Top 5 Best Woodcarving Knives For Beginners-- According to a Woodcarver

[@whittler0507]

Thank you Alec ..I have some of the old Ron Wells knives that eventually became OCCT and Mike Shipley knives ..Absolutely love this knife ..Thank you for sharing Alec

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Oh neat!!! Thank you!!

[@whitelfner4582]

I'm a Fan of Ron Wells and Mike Shipley, I've got a couple of the transition knives with RW/MS. FWIW- I Emailed Mike when I heard he had sold the OCC/Denny's company. He replied that he won't be completely retired, but will only make a few Walnut handled knives in the future (7?) OCC knives in the WK line. The business was sold to " We sold to John Kryshak in Beloit, Wisconsin." Perhaps why OCC have been somewhat hard to come by recently as they transition. Gene, I've enjoyed your videos a good bit too!

[@whittler0507]

@@whitelfner4582 Thank you Whit ..Yeah I had heard Mike has had health problems and not able to do as much anymore

[@riccojames1]

Almost impossible to get OCCT knives here in the UK. Luck for me I have friends in the US that have fetched some over on their trip to the UK. I love these knives, the walnut 1 3/8 inch flat grind is my favourite knife of all the knives I have. Getting a Helvie here is even harder, bit like finding rocking horse she!t. Thanks for sharing the vid with us Alec.

[@wattsnex2725]

I enjoy getting feedback on tools from the pros. I use a Helvie roughout, my “go to” detail is an OCCT 1 3/4”…good metal and it’s very flat/thin. And i love the flexcut palm gouges. Been trying to get my mitts on a Sergey Belov knife, they look legit. Don’t sweat some of the negative comments…your vids are good and some people need to get a grip and just say thx for the free info.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Haha! Thanks a lot! Have to look into the Sergey!

[@user-md2wd2rz9f]

По инструментам соглашусь, helvie и occt отличные ножи. Помимо ножей Сергея Белова в России поищите ножи Баулина. Рекомендовал бы скорее нож Баулина, пожалуй лучшие у нас. Также есть ножи Татьянка, это массовый богородский нож по низкой цене.

[@greggibson7313]

#1 surprised me. Informative as always! Thanks.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Thanks Greg!

[@johncarper3964]

Another great video! I would be interested in seeing seeing an exploration of the benefits and disadvantages on a sweep vs flat or bench grind. As a beginner I got a very high quality, thin blade from Drake and destroyed it by trying to force the blade and bending it over time through misuse having not developed a feel for carving yet. I actually learned to be more patient with the knife using my Beavercraft because forcing that thick of a blade through wood would result in the wood splitting. After exploring with some other knives, I now carve predominately with an OCCT knife because I prefer the flat grind and the thinner blade. I hope to experience a Helvie one day!

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Good hearing from you John! Occt is a good bet for sure! Get you a Helvie one day!

[@probi1001]

Great video & thanks for the reviews. The um's don't bother me at all, your content is what's important!

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Thanks a lot John! Glad you can look past it!

[@S.Hunter]

Nice video Alec. I chuckled when you peaked through the knives. For close to 20yrs the only knife I had was a Denny that my dad gave me. Now is have Flexcut, Helvie, a Drake and of course the Denny. I personally prefer my Helvie knives.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Haha, I’m glad!

[@rumpple4skin976]

This is a great Video thanks for Sharing. I'm a new sub and have been enjoying your videos. Thanks for this valuable information.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Thanks for the sub! Enjoy!

[@CarterTheKing12]

i use beaver craft after i bought the cheap china made and your saying they’re pretty much the same?

[@cd7140]

I have been using 3 styles of Lyon knives since 1995 carving basswood. Only knives i need, and have only stropped them to keep sharp.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

So good, right?

[@loribrooks6736]

I love your humor and your informative videos! Keep ‘em coming please. Also, Thanks for the tip on Belcher Carving Supply…I’ve been wanting to get a DHK knife and support a small business…Happy New Year Alec!

[@timothypwagner]

I just had the pleasure of buying a DHK knife from Dick in person last week.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Thanks Lori! He’s great!

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

@@timothypwagner that’s awesome!!

[@WIZ-IN-PA]

Great video Alec! Yeah, a little choppy with the narration but who cares man! LOL! So I bought that paper wheel sharpening system that I asked you and Doug about in my email to the C+C show. I paid around $50 bucks for it but wish I would've just bought two new Flexcut knives instead. I think I ruined my Helvie detail knife and my Helvie rough out knife as well. I don't know, maybe not but they don't have the cutting ability like they used to. I did pick up a Flexcut detail knife (KN13) right before Christmas and I was blown away how it went through basswood like butter. So I am with you 100% about Flexcut knives being number one on the list. They definitely offer the most bang for the buck! I have a rough out knife (KN14) on the way right now.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

I’m glad to hear you agree about the Flexcut! I’ve ruined a few knives by over grinding them and destroying the temper, so I can certainly relate!

[@lhall9381]

GREAT Instruction........I already have the Flexcut. Yes, Very Sharp out of the box. I will in the future look at the others mention. Again, Great show.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Glad to hear!! Thank you!

[@jimnisbet1969]

Happy Hogmanay wee man! I’ve only just started with carving and whittling. My lovely wife bought me a Ray iles knife (Sheffield blacksmith UK) quality steel but the grind seems a bit steep by comparison. Also got some narex carving tools - not very good to be fair. They need lots of work, but as a beginner (about as long as I’ve been watching you and Doug videos) they’ll do for now. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Never tried that either of those makers!

[@condorito692]

Could you please spell the carvings knife #2 on your list? (The one with colorful handle) Thanks

[@RaulGonzalezPujol]

Thanks so much, I love your humor and tone, makes your videos unique and entertaining. I hate that a lot of the hand made blades are so difficult to get! Any thoughts on Deepwoods Ventures? Has anyone tried them? I'm reading good reviews but I rather hear from trusted sources (you and others who watch your videos). Thanks again!

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Hey Raul! Hopefully someone else on here has experience with deepwoods because I do not! Thanks for your kind comments!

[@wattsnex2725]

I was given a Deepwoods knife a couple months ago. It’s a sloyd knife, but it’s a beautiful knife. Great quality, came sharp, nice looking tool. I’m interested in getting one of the carving knives as well.

[@RaulGonzalezPujol]

@@wattsnex2725 thanks so much!

[@jimwildasin4464]

I just received 2 knives from Deep Holler and I think there excellent!

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Awesome 👏🏼

[@danmeek928]

I can't believe you put flex cut as number one, just can't believe it. Where is deepwoods venture?

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

So many great knives I didn't cover in this video! Just my opinions

[@MessickGreg]

I had trouble sharpening the flex cut and learned I doing so much wrong while sharpening. I got a helvie from Roger Stegall for 40 something dollars and plan to get more. I also went to beavercraft and they are sharp but don't hold that edge long.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Ah good to know!

[@duboisb5210]

You need to check out the knives by Beckwith Forge. The construction and edge holding is excellent. They can make any tool you want as well.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Thanks for the tip!

[@tomevans4402]

I have a helvie, 4 Occt, 2 beaver craft and a couple of flexcut. I reach for Occt the most, got walnut handles on mine. Yea I’m lucky to have so many knives 😂

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Very nice!

[@wallygeriostrowski2035]

I have a Rick Butz and some Flex cuts

[@martinhawrylkiewicz2025]

Mora 120...its legendary.

[@timothypwagner]

I just purchased a DHK from Dick at Belcher Carving Supply and he makes sure they are sharp and ready for carving.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Oh that’s great! I bet he does!

[@michaelmoore6260]

Excellent video Alec. Was cool to see different variations and varieties of nives. Also to know what you feel are the nicer ones for people to use. I am just starting wittleing and carving. Started off by watching Doug Linker and now you as well. I was curious why you don't think the beavercraft brand isn't all that good? At the moment that is the only brand I own. I like them and they seem to work quite well. I have seen Mike Stinnett use them in his videos. Should I upgrade my tools?

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

I guess I shouldn't talk down to the beaver craft knives! thanks for your feedback! If it works don't fix it!

[@michaelmoore6260]

@@AlecLaCasseArt Didn't really feel you were talking down about them. Just wanted to make sure that I choose a proper knife. I have quite a few beavercraft. I would like to get flexcut knives or something else just so I can compare.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

@@michaelmoore6260 I would go with the flex cut then!

[@Dejo-s2r]

You’re obviously a talented carver! But also some feedback (since you responded so quickly) about your carving vids. Love your end results, but I’d be more inclined to watch more of your carving vids if they were a little more streamlined and not quite so long. Maybe like fast forwarding through some of the ‘getting rid of material’ or ‘carving the other side’ kinda of things. You’re a good teacher.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Noted!

[@pugdillman297]

Awesome info Alec! Now please do info on chisels too!

[@MrTian1212]

Just an additional information- OCCT was bought by KCT in October 2022. I was told new knifes will no longer carry OOC logo but KCT.

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@MrTian1212]

@@AlecLaCasseArt and a follow-up: KCT version of the OCC knives didn't just change the logo, they change the handle profile too. I got a Large handle the other day and its really square-feeling. The corner is not rounded enough and holds awkwardly, at least in my hand…. Just a heads-up for those who are thinking about getting one. Hopefully the new KCT version won't ruin the OCC legacy..

[@TheQuranIsTheWay]

In the Navy my chief would make us do push-ups for every time we said "uh" and "um". You would make a very strong Sailor 😂 Thanks for the information and your videos!

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Hahah! That’s actually a great idea! I should make myself do this!

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

And no problem

[@user-md2wd2rz9f]

Странно конечно, что flexcut на первом месте, думаю там должен быть helvie, но каждому свое.

[@petpet-jz3bn]

flexcut the best

[@susanp.collins7834]

ALEC SWEEP THAT MESS OFF THE FLOOR IMMEDIATELY!😅

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

😂

[@sammoore9120]

Exacto is the perfect detail knife get a real Exacto not some knock off brand and the blade wont wobulate

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Good to know!!

[@danielcharles3779]

👍👍🙋

[@Dejo-s2r]

Hard to listen… choppy speech and lots of uh……

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

I agree! Didn’t love this one either. Thanks for the feedback

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

Trying to reduce the uhhh’s in my speech

[@WIZ-IN-PA]

Did you ever make a video that you narrated Denise? It's not easily done.

[@timbuffington5717]

I've never heard the word um so many times 🤣

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

I hate that I do that!!!

[@timbuffington5717]

@@AlecLaCasseArt 🤣 I used to do the same thing and would have to remind myself to stop all the time. Believe it or not reading books is what cured it for me. Keep doing what you're doing man its great 👍

[@AlecLaCasseArt]

@@timbuffington5717 that’s wild! Thanks a lot.

[@billbearden7301]

@@AlecLaCasseArtwhen my kids were little we talked about the “verbal pauses” um, er, and uh. We named them um-er-ah’s to call attention to them. I think they are just a way for our mouth to help our brain with a little time to begin bringing the next thought to speech. By naming them it helped the boys having a name to call them and raise their awareness when they used them. The eventually were able to stop using them. Just my 2 cents