A carving knife is one of the first tools that most craftsmen buy. Knives come in different shapes and sizes, so it is important to understand what the differences and similarities between them are in order to make the right choice for yourself.
Blade shape. Standard cutter knives have either straight or rounded blades. I personally like straight-blade knives better because they are easier to sharpen and more versatile to work with than rounded-blade knives.
Also, when making a straight-blade cut, it’s easy to see where the tip of the blade is in the wood. Whichever type of knife you choose, a pre-sharpened blade saves time and effort.
Blade size. Carving knives are made with long or short blades. If you are a beginner carver, I recommend you work with a knife with a blade no longer than 4 cm in length, as a shorter blade protrudes less from the handle and reduces the risk of cutting your hand.
Knife handle. Buy your first carving knife by holding it in your hand. The handle should be shaped and sized so that it sits comfortably in your hand. Some carvers will make their own handles or wrap a pre-made knife handle with tape or cord to create the most ergonomic shape.
