The Best Wood Carving Knives - A Definitive Guide

For the price, Drake knives are very hard to beat. They are exceptionally well made tools that are beautifully crafted from tip to handle.

I did move this one down on the list due to availability and an 8 month+ waitlist. Also, the main person running the company recently passed away and his family is stepping in to continue his work.

Regardless, if you want a classy whittling knife designed to last, Drake knives are hard to beat!

I personally love my Helvie knives and believe that they are, without a doubt in my mind, the best wood carving tools that I own. They come right to you with a professionally honed, razor sharp, blade and just hold their edge for a long time.

The only issue you may run across is that because the are so sought after there is a hefty wait list and, as of today, is over 18 months. If you are willing to be patient, they are absolutely worth it.

These handmade woodcarving knives have high carbon tool steel blades and rosewood handles. They come pre-sharpened-ready to use. Heat treated to Rockwell 60, these knives hold an edge well and are easy to maintain.

Lee Ferguson makes some excellent knives and has a few beautifully crafted wood carving knives available for purchase.

From tip of the blade to the end of the handle, Lee Ferguson wood carving knives are quality knives for an amazing price! The nice and thin blade allow you to make super precise cuts and the smooth rosewood handles are very comfortable to hold for hours on end.

If you are looking for an elegant and effective hand crafted whittling knife, you won’t be able to beat the Lee Ferguson knife prices for what you are getting.

Silvern Wood Carving Knives are made using O1 tool steel, solid hardwood handles, and “micarta”-style bolsters for extra stability. The heat treatment is done in-house, resulting in Rockwell hardness of 60-62. The knives are 1/16″ thick and vary in length and width depending on the style. All knives are ground convex, or “Appleseed”. All handles measure 5″ in length and around 3/4″ in thickness.

The general use knife is created to be balanced between a detail knife and a roughing knife. The blade is 1.75″ long. Perfect for most projects and people of all skill levels.

The detail knife is created to be used for fine detail. The blade is 1″ long. Perfect for smaller projects and more advanced carvers.

The roughing knife is created to remove material faster, due to the longer blade length and width . The blade is 2″ long and about 0.5″ wide. Perfect for larger projects and more advanced carvers.

All carving knives with custom handles are made to order.

The blade size, shape, edge, and thickness are all ideal for working with basswood and even work great when carving cherry and walnut. Everything from the blade to the handles are well thought out and are perfect for anyone looking for a quality made whittling knife!

Silvern Works is still relatively new to the scene and have plans for future growth with different blade shapes and tool options in the future.

A thicker blade for roughout work and a nice point for larger detail work. Good for stop cuts, flat plane carving and general roughing out of the carving. We have had a lot of people say they use this 1-1/4" carving knife for chip carving, even though that was not its original purpose. The "Detail Roughout Carver" is one of our carving knives of choice for the beginner wood carver. These wood carving knives come to you sharp and ready to use.

These knives come in a wide variety of different blade styles to fit almost any wood carving need, including tools for spoon carvers. So, if you need a good thin detail knife or you like your knives to have some strength to them and look good, Deepwoods Ventures is the way to go!

You can upgrade the handles on most any knife for a little more money to a more premium wood handle for extra beauty and uniqueness to may anyone jealous of your knife collection.

OCC Tools makes some very well crafted whittling and wood carving knives to fit just about any occasion. Each tool comes with a super sharp and well made blade that is perfectly suited for beginners to experts.

Each OCC tool is hand crafted and made specifically for wood carving. You can find a wide variety of different blade shapes and lengths matched with a wide variety of different handles to fit just about any carvers needs.

The only real complaint that I hear from people is the slightly blocky shape to the handle. Because of the affordable cost of the hand crafted knife, the handle isn’t as refined as many other hand crafted knives but they are still comfortable enough to use for hours at a time.

Schaaf Tools decided to shake up the whole market with this one. You get really nice steel quality, good and super sharp cutting edges, comfortable handles, an ideal spread of tools for beginners, and a nice tool wrap to put them in.

I’m telling you now, you will not find a better value beginner set for wood carving and spoon carving than this set from Schaaf Tools. End of story, go buy it, just do it.

The best and easiest whittling knives to find on the market right now are Flexcut wood carving knives!

If you look up whittling knives on the internet, Flexcut will be one of the most prolific brands available and can be purchased at many different retail outlets that sell wood carving tools.

Flexcut offers a wide variety of different tools to fit just about any wood carving need at a great price. That combined with their excellent steel quality and handle finish, makes it a hard tool to pass up.

These knives are quality made, mass produced wood carving tools that are sharp and ready to use right when from the beginning. Not only that, they sell knife sets and kits to get beginners started off right with properly balanced tools that complement each other.

These knives may be on the cheaper end of the spectrum, but they shouldn’t be overlooked if you need a decent whittling knife at a good price.

BeaverCraft wood carving tools are a great stepping stone into whittling and wood carving. They have a large selection of different tools to choose from and sell complete wood carving kits that provide you with the tools you need, a way to maintain those tools, plus a way to store them for under $45.

These tools are more on the simple side with a basic wood handle, slightly thicker blade, and no frills design. Even then, they come razor sharp right out of the box and allow you to get started carving right then and there.

One of the only things that I wasn’t fond of with the BeaverCraft knives are the blade thicknesses on most of their tools. They are a little thicker than your standard knives like Flexcut, but even then this makes them ideal for beginners as they are less likely to be damaged from misuse.

The Flexcut Sloyd Knife (KN50) and Stub Sloyd (KN53) are exceptional quality knives that are made to last a lifetime! The edge retention is superb and overall design is top notch. If you are looking for that one and only sloyd knife that will last, grab a Flexcut Sloyd knife.

Like I mentioned, these are slightly more expensive knives than some other variants on the market, but for me they are worth every penny.

Without a doubt, Mora Knives are the the best choice for an affordable yet quality wood carving knife on the market. With its laminated high carbon steel blade, full tang blade, and comfortable handle, you will have all of your sloyd knife needs fulfilled with a Mora Knife.

My only real complaint about these knives are the laminated steel itself. The core of the blade is made of high carbon steel, but the thin outer laminated layer is made of a slightly softer steel lamination. This can sometimes lead to the edge dulling out with heavy use. Even then, it is easy to sharpen back to a nice razor edge in no time at all.

Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC) is known for making quality, hand crafted knives, and with their Field and Stream varieties, you get their quality blades at a more affordable price!

The GEC #62 Pocket Carver is an exceptional whittling pocket knife that is pretty well thought out in design. You get three blades in total with two of them being identical so if one starts going dull on you, just switch to the other identical blade and keep carving!

Even in its simplified version with the Farm and Field logo, you are getting a quality knife that will last you a lifetime. Compared to the collectable, more expensive versions, these were definitely designed to be used every day without any remorse.

If you do get the #62 Pocket Carver, I do recommended grinding back the bevel on the cutting edge for a smaller edge angel. This will make the knife cut through wood just a little bit easier and improve your overall experience.

The Detail Jack can handle a variety of projects start to finish. Its single detail knife quickly removes wood from convex surfaces, while its fine point is perfect for detailing delicate areas. The Pistol Grip handle design is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum and is ergonomically designed to allow a strong grip for long periods of carving with minimal hand fatigue.

If you are looking for a versatile, quality made, whittling pocket knife look no further than the Flexcut Detail Jack. With this excellent folding whittling knife, you get a locking blade and a wonderful knife to both shape the wood and add small details with!

Flexcut makes great knives that are purpose built for whittling and wood carving. These tools are affordable and are most likely exactly what you are looking for!

High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade, Sawcut Handle, Traditional Folding Pocket Knife, 4 Unique Blades, Convenient Size for EDC

Clip point blade has an extra fine point for precision tasks, sheepsfoot blade offers a rounded tip to minimize accidental piercing, wharncliffe blade is meant for general cutting or carving, and pen blade is typically for general use

Old Timer 44OT Workmate, a knife that proves essential for both whittling enthusiasts and those looking for a reliable everyday carry option. The knife, a budget-friendly pick, boasts multiple blades with a Rockwell hardness of 57 to 59, ideal for whittling but requires some honing for a sharper edge. It’s not just its affordability, at around $17 to $20, that makes it stand out; the knife's design facilitates easy wood slicing, thanks to its thin blades compared to pricier models like the Flexcut Woodland Jack, enhancing its value significantly.

However, while the Old Timer offers considerable benefits, it does have its drawbacks, especially for those with larger hands as it tends to feel small and could increase the risk of injury. The handle design also poses some comfort issues, with the knife bottoms potentially causing blisters if not held properly. Despite these concerns, its low price and decent quality make it a worthwhile option for beginners in woodcarving or those needing a cheap yet effective knife. So, if budget constraints are a concern but you're still looking for a functional knife for general and carving purposes, the Old Timer could be a steal. Remember, it’s crucial to fine-tune the blade to suit specific needs, ensuring a safer and more satisfying carving experience.

NEW! Improved design! PRO-POCKET WHITTLER IITM by Mastercarver® High-Performance Tools! TM The ultimate wood carver's pocket knife just got better! Unlike ordinary pocket knives, the Mastercarver® "Pocket Whittler" is custom-designed with the woodcarver in mind. The blade features the perfect classic shape for better carving. It has a razor-sharp edge and V-grind for easy re-sharpening. It folds when closed and locks securely when fully opened (will not fold when pulled out of a cut). It utilizes a precisely made, reliable, back lock (or lock back) design. Features improved gently contoured handle. All contact points are hand polished for smooth operation and extra comfort. Blade features include custom blade design, V-grind, high-quality blade steel, and Rc 61 hardness.

The MasterCarver Pocket Whittler 2 has that classic look, beautiful curves, and purpose built blade to make any experienced whittler jealous.

For those of you who need a locking blade for their carving knife, the MasterCarver Pocket Whittler 2 will be one of the best options on the market today! With its properly hardened 440C steel blade combined with its classy good looks, this will be a hard knife to beat for the price!

Just holding this knife in your hands is impressive on its own as it is finished smooth to fit in your hands without any strange or sharp points bumping into your hands. This is indeed a fine tool that is designed to last.

A thicker blade for roughout work and a nice point for larger detail work. Good for stop cuts, flat plane carving and general roughing out of the carving. We have had a lot of people say they use this 1-1/4" carving knife for chip carving, even though that was not its original purpose. The "Detail Roughout Carver" is one of our carving knives of choice for the beginner wood carver. These wood carving knives come to you sharp and ready to use.

Wood carver tools sometimes need to be small. And this is definitely one of those small wood carver tools. It really gets in those small tight places of a carving. The handle is smaller than our other knives - around a inch for great control. This knife is available in a plain hardwood handle. These wood carving knives come to you sharp and ready to use.

Wood carver tools sometimes need to be small. And this is definitely one of those small wood carver tools. It really gets in those small tight places of a carving. The handle is smaller than our other knives - around a inch for great control. This knife is available in a plain hardwood handle. These wood carving knives come to you sharp and ready to use.

These woodcarvers tools are among our favorite for incising and carving eye detail in caricatures or any carving. Even if you don't carve caricatures, you will still find these woodcarvers tools are great for your detail work. A very sturdy point with almost a chisel type edge. You are sure to find many uses for this knife. These wood carving knives come to you sharp and ready to use.

Our New Carver Set is perfect for you. This beginner set has two knives  you need to get started on your woodcarving. Level 1 set includes a basic roughout knife, and a detail knife.

This is your all around carving Sloyd knife. Skinnier than our Bushcraft blade and made to take those tight curves on a spoon or kuksa. Made from W1 round stock tool steel. It holds an edge well with just stropping. 3 blade lengths in a straight or upswept probile, and 3 different wood options for your handle - or just the blade. Leather sheath sold separately.

This is a great all-around carving tool for roughing out and general carving. This is an alternative to the drop point carving knife we are all used to. A nice curved blade for easy carving. Used for slicing and concave cuts. The curved blade allows you to carve without your blade biting into the wood when making a tight curved cut. The low angled edge makes the knife take off the wood fast. A favorite among decoy carvers. These wood carving knives come to you sharp and ready to use.

A rugged durable knife for green woodworking, whittling and general wood caring. Made from D2 steel this blade is made to carve tough wood. Suitable for spoon carving, kuksa cup carving and more. 3 blade lengths and 3 different wood options for your handle. If you want to customize your own handle these are also available as a knife blank only.

Flexcut KN12 The Cutting Knife is a general purpose carving knife. Its more rounded point is very durable. Great beginners knife.

The Detail Knife has a very fine point for making the very narrow cuts associated with detailing. The straight blade can accommodate larger stock removal if needed.

Our Roughing Knife features a straight blade for heavier stock removal with a rounded durable point.

Our traditional Chip Carving Knife is a short-bladed knife used to make triangular shaped cuts to create intricate designs in wood. Designs carved in this fashion are cut into the wood or incised, not relieved.

Our Right-Handed Hook Knife blade is curved, similar to a gouge, for working in hollows with ease and fast stock removal. Right-Handed carvers should choose a right-handed tool to cut towards yourself. Choose a left-handed tool to cut away from yourself. Blade Bevel Length: 7/8" Technical Specs Item #: KN26 Packaged Product Dimensions Length: 1.25 inches Width: 3.50 inches Height: 9.00 inches Weight: 1.90 Ounces

The Mini-Chip Carving Knife has an ultra-thin blade, making unwanted chipping in delicate cuts less likely. The smaller handle is faceted with multiple control points to allow them to be held in a variety of comfortable positions. Blade Bevel Length: 5/8" Technical Specs Item #: KN20 Packaged Product Dimensions Length: 1.25 inches Width: 3.50 inches Height: 9.00 inches Weight: 1.50 Ounces

Our Right-Handed Hook Knife blade is curved, similar to a gouge, for working in hollows with ease and fast stock removal. Right-Handed carvers should choose a right-handed tool to cut towards yourself. Choose a left-handed tool to cut away from yourself. Blade Bevel Length: 7/8" Technical Specs Item #: KN26 Packaged Product Dimensions Length: 1.25 inches Width: 3.50 inches Height: 9.00 inches Weight: 1.90 Ounces

At its core is a straight blade featuring a durable, rounded point. This unique design opens the door to a world of possibilities, allowing you to take on a wide range of tasks with finesse. Whether you're engaged in whittling, chip carving, or intricate detailing work, this knife is your trusty companion.

With this type of carving knife, you can effortlessly create narrow cuts, intricate patterns, rich textures, and captivating designs on wood. It's the ideal tool for adding that finishing touch to your wood carving projects, elevating them to a higher level of artistry.

Crafted from high-carbon steel, this knife is a testament to quality and durability. Its construction undergoes rigorous processing stages to ensure it's perfectly balanced, making it a reliable choice for the discerning woodworker. The handle, made from beautiful and resilient Ashwood, not only adds to the knife's strength but also embodies its timeless beauty.

Experience the full benefit of the C2 Wood Carving Bench Knife, a versatile and indispensable tool for woodworking endeavors. Crafted with care and designed for ultimate functionality, this bench carving knife is the perfect companion for artisans, woodcarvers, and hobbyists alike.

At its core is a straight blade featuring a durable, rounded point. This unique design opens the door to a world of possibilities, allowing you to take on a wide range of tasks with finesse. Whether you're engaged in whittling, chip carving, or intricate detailing work, this knife is your trusty companion.

With this type of carving knife, you can effortlessly create narrow cuts, intricate patterns, rich textures, and captivating designs on wood. It's the ideal tool for adding that finishing touch to your wood carving projects, elevating them to a higher level of artistry.

Meet the C3 Small Sloyd Carving Knife, your trusted companion for woodcarving. Designed for versatility, this wood carving tool is the key to unlocking your creative potential in woodworking projects of all kinds. Whether you're into whittling, green woodworking, or general wood carving projects, this knife adapts to your creative needs.

Handcrafted from high-quality materials to meet the most demanding standards, the C3 knife features a remarkably durable blade made of high-carbon steel, ensuring long-lasting sharpness. Its blade effortlessly glides through wood, making it ideal for tasks such as spoon carving and detailed work in hollow areas.

This knife is designed for wood cutting and roughing wood out. It earns its name from the Swedish "sloyd" woodworking tradition, emphasizing craftsmanship and efficiency. Whether you're working with soft or hardwoods, this knife excels in various wood carving techniques. Its straight blade and durable tip for heavier stock removal make it an ideal tool for whittling and carving wood.

Crafted with a traditional "sloyd" design, the knife features a straight razor-sharp blade made from high-quality carbon steel, renowned for its durability and edge retention. It makes the C4S suitable for woodworking tasks such as carving, whittling, and roughing wood. The thin-pointed blade is especially handy for delicate carving on narrow parts of your projects. The knife boasts a sturdy oak wood handle finished with natural linseed oil. It ensures a comfortable grip, durability, and resistance to woodworking demands.

The C4M Whittling Knife is a versatile tool that seamlessly blends precision with durability for an unparalleled wood carving experience. Designed for whittling, wood carving, and general woodworking, this knife excels in various applications. Its straight, razor-sharp blade is made from high-carbon steel. It is not only adept at delicate detailing but can effortlessly accommodate larger stock removal when the need arises. This makes it a versatile tool suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects, from intricate carvings to substantial shaping.

Designed with a distinctive rounded point, the C5 Bench Knife boasts exceptional versatility, ensuring it withstands the rigors of intricate carving and utility tasks with unparalleled resilience. Its durable blade is constructed from high-carbon steel, delivering a superior sharpness that effortlessly cuts through both soft and hardwood. Whether you're delicately carving intricate patterns or tackling bigger projects, this knife provides unparalleled control.

This knife features a short blade crafted from high-carbon steel, ensuring a durable razor-sharp edge with exceptional cutting performance. The handle of the C6 is a testament to both form and function. Constructed from durable Ashwood and expertly finished with natural linseed oil, it provides a comfortable grip and adds a touch of elegance to the tool. The curved design of the handle is not just aesthetically pleasing; it also serves a practical purpose by allowing for more extended periods of carving with reduced hand fatigue.

The C7 boasts a blade that effortlessly adapts to the contours of your project, allowing for greater precision. Whether you're a seasoned woodworker, beginner carver, or hobbyist, this tool excels at producing fine, delicate cuts, adding a natural and refined look to your wood carving projects.

This knife is more than just a carving tool; it's a testament to craftsmanship and innovation. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing you to work for extended periods without fatigue. The quality construction of the blade guarantees durability, providing longevity to this indispensable carving knife.

Designed specifically for carving details, delicate fine work, chip carving, and cutting of small elements in wood, the C8 Small Cutting Knife is an indispensable tool for all your woodworking projects. Its thin blade and ergonomically designed handle ensure a comfortable carving experience, even during extended periods of use.

The C9 Knife takes center stage as the go-to tool for marking lines in wood carving and intricate joinery layout work, ensuring your projects achieve artistic excellence. Its razor-sharp carbon steel blade effortlessly slices through soft and hardwood, making it a reliable companion for a wide range of woodworking applications.

The knife features a beveled blade made from high-carbon steel. It excels in various tasks and techniques, ensuring longevity and sharpness. The practicality of this tool extends to its handle, crafted from Ashwood, with an ergonomic design that provides a comfortable and secure grip, minimizing hand fatigue during extended carving sessions.

Meet the C10S Small Chip Carving Knife, a compact powerhouse designed for precision in intricate tasks. Built as a smaller counterpart to the C10, this knife is perfect for artisans who demand accuracy in every delicate cut.

Like its predecessor, the C10S features a specialized blade design catering to the demands of chip carving. It's adept at creating intricate geometric patterns, delicate abstract designs, and aligning backgrounds with relief wood carvings. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to chip carving, it ensures unmatched finesse in every stroke.

The knife for geometric wood carving has a comfortable handle, is made from Ashwood, and is covered with natural linseed oil. It goes both for right- and left-handed.

The knife for geometric wood carving has a comfortable handle, is made from Ashwood, and is covered with natural linseed oil. It goes both for right- and left-handed. The knife blade for wood carving is made from high carbon steel, hardened, and razor sharp. You can cut both soft- and hardwood.

The C12 chip carving knife holds the perfect blade shape with a 45-degree secondary bevel, essential for wood carving. Constructed from high-carbon steel and expertly sharpened, it's a must-have tool for all kinds of woodworking. Easily carve smooth, curved, and complex geometric shapes–from triangles and squares to lines, waves, and more–all with the same knife, compatible with both left- and right-handed users.

This knife is intended for whittling and detail cutting. It is a reliable, functional, well-designed tool, ideal for both the initial form of the product and the removal of thin layers of wood and delicate processing of hard-to-reach places due to the thin edge of the end of the cutting part. Such a tool will cope perfectly with the thread in rounding. The knife blade is narrow and sharp, made of high-carbon hardened steel, so it is very durable and holds the sharpening well.

The knife C14 is designed for whittling tiny layers of wood, leveling the surfaces of various elements and backgrounds. Its multifunctional plane blade tool is well-suited for removing thin layers of wood and cutting. Due to the sharp shape of the cutting part, it can penetrate hard-to-reach places. The knife blade is narrow and sharp, made of hardened high-carbon steel; it keeps it sharp for a long time and is reliable and durable.

The BeaverCraft C15 Detail Carving Knife boasts a fine point for precise, narrow cuts and detailed craftsmanship! Its flexible blade ensures enhanced precision and perfect delicate cuts while carving letters or creating designs in wood.

The BeaverCraft's C16 Roughing Knife is ideal for those new to woodcarving, boasting a sturdy, curved point and straight blade, perfect for tackling tougher stock! This top-notch tool is crafted with precision, made to glide through soft and hardwood effortlessly. A non-slip Ashwood handle ensures a firm grip over extended use, allowing you to continue carving for hours in comfort.

If there is one thing that any woodcarver needs, it is a multifunctional BeaverCraft C17P Universal Wood Carving Knife. It is a super-quality cutting tool with no limits. It has high performance and can handle countless woodworking tasks.

It is lightweight, compact, handy, and suitable for many whittling projects. It is equally comfortable to work with soft and hardwoods, give the wood carving initial shapes, and remove thin layers of wood. The BeaverCraft C17P woodworking knife is ideal for carving round shapes. Thanks to the custom design of the cutting part, it goes well for rough work and can cope with rather delicate tasks of carving tiny details.

Our C18 carving knife is the ultimate instrument for woodworking enthusiasts of all skill levels. This adaptable carving knife is used for different wood carving techniques like whittling, chip carving, carving in the round, and more. Its distinct curved blade design offers a seamless slicing motion akin to a skew, rendering it perfect for creating accurate and neat cuts in your woodworking projects.

Handcrafted woodcarving knife has a pre-sharpened tool steel 3/4” detail blade with a rosewood handle.

Handcrafted woodcarving knife has a pre-sharpened tool steel 1” detail blade with a rosewood handle.

Handcrafted woodcarving knife has a pre-sharpened tool steel  1  3/4” blade with a rosewood handle.