Though it is the knife that spends the most time in the toolbox before being called into action, carving knives are a must-have for every woodworker out there. With carving knives, woodworkers can chip, carve, shape, and cut the wood into various designs.

If you search wood carving knives online, you will find many products waiting to be explored. With hundreds, if not thousands, of products on the market today, it may seem like an impossible task finding the right carving knife for your needs.

In A Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks...

Preview	Product	Rating
	Elemental Tools 9pc Wood Carving Tools Set - Hook Carving Knife,...	No ratings yet	Check Best Price
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	Alikeke Professional 12 Piece Wood Carving Chisel Set 8" Sharp Hand...	No ratings yet	Check Best Price
	Morakniv Wood Carving Knife 106	No ratings yet	Check Best Price

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This carving tool set, which includes a hook knife, detail knife, sloyd knife, and other knives for various purposes, is all you need to start wood carving, even if you are a beginner. They are all packed in a bamboo storage box, resembling a gift item.

This storage box was designed to also keep your knives well organized and safe when not in use. It also comes with a bonus - a pair of cut-resistant gloves to protect your hands while you cultivate your craft.

The blades are of good and durable quality, made of high carbon 65Mn steel, which is known for its strength and tenacity. You don’t need to expend too much energy before chips of wood will start falling off. All the blades come pre-sharpened so you don’t need to start worrying about getting them sharpened before you can use them.

The wooden black walnut handles are ergonomic and comfortable to hold, even when you need to work for long hours. None of the handles were designed to roll off while you work, giving you the liberty to pick them up from anywhere within your workshop.

Specifications

In this package, every knife you need is included. They are all easy to use because of their ergonomic handles (black walnut handles) which make them have a comfortable feel in your hands. The blades are made of highly durable chromium Vanadium alloy steel. Known for their hardness and resistance to rust, these knives are just what you need to start and continue wood carving with little effort.

The blades have different blade shapes and tips for different aspects of wood carving. The blade with round edges is for carving, the straight blades for whittling, and the detail knife for adding a good finish. They can all be arranged in the accompanying portable storage bag that helps you keep your tools safe when not in use.

Because of the design, it is another great idea for a gift item for family and friends who enjoy wood carving.

Specifications

This is a 12 piece knife set for all the processes of wood carving. With these knives, you can easily start learning and graduate to using the more professional tools in the set. The blades are razor-sharp and they are made from high-quality carbon steel, suitable for both soft and hardwood.

At first, I wondered why it included 12 knives, and then I realized that each blade is specialized for a different purpose, making this set the most versatile in the category. All handles are ergonomic and long (3.9”), having a smooth and comfortable feel in your hand

Each blade fits tightly into the wooden handle, so there is no chance of any mishap or injury. This set is a must-have because, in comparison with other products, it offers more stability and control. The set comes packaged in a plastic roll-up pouch, equipping you for both small and detailed projects.

Specifications

Even though it is just one piece, no other knife beats this 106 knife in terms of precise cuts. The blade is a laminated steel blade that is thin and easy to use. The blade is 3.2 inches long, capable of carving, cutting, trimming, and finishing your wood carving project.

Though it is not made with beginners in mind, it can be handled easily and it is less hazardous. A longer blade gives you the leverage to use on any kind of surface.

The handle is ergonomic like every other carving knife in this review. The wooden handle is oiled birch, offering a good grip and comfortable feel. The manufacturer is so sure of its value that they place a lifetime warranty on the blade.

Specifications

Buyer’s Guide

In choosing knives for wood carving, there are certain factors you need to consider.  But before we consider those factors, it is good to understand the two types of wood carving knives there is to know.

Folding Blades vs. Fixed Blades

Folding knives are portable, I mean, who enjoys carrying a 12” blade around in public? It’s automatically half the size and makes it easier to carry around.

With a folding knife, you have a compact, but effective, tool to handle all of your wood carving projects. One disadvantage with folding knives is that there is a lever break in the carving blade. With more pressure, the lever can break which could eventually lead to damage.

So on one hand it offers some measure of convenience, but on the other hand, it is vulnerable to damage under pressure.

Fixed knives, however, may not have the best appeal to many people, since they might not have the portability of folding knives. But they are the most durable set of wood carving knives you will ever find available.

They are strong, not conjoined, and are always longer. Another advantage is that they can be cleaned up easily and faster after each use. Since they have flatter edges, they carve better, too.

So there you have both. Based on your preference, you can always make your choice. Let’s get back to the factors to consider when choosing a wood carving knife.

The blade - What the blade is made of will determine how long you will get to use your knife. So go for carbon steel blades as your first choice. As an alternative, you can go for stainless steel blades. They are known to last longer and carve better. Read the product description to be sure of the blade’s material.

Folding or fixed - Depending on what you want, either convenience or durability; you can choose one of the fixed and folding knives. Having known the benefits and demerits of each, read the product description to ascertain which type you are buying.

Your project - Think for a moment about the project you have on hand. What type of blade do you think will do the job better? It is said that longer and thinner blades carve wood better than thicker, shorter knives. To strike a balance, weigh these factors against each other.

Choosing Good Wood for Carving

Wood carving is an important part of the furniture making process. However, there are things you need to do in improving your skills. Let’s briefly discuss some things you can do.

Choose Softwood - Woodworkers agree that a general problem faced by them all is that they regularly sharpen the blades of their knives. This is because most times they choose the wood that ends up dulling their knives. To reduce how much this happens, it is advised to always choose softwood for projects because they are easier to carve and they also don’t normally dull blades as quickly.

Think safety - The sooner you come to terms with the fact that not all wood is safe to work with, the better you will become at woodworking. Some wood is toxic and can cause serious allergies. Some wood can have a very repugnant smell. In choosing wood to work with, try and choose the wood that will pose less risk to your health. You will enjoy your project better.

Function - The purpose of the intended furniture should be used in determining which wood type to be used. For example, if you need furniture in the kitchen, understand that it must be wood that can absorb moisture without eventually succumbing to moisture-damage.

The Verdict

As earlier mentioned, much of the success of your project may be linked to the quality of the knives you use in wood carving.  Take into consideration the type of wood you want to carve as this may likely influence the type of knife you may want to buy. Since there are so many counterfeit products online, we hope this review has proved helpful in your search for the best wood carving knives!