HAWK AND TROWEL VS PAN AND KNIFE

[@KenCharlesTheGreat]

As a painter in the US I've mixed and spread tons of hot mud. I've never used a hawk & trowel but after watching your videos I'm going to start. One thing I never realized is how precise you can load a trowel or knife, avoiding "squirt out". Not to mention cleaning a hawk is so much easier to clean than a pan with all it's corners !

[@1stFlyingeagle]

That is called mud control. Practice is key. 🙂

[@yooo46]

The pan does suck to clean. I was just thinking that

[@wll1500]

The secret is to always have a bucket of water nearby with a brush in it. And when using setting mud, get any excess out of your pan and into the trash IMMEDIATELY as soon as it starts kicking off so that it will still come out with water.

[@lyonanddebanderson4418]

As a 4th generation carpenter I was always taught with a hawk & trowel, recently I started to turn to 12" knife & hawk for better control. After watching this I understand why (front wheel drive v. rear wheel drive clicked). I got it, thank you-love your channel. I was the family black sheep & went into public safety for 25 years, I'm now back on & playing catch up, those skills are parishable.

[@michaelbasic6947]

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that most people watching your video (in order to learn) aren’t professionals. We are homeowners trying to beautify our homes. That may not be your intended audience but I’d bet most of us are just that. I love the videos and the sense of humor you bring and thank you for the hard work and time you and your cameraman spend on these videos. If I may speak on behalf of homeowners watching this video we come here to learn how to patch door knob holes, repair settlement cracks, cover old phone line outlet box holes, and the like. I’ve done lots of drywall work but have never picked up a full sheet of drywall. I have used both conventional and light weight setting type and drying type compounds and both paper and mesh tape. I also understand trowels to be a plasterer’s tool and a knife to be painter’s tool. In my opinion, learning to move mud around is much easier using a knife. That’s likely because I’m never really moving much mud around by comparison. If I ever do large stucco work I would certainly buy a trowel. Thanks again.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Actually, homeowners and DIY is my intended audience but I don't mind the pro's hanging out either.

[@scarscar2771]

I can’t use a knife worth a darn but I’m great with a trowel. I’m not a pro. If you hate mudding and feel like it is just unintuitive, try the hawk and trowel.

[@jasondashney]

I worked with a french guy who used a hawk and amazingly runny mud and he was a goddamn wizard. He worked fast like one of those Japanese restaurants where the cook is at a grill right at your table and does fancy tricks with the knives. Never seen someone have to sand less. He'd go really fast and leave almost no extra mud.

[@johnkutsch7411]

As a plasterer, we have a couple of sayings. A good plasterer can lay on water. Also. A good plasterer knows not too.

[@davekintz]

Thank-you for answering my question with a video. Been thinking of trying a hawk and trowel. One note on blobs falling off the edge of your knife; I trim the mud off the edges of the blade with the pan before applying. Fewer blobs, and makes it easier to feather-out.

[@HStiz420]

I have been working on a job the homeowner tried to fix and have been having to reskim entire tape lines. I was lucky enough to stumble across your page. I have probably watched a dozen or so of your vids in the last couple weeks. doing so has actually taught me enough tips I didn't know to make the experience tolerable. tomorrow I will be purchasing myself a Hawk and Trowel for future jobs like this. (I am a painter by trade, but often, demolish, construct, drywall and repair things before Painting occurs). thanks for taking the time to make these videos, they have saved $ on potential mistakes I avoided because of your content.

[@badmofo350]

As a former tile installer I'm tempted to try a trowel for mudding drywall. Although a flat trowel takes more skill than a notch trowel. I'm a cable contactor now and somehow I was chosen as the guy who they send out to do all the repairs when our guys put a hole in a wall or step through a ceiling. I'm working on a ceiling repair now. I've got it replaced and taped but now I have to blend a circular brush pattern in the mud. It's a 3 sq ft area I'll have to do a new texture on and try to blend to the surrounding pattern. I hope the pattern and the color matches well enough to satisfy the homeowner. Keep up the good work man and thanks for sharing all the valuable knowledge👍

[@idmhead0160]

Ben really is a class act at teaching this stuff. He really pays attention to what he is doing and is very observant and has great attention to detail and is able to pass that along to others. This is true in his drywall videos as well as his skate videos. Thank you for all you do Ben.

[@waynemiller6070]

When I had some drywall and taping etc. to do I watched a number of videos from Laurier Desormeaux. After watching him work with a hawk and a trowel I went and bought them. Never looked back. I'll never use a pan again. Ha. I paused the video while I typed the comment above. Nice credit given to Laurier.

[@timcaldwelljr6088]

I got started with pan and knife 17 years ago when i was 17. My boss made it look so damn simple lol. I went to coat a seam in a closet thinking shit, this is gonna be a piece of cake. I went to coat that tape and all my mud just fell all down the wall like a typical fuckin rookie lol. Tried to use a hawk and trowel about 15 years later, thinking shit, its gotta be pretty fuckin symilar to the pan and knife, this is gonna be a piece of cake lol. This time, as soon as I loaded up my hawk, I had my trowel and I was standing there trying to figure out how I was gonna attack it lol. It was so dam awkward I dropped the hawk and trowel and told the guys give me my fuckin pan and knife lol. Cant teach an old dog new tricks i guess haha

[@natejm]

I’ve been cutting my teeth on both practical and visual learning as far as drywall install, mudding, taping and finishing goes. The job I’m on has been hard to paint because the drywall guys broke every rule in the drywall book of things to do... it’s making my life hell. Fortunately though I’ve been watching these videos and videos like this to hone my skills and try my best to make up for a bad hire when it comes to drywall finishing. In my painful travels, I have used both pan and knife, and hawk and trowel. I must say that while I’m no expert in either method, and I have to agree that there is a time and place for both, so like myself, I would say to other beginners, learn both ways. It can’t hurt to have a new skill set in your back pocket... Thanks for taking the time to make it these videos, they’re proving to be very useful to me.

[@gregoryvschmidt]

I've done a lot of mud work with both knives and trowels, pans and hawks and never really thought about the push pull aspect. But you are absolutely right about the "problems" related to each technique. But now I'm retired so it doesn't even get to go in my tool trick bag, shoot

[@swnorcraft7971]

Jeff on Home Reno Vision DIY does a great job with a 4" Putty knife and a 10 or 12" trowel. He uses the trowel and keeps the knife in the same hand as the Hawk. He does taping with the knife and hawk. I have been using his technique on a job (35 4'x8'x1/2" sheets) and as a beginner, I find his system makes sense. The trowel is definitely work to use but it is fast and I am getting better.

[@farmerjim-fat-man-do]

Switched to a hawk and knife for taping about 10 years ago...Life changer. Trowel and hawk for everything else. Only use for pans now is mixing small batches of quick setting mud.

[@samkheniser4286]

Even as a DIY rookie and new homeowner, I find it easier to get a nicer level finish with a trowel. Love your videos! Thanks for all the content!

[@stargateproductions]

In my hawk hand I also carry a 4 or 5 inch tapping knife for feathering and other work. I simply place it between my pinkie and ring finger. Best of both worlds. I think the hawk and trowel is more ergonomic than a pan and knife. We call 8-12 inch taping knives paddles here, good for select situations but I wouldn't want to do a whole job with one. Great video!

[@RabidFace]

In one of his other videos he actually says he normally carries his 6" knife in his hawk hand 😊

[@aaronbrown2966]

same here.. couldnt of said it better myself

[@user-cf1se1kk5x]

@ stargate...I do the same thing except with a 6 inch, it supports the weight of the mud on the hawk, plus I can access the knife really quick to cut my edges. I was taught this way 17 years ago, and still do it. I don’t see many guys that do this,.. glad to see I’m not alone haha .

[@nickcandiano9638]

Haha! I love the “mysterious third taper” - that’s me. I never knew a trowel or a pan existed until I met other tapers who showed me those tools. Hawk and knife baby, hawk and knife.

[@josephcote8634]

my father taught me to tape with a knife and coat with a trowel but always use a hawk. He would just stick it to the wall with all the mud on it while he reached for his tape and just scrape it off after. Got a lot of jobs done fast.

[@whatyouwontseeontv8266]

That's me as well.

[@chriscolameco6850]

I’m a hawk and skimming blade guy. Like I use a 4” knife to tape. And then a 7” and 12” skim blade the way most people would use a knife or hawk

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Great video. I have taught myself to go all of the above methods. Cool trick for powder products. On hawk make a pile. now take your 4" knife and make the pile into a donut shape. Now fill water into the donut hole. now push the dry powder into the water all the way around and mix. A little practice needed. Currently, I have a job working on. 1400 sq of ceiling that I have removed the popcorn and power sanded. After sanding I had removed a little more then a 5-gallon pail of powder and grit. By the way, it is a cement ceiling with electric heat so it is wavy. I am smooth coating. The ceiling and it is sucking up the mud. 1 box is yielding small sq footage and I will have to apply a second coat. Man feel the burn.:-) Referring to Larry is excellent advice. By his teaching, I became so much better at slinging mud. One thing he teaches. Control your mud. By his teachings, I learned how to make butt joints not as visible. Larry also is a great teacher.

[@samn8309]

I've been staring at my trowel, dreading the day I would need to learn to use it. I think now is the time. Thanks.

[@aerball]

Found you a few weeks ago and I cant stop watching. I am in the middle of redoing my coronavirus home office and your videos have been invaluable.

[@neilwolfe3324]

You have really helped up my game thank you. I am doing a 120 year old restoration and your videos have helped me overcome a lot of obstacles in getting the perfect walls on lathe and plaster.

[@j.scottcaudill7543]

I am from Florida and I've never used a hawk an trowel but I can appreciate them after watching this video. Thank you!

[@shoeknowme]

You are definitely one of the best to show how to plaster and explain in great detail why certain tools are better for certain things and of course sometimes it's preference. You are awesome may you have a great safe day

[@JoshSullivan1]

Best outro ever!

[@Badazz08]

Dont make him mad lol!

[@bradharper5397]

I found the description here very helpful for me as a novice drywall DIY person. This video made my small job much more effective and less stressful. Thank you for posting it.

[@ScottDeSalvo]

Thanks to your channel and a few others similar, I was able to repair settlement cracks in my ceiling myself and it came out perfect. Sure, it took me probably 3x as along as a pro and working on and off over a weekend...but no more ceiling cracks on my 6 month old ceiling! They were all over the place and driving me nuts. Next time I have mud work, I will try my trowel and hawk!

[@deerslayerCO]

That's why you cut both edges of the knife on the pan so you don't get mud spilling off the edges of your knife its quick and easy, but all the same its preference on what you like to use and what works best for you

[@ericchambers2667]

I'm a Union drywall finisher when using your 12 inch blade if you don't want the mud to fall off the blade after you dug out of your pan a blade full of mud swipe both edges of your blade before applying to the wall

[@palewriter1856]

One swipe's enough - the bottom one - if you're talking horizontal seams - but between you and me, I notice you left the "hurts my wrist" alone. Kind of you, chuckle chuckle....

[@ELT-canada]

can you check my Instagram. I'm very professional, only check and follow me if you want ELT Taping

[@judoslap59]

You are crazy thorough mate, You just saved me money and hairloss on what I've been wondering for a long time. The wider the spread means a different method of application. The knife becomes awkward on larger joints. CANADA!!!!!!!!

[@tyronespencer1635]

yo man! I have been doing remodels for a long time and run into a lot of drywall patch work. I recently landed some taping jobs based on availability and have been constantly working on upping my game. I have watched a lot of your videos about all of this. I was super pumped when I learned how to properly use a Banjo. I watched some of your videos yesterday about the bucket with mudded tape vs a banjo and totally understand what you mean with having to reload the banjo all the time. Your content is top notch based on simple logic!

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

Over the years the best finishers I've witnessed have used hawks and trowels,watching this one crew in particular was like watching a ballet,and when they were done you couldn't tell there was a joint in anything ,and we are talking about 3500 square foot houses,with tall walls and cathedral ceilings.They actually used knife and hawk up until the final coat.They always took seems out to about 16 inches and butt seams out to about 4 foot.

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Absolutely agree with you. Both and knowing when and how to use them is part of being a professional.

[@justinmiller7422]

Videos are always great. You never waste anyone’s time and it’s packed full of tips. Nice work man.

[@clevername4781]

Thanks Im gonna start using a hawk and trowel for ceiling work and fast pace jobs. I've wondered this myself. I also do a lot of dryvet so I'm just as experienced with a hawk and trowel

[@gtrob1]

I cannot believe how much I have learned from your videos. Astounding man.

[@HBSuccess]

V.C. - I learned with pan and knives (from crazy French-Canadians no less) - the trick to not having the mud blob off the edges of your knife - you have to "back" the corners of the knife, and then also scrape the back of the knife before hitting the wall/ceiling. Basically load your knife just like you do out of the pan - but then you turn the PAN upside down and scrape off the corners of your knife with the pan edge, then back over to scrape the back of the blade. That essentially loads the knife in the middle and eliminates the blob-overs. Then I spin the pan around. It's a lot of pan-spinning and it is tough on the wrists when it's full of mud- but to me it's second nature and pretty fast. I've tried using a trowel/hawk and while I see the advantage in certain instances- but I need a lot more practice - I'm wanting to drag instead of push. And at this point I'm an old dog/no new tricks LOL. Good video as always - keep 'em coming.

[@richardshort4587]

Tioga Fretworks I’ve found with the hawk when I’m watching my other hand spreading the mud my other hand drupes and the mud slides of the hawk where as with the pan I don’t lose it.

[@C.S.Sensei]

The best hangers I've ever worked behind are Canadians and Hungarian, fast too. That was years ago in Florida. Good ol' days.

[@colinglidden5702]

I'm a rare hawk and knifer...been using the trowel more often though...great tips, as usual.

[@ToolsWithAdrius]

I use a trowel and a pan.

[@Nimbleatthat]

I use a hawk and pan

[@joncrosby8988]

My hawk uses a knife.

[@dotChrollo]

I used to work with an old school Seabee (Naval Construction Battalion), he retired early this year at the ripe age of 75, and he was a die hard hawk and knife guy. I'm not convinced he even cares about the pros in cons, because every time I've asked why he uses that combo, he just told me it was better. But that's it.

[@asinger261]

Same

[@justinstevenson2061]

Man, you are the best. I’ve done some drywall patches many years ago before I started taking more care into my work (in my own house I mean). I’m the crazy roofer 😜. Always have done my work well and never had a leak or serious issue. But over the years I’ve become such a perfectionist about things on my jobs, and take the time to really detail some things o might not have before. Also just making more suggestions to homeowners on what should be done, and learning not to stray away from suggestions on how to do things better. Fast forward, I’m doing my own bathroom. Which has been a bit of a nightmare and learning experience. I understand tools and concepts, but some of the applications are foreign to me. Just understanding there are certain tools for each job, and processes for these specific jobs. Watching your videos have really helped me up my mudding game, and my wife will love you for that help, as my mudding has always been sub par for sure. If I were trying to achieve perfection I would hire someone like yourself, or if it were large scale like a full house. But doing these small patches and skim coats on things that I do myself I enjoy the learning process, and being able to see my nicely finished end product. Again only nicely done thanks to yourself. The time you take to explain and do demonstrations is just incredible, and I’m sure your customers appreciate your thoroughness

[@Rob-rs5rn]

Your videos are extremely well done. When I see them come up I'm sometimes reluctant to click because, after all, there are dogs doing funny things elsewhere. That said, I click anyway and I'm happy every time. You've got legit knowledge and your communication skills bring that knowledge forward in a slick way. Thanks.

[@briancnc]

Great video, well explained and you did great comparisons. As with every job there is a right tool with pros/cons. I personally like the hawk and knife but really like experimenting with different drywall tools to see what works best for each taping task. I think the hawk is better because it puts all your material on a large surface area in one plane and you can manage it easier.

[@garysimpson7870]

Always used the trowel & hawk, thrown in at the deep end with 120 square meters of ceiling when I first started, tasted quite a bit initially lol. Use an 18" Marshalltown 14" Hawk, lasted me 16 years & still going strong, best £60 I ever spent.

[@beepo8221]

I've been swinging a hammer since I was old enough to pick it up but I've only been slinging mud for about 15 yrs, and I have to say u have some serious skill. I'm a knife and hawk guy for the most part. I do skim large areas with a trowel though. I guess it's my New England upbringing. I've actually started showing your videos to the young men who work under me (I'm a site foreman for a development company) to give them a good idea of how to patch holes and use a knife/trowel effectively and efficiently. You explain and demonstrate very well and for some reason they respect a you tube video more than a real life tradesman. Either way thanks for making my job that much easier... maybe its cuz u Canadians are just so polite? Haha

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Nope. It's because the ability to listen to anyone with authority over them is fast disappearing. I have had an incredibly hard time finding anyone who will listen to me in person but I now have 30,000 people who are very interested. Most people search for drywall videos on youtube to expand their knowledge. People go to work to collect a cheque while giving the bare minimum.

[@beepo8221]

@@vancouvercarpenter preaching to the choir man. That's why closed shop and took this job. I was sick of watching 3 guys half ass it all day and make more money than me while I did the lions share of the labor and carried all the responsibilities.

[@talontooner]

I use the pan and knife. its just how I was taught. and personally All the negatives you pointed out dont really apply because I learned to work around them and its really a second nature now.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

I figured anyone who has always used a pan and knife would not have the problems I do. I just never spent the time to get really good with a large knife.

[@amazingpowers6056]

The big thing I see is you aren't cutting mud off corners of knife after you grab mud from pan. Takes a fraction of a second once you get used to it. Where I am you would not get invited back for second day if you showed up with trowel. I hear in other areas it's exactly the opposite. I think it's more about what your used to really. I played around with a hawk and trowel for about an hour in apprentice class and made a big mess, but I'd still like to learn someday when I have the time.

[@bailey2624]

im switching over to hawk and trowel for bigger repairs and floating especially when it come to ceilings. my wrists will thank me

[@azmaz73]

This is the best comparison video of the two methods I’ve seen! Kudos!

[@KFRogers263]

Interesting! I've been watching you trying to up my game for my latest bath remodel. I just bought a 12" knife after only using a 10" for tons of other jobs. (knew I was going to need to float out longer than 10" in a couple spots). Watching you and another Canadian contractor, I decided to try a hawk. I've not been thrilled with the 12"; harder to use than my 10" but I just figured lack of experience etc. Interesting on your comment about going to a trowel at 12" on up...Anyway. Always appreciate the videos! Thanks!

[@wjon32s]

I am a tile setter. I feel like this will help my tile and drywalling. I dont know why i have never thought of using the tools im already comfortable with

[@theloniousm4337]

The best thing about the hawk for loading larger blades is the ability to put a nice mound right in the middle - really hard to do with the pan without a couple extra cleaning swipes on the corner tips of the knife. The best thing about the trowel (although it may depend on the brand) is the curve manufactured into the trowel that does a superior job on flats vs a perfectly flat knife. Also the trowel places your grip about 2-3 inches closer to the work edge of the tool vs. a knife which gives better leverage and a lot easier on the wrist after 8 hrs.

[@AM-os4ty]

Thanks for all these videos. Very informative. I have a bunch of small patching jobs and now I know the right tools. If we tackle a slightly bigger job we will break out the trowel. The knife pull/trowel push issue also explained why our drywallers were such a mess getting the ceilings done.

[@turboflush]

I think a trowel is slightly thicker. Tip for the knife.. load it up then nock off the corners.

[@ashyclaret]

When it's worn in,it's like a razor blade.

[@superiorbeing95]

@@ashyclaret I think Turbo meant remove mud from corners of the knife after loading it.

[@ashyclaret]

@@superiorbeing95 I'm on about the trowel.

[@superiorbeing95]

@@ashyclaret Oh OK, yeh trowels soon wear in.

[@ashyclaret]

@@superiorbeing95 They do actually,takes about two weeks.The good ones like Marshalltown are are already broken-in,just need that extra wear on them.

[@PyroXideInc]

Man I wish I would have watched this video before I skim coated about half my house covering up a mish-mash of popcorn texture, silicone, and outdoor plaster from the previous owners. My knife/pan issues are the same as yours. I admit I'm an amateur to it all, but it seems even if I had just applied it all with the trowel and then came back through with the knife I would have been better off, instead I ended up with a lot of drops, a lot of clean up, and the great taste of mud in my mouth. Keep pumping out the great content and stay safe, cheers!

[@hettick304]

Just want to say thank you for the videos! I'm just a handy man, but I take more and more drywall repairs because of your vids. It's helped me take out a lot of unessiary steps, thanks to your great prep tips! I feel like I'm working smarter, not harder. I'm still a knife guy, but I really like the controll and spread you get with that trowel.

[@Titantitan001]

Trowels are for all kinds of trades! We use them in tile a lot for floating walls and floors. Also any type of floor prep and they are necessary. I always have one in my trunk

[@justwait9822]

I'm a hawk guy. I find it easier to get the right amount into the tool (whether trowel or knife) A pan gets messy for me and leads to more clean up time. I like being able to apply mud with the length of a trowel and strike the excess off the trowel and back to the hawk using the short edge, keeps the mud in 1 place on the hawk.

[@tonymazz9912]

You are a brilliant hard working young man and full of knowledge about the trades. What you have is worth everything and you'll never have to worry or struggle about your monetary success.. I have watched dozens of your video's and learn something every time. Be safe and GOD bless.

[@drywaller420]

I've been running a knife and pan for 20 years and no carpal tunnel for me. When you pull the mud out of the pan you should wipe 1 inch of each end of the knife off with the pan, which will prevent the mud from running off the ends of the knife. I've only known 3 finishers that use a hawk and trowel and I assure you that I can finish a room about twice as fast as they can. Everybody will have their own preference with what tools to use and the fact that you prefer the hawk means you will lean towards making it look better/easier than a pan. Make it fair and bring in a someone with no experience and no preferences and hand him/her the tools. Let them decide what they prefer and post that video. I think this would be more suiting as these vids are more for the diy homeowners that are in that situation themselves. Just a thought.

[@robertfarquhar2780]

Exactly I use a knife and a pan and it's really all I know although we do our hand texture with a hawk and trowel but I still prefer a knife, I'm way faster with a knife because It's what I'm use to and I also wipe the mud corners off of my knife too, It doesn't matter if the pan is 12 or 14 inches and full of mud because neither bother me because I'm so used to it. I also love tape and bedding so nothing really gets in my way and I do feel like a knife is alot faster than a trowel.

[@752brickie]

In our area most drywallers use the knives and pans. I used both because I am also a plasterer. There bare times I used both. A good friend of mine I used to do a lot of work for "GOD rest his Soul" always used the hawk and trowel and did amazing quality work !

[@Maxkil]

I'm a knife and hawk kind of guy, I can see the benefits in the trowel, I just need to practice more. Another great video!

[@naysoeaung]

I'm leaning plastering I been subscribe both of you love to see your guys videos from NZ

[@jamesamurdock93]

Really looked forward to using my new hawk and trowel but it takes some time getting use to. I already developed the knife & pan and got really use to it. I find feathering edges are where I’m having a tough time with the hawk and trowel, but I do notice I’m moving more material faster. It just takes some getting use to. Your one of my favorite carpenters on here, been doing a lot of drywall and you’ve helped a lot

[@GriffinBenchmark]

Whoa! That knife throw at the end was absolutely sick! 🤣🤣👍

[@WillCorg]

Yeah, I’m an American (ironically my Dad’s a BC Canadian) and I’m a true convert to the hawk and trowel method. It’s not just applying the mud that’s faster, it’s loading the hawk and cleaning it up afterwards that’s faster! It’s just perfect for doing a Santa Fe coating here in Arizona!

[@The_Macaroon]

Having just diy done my bathroom ceiling with a knife, I can only agree with this video, wish I knew then what I know now!

[@MadsWorld34]

i really thought i was going to have to pull all the tape and mud off my ceiling because i dont have a clue of what i am doing. but after watching a few of your videos last night i went out this morning and saved my ceiling. not its not going to look as good as someone that knows what they are doing but i really think its going to look alot better. just from the feathering alone. thanks.

[@glorygloryhallelujah]

By far the best home improvement channel

[@sylviogiroux5817]

Back East in the US and Canada the old tapers work without hawks just different trowels and 6 " knife and 4 " for corners.

[@ELT-canada]

can you check my Instagram. I'm very professional, only check and follow me if you want ELT Taping

[@josephcote8634]

Knife and trowel is good when you're in a small enough room to always be in arms reach of the mud bucket. Great for doing closets.

[@dennissnell1789]

I'm a knife and pan taper.. and it's all about how much experience you have.. if you take someone with no experience at all and teach both systems.. the knife and pan is easiest hands down.. knife and pan is going to give you more control, your gonna do a cleaner job.. again it's all about the experience you have..I've been side by side a hawk and trowel guy and knife and pan was much faster.. love your videos Vancouver dude..if I ever come down your way I'm gonna call u and we can score a job together.. we can have a tape off.. hawk and trowel vs knife and pan..

[@stevenminnerly5336]

Maryland turned out the top drywall craftsmanship of anyplace I've been too. Top speed too. The level of productivity of those 1970s / 1980s finishers was amazing. Not to mention the quality of their work.

[@randymathews3348]

I can c the benefits of each but it really depends on how you were taught. I'ma knife n pan guy. As far as manipulating mud, I never put that much in my pan. Max is three scoops, work the mud to keep it centered in the pan. That way I can load my knife left/right or center depending on what I'm taping corner/bevel or butt

[@mediumsizedm]

I use the wall as my pan. I scoop out three pans worth of material, and dump it on the wall, at eye level. Then when I need it, I take it off the wall, as I need it. I work with a 6" knife in my right hand, and a 10" in my right hand. I did three coats on 82 sheets this way (basement, lots of beads and bulkheads) and got it all plastered, sanded, and primed in 5 8 hour days. 3400 job happily paid for. All done with all purpose mud. 8 boxes worth, 20 paper beads Hardly any sanding, 2 hour 15 minutes sanding at a slow to medium pace. Looks great too. Stilts are the key... even for a low, 7' ceiling, I set them to 10" and I'm golden. Just to show you, that it can be done many ways.

[@mediumsizedm]

I mean to say... a 6" knife on my right hand and a 10" knife in my left.... but I alternate when skimming. Of course I use a 12" broadknife at t-intersections and taller Bulkheads. Tape, plaster, sand and prime should be like 40 bucks a sheet, at today's prices, for a normal customer in a normal home. Of course you can ask more and often get it, but you could also ask less, and get turned down... so ask and ye shall usually receive. Good luck, folks

[@garnetnard4284]

Watching this video 2 years ago made me aware that the hawk and trowel method even existed. I tried it shortly thereafter and never went back to the pan and knife. It’s such a great way to spread mud.

[@gravelcreekfarms3850]

Love using my hawk and trowel also carry a 4” & 6” knife in my back pocket. The h&t are way easier on the joints. Good videos

[@k1ng401]

After watching this I decided to use hawk and trowel for doing my second and third coats on joins. It takes a bit of getting used to and feathering is definitely way harder but I love the hawk, even when using a knife. So easy to work with and easy to clean. The trowel blade doesn’t flex very much so bending it to feather is tricky. Sometimes I grab the six inch knife to finish the feathering. But I am improving with the trowel.

[@edover50]

Enjoyed the explanation, thanks Ben! Next videos ending expectation is to see you split the 6” blade with a trowel from the same distance

[@juanoldhandspainting8986]

I agree with you!! I can see that, i like both ways

[@88SC]

LOL, some tradesmen can’t avoid knowing the taste of their work! I’m familiar with an electrician who knows what 220 volts tastes like. 😮 I think I’d prefer chalk.

[@pollito5452]

I saw someone taste 220 at some point. He screamed so hard, after that I asked him is he knew how loud he was. He was not even aware he screamed 😄

[@WillCorg]

Yeah, I used to love the taste of sawdust when I was framing houses years ago. Sometimes I’d like to lick a nice and clean, kiln dried piece of hemlock or fur 2x6 and then smell it! The wetness always brought out the aromas! 😜

[@AtlasReburdened]

I took 480 across the chest once because someone fired up the generator while I was working in a power distribution panel of a connected equipment suite. Every muscle on the front of my body contracted with superhuman strength and I very narrowly escaped both shoving my face into the live panel, and skewering my jugular with the screwdriver in my hand. I don't recall a taste, per se, but I do remember 'seeing stars'.

[@seabass22]

@@AtlasReburdened was the power out or you had it turned off? Wondering what the deal with the generator was.

[@AtlasReburdened]

@@seabass22 I was working on a mobile military communications equipment suite that sits on the back of a HMMWV. The generator is the only power supply.

[@WorkThrowaway]

Super helpful. I need to learn how to do this for the first time in my garage and decided to stick with a pan and knife just cause it seems the easiest to pick up and get going. If I was to do the entire house, probably worth learning how to hawk and trowel. Maybe in the future if I ever decide to skim the walls to remove the god awful texture.

[@disklamer]

Great explanations, and demonstration. I prefer a trowel over a knife 90% of the time, like you said you get a lot more traction and pressure out of it, so less fatigue and wrist strain. With a trowel you can set up plaster at just about any thickness, over an inch if the plaster is nice and stiff, that is impossible to do with a knife, so ia trowel is great for really uneven surfaces and filling larger cracks and holes. With a trowel you can plaster over a brick wall in one run for example. Rest the hawk on the bucket if you need to pur it down. Put your trowel on the hawk to have one hand free for taping, or whatever you need to do. A trowel can get into corners just fine if you change yuor grip a bit, turn it around and grab the stem, instead of full on gripping the handle. I like how with a trowel it's relatively easy to make a transition on an inside or outside corner, and you can really cut sharp edges. For trickier parts, corners etc. just use the short end. All of it comes down to experience anyway:) everybody has their prefrence and personal tricks.

[@HBSuccess]

V.C.- I might add... I also carry a 5" or 6" in the SAME hand as my mud pan at all times when I'm using wider knives... Sort of crammed between little finger and pan (another huge repetitive stress potential) , but again... second nature at this point.

[@jakejohn4368]

I've been in the drywall business for 24 years. I've hung a lot of drywall. Now I'm getting old I don't want to hang drywall no more. I want to try to finish it. There's a lot I don't know about finishing although I've washed it for 24 years and I'm doing it I have questions that's where you come into place. I've been watching a lot of videos and ICU everywhere's. Your videos are very informative and helpful. I'm at the point do I continue with the pan and knife or do I move on to a hawk and trowel. Thank you so much I appreciate the time effort and energy you put into making these videos for everybody! Keep it up you kick ass love your Channel!

[@restytamayo3984]

thank you very much for your demo video...it helps me a lot to apply your technic..!!! good job...hope to meet you soon in vancouver....im from philippines...👍👍👍

[@kodymackie6808]

Pan and knife guy here, just personal preference, I can tape no problem, hawk and Trowel, I all of a sudden turned into the new guy on the job, just haven’t used it enough to get it, I like your vids thanks!

[@zeke112964]

When using the pan and knife try cleaning off the edges of the knife before applying it to keep it centered like you do with the trowel. Simply wipe about and inch or so off each edge on angle into the pan and apply as usual

[@tooltroll]

Over the years, I've developed a bit of a hybrid method: Mud bucket, 6" knife, and a 12" trowel. Kick the bucket around with me, using the knife to load/clean the trowel. Never have to carry more than a trowelful around with me, so easier on the arms and shoulders. Even better when working off a scaffold 'cause the mud bucket comes up on the scaffold and wheels around with me.

[@SB_DIY]

I am definitely sold on the hawk, but having a hard time buying off on the trowel. Would love to see a video with you working with someone that is more familiar with a knife as in someone that uses a knife for a living vs the trowel. I think both can be efficient if one is well practiced in the art.

[@brianleys6942]

With pan and knife. You cut a bit mud off the sides of the knife on the pan before spreading the mud on the wall. It won't pore out the sides of the knife and make a mess

[@purepolemanagement]

He obviously would know this. But it's clearly not his preferred method. And in any case, it would add a ridiculous amount of time to a job to have to waste that time on each pass cutting mud off each side of the knife on the pan before spreading it.

[@brianleys6942]

You won't lose any time when your good at it. But I do perfer hawk and trowle tho

[@matiuhensley6657]

so im a stopper from New Zealand if you roll into a job here with ya knife and pan you'd get laughed off the site mate, i dont mind the broad knife i own one it doesn't see a lot of use tho...... any ways good vid.... work those guns stopp up a storm boyz char! much luv up on the down side New Zealand

[@bailey2624]

@@purepolemanagement yup it does

[@glenwally5897]

I agree cut it off both corners of knife to avoid oozing out of the side.

[@kevinmd77]

I’ve been doing drywall for over 25 years and I’ve never used a hawk and trowel however I’ve always been curious to try one. I’ve kinda experimented using them at my local hardware store, running the blade down some bare walls in the store while performing techniques I normally use when using a standard knife and pan and it definitely feels like it would work better, especially when a bigger knife is required. It definitely seems like the mud could be applied much further as well while staying consistent the whole time. I may try this one day.

[@calebrillamas5349]

You’re the man Ben!!! Love the smooth knife throw at the end! 🤙🏽💪🏽 Your “used to be” awkward endings are classic 😁

[@longlee1839]

great instructor, clear to understand I am appreciate to learn alot from you bless

[@petefrisch5183]

One thing I noticed that helps for ceiling drips, is either smaller amounts on your knife at a time, or less pressure, which both slows you down a lot. After watching your videos, I just bought a hawk and trowel. I’m sold, but I haven’t tried it yet and I’m sure it’ll take some practice

[@claudews529]

Great vid! Most of my jobs I use both Hawk & pan... & knife. Still wrestling with trowel... find it hard on the wrist while trying to get the correct angle. Thx for sharing :)

[@jeezusjr]

I tried skim coating a 160 sq ft wall with a hawk and trowel and my wrist and shoulder are toast. Had to switch to the pan and knife and it was so much easier, but with more trips to the mud bucket. If I were a professional I would definitely get good at hawk and trowel, but I'm not, so pan and knife it is!

[@jeezusjr]

I tried skim coating a 160 sq ft wall with a hawk and trowel and my wrist and shoulder are toast. Had to switch to the pan and knife and it was so much easier, but with more trips to the mud bucket. If I were a professional I would definitely get good at hawk and trowel, but I'm not, so pan and knife it is!

[@jzsjr66]

Hawk definitely easier to clean.

[@ELT-canada]

can you check my Instagram. I'm very professional, only check and follow me if you want ELT Taping

[@dannymartin5129]

one thing i noticed is the handle on a trowel is spot welded in the center making slightly less flex then a knife. especially the edges. so i tried hawk & trowel for the first time ever & i found the same exact thing great video

[@mickeymacaco236]

The man has tricks. Nice throw! 👍🏼 Once again, an excellent tutorial + editorial that leaves no one feeling left out or short-changed. The historical anecdote was just right. I enjoyed it.

[@philippebleau4809]

Yes, your videos are extremely useful. Thanks.

[@jamesalexander9817]

I've been doing finishing for over 35 years. I started taping on the west coast. Hawk and trowel taping is mainly an east coast thing. For a beginner a hawk and trowel can get very messy and is harder to get the hang of. Coating joints, metal and angles with taping knifes are easier for beginners so in my opinion start with a pan and knife. Good video though.

[@xochj]

Gotta love the Kirk G. pool trowel method. Seems like the best of both!

[@pakosilva373]

This is the best drywall carpenter I have seen!!!! 😳

[@donireland2640]

It's really what ever you get used to. End results are what are important. You look to be proficient with the hawk and trowel, while I, on the other hand would have most of that mud on the floor if I tried it.😊. Another thing, the old drywall trowel actually have a bow in them. It looks like you are using a cement trowel. Last thing, you are correct, I am a painter. I finish drywall with a knife, 5, 8, & 12. Double 12 for butt joints. 4 for inside corners. I hang wallcovering with a 16" trowel . Great video btw.

[@whatyouwontseeontv8266]

I used the pan for fast-dry products (powder and water) such as CGC-20, and the hack for joint compound (the one ready to apply).

[@nivardorojas4403]

great video friend, I am a painter and to be honest I never try to use the the hawk and trowel it seems this tool is lot better for skiming walls,thanks

[@guydesnoyers8417]

This is really easy to understand - well done!

[@MG-bu4bz]

You’re a brilliant teacher. Thx