fine ergonomics during woodcarving, without irritation or hot-spots during use. An angular or square handle, on the other hand, is made to know without looking where your sharp edge is and at what angle you are cutting. Ideal for precision work that requires more control than ergonomics.

Then there's the choice of steel type, of course. Carbon steel is suitable for woodcarving knives because it can be sharpened to a sharp edge and withstands a fair amount of wear. Especially for intensive woodcarving, carbon steel is highly recommended. A stainless-steel carving knife is perfectly fine if you prefer a low-maintenance option.

For really fine woodcarving, there are Japanese gouges. These are long, traditional Japanese woodworking tools used to make wood engravings. You hold them like a pencil, allowing for very detailed work.

Lastly, there are hook knives specifically made for carving spoons. Hook knives come in various radius sizes. The larger the radius, the larger the spoon you can carve with it. Some hook knives are sharpened on one side, specifically intended for either left-handed or right-handed use.

Set of woodcarving knives

A woodcarving knife set is carefully assembled to provide both beginner and experienced carvers with the right tools. With various knives such as a whittling knife for fine cutting and a hook knife for hollowing out wood, a set offers versatility for a diverse range of woodworking applications. A hook knife, also known as a spoon knife, is ideal for carving spoons, bowls or kuksas. A hook knife is almost always included in a set. Choose a set that suits your woodcarving project, or get a set to try out what you can do with it.

Additionally, a set is often more cost-effective than buying individual knives, offering better value for money. For beginners, a set is a perfect start, while advanced users often look for a more specialised single tool.