Marking Knife Tips and Tricks - Which One Should You Get? - Must Have Shop Tool

Support What We Do at The Katz-Moses Store lddy.no/stih
In this week’s woodworking skill builder we’re talking about Marking Knives. What type should you get? We discuss how to use them and some great tips and tricks. I really can’t wait to see what you create! Let me know what you’d like to see next. Thanks for watching! Please like, comment and subscribe. Cheers!
Read the blog on this video: kmtools.com/blogs/news/3-esse...
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The Katz-Moses Store (Suizan Saws, Stop Block, Dovetail Jig and more): lddy.no/stih
Most of the Marking Knives in the Video lddy.no/g4y3
Matt Estlea’s Shop bit.ly/MattEstleaShop
Kiridashi from Chrisman Knives (he is a radical maker give him a follow) / b.chrismanknives
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Buy the Katz-Moses Magnetic Dovetail Jig: lddy.no/stiz
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Tools I love:
The Katz-Moses Woodworking Apron: lddy.no/stir
My Favorite Dozuki Saw: lddy.no/stit
My Favorite Ryoba Saw: lddy.no/stiv
Marking Gauge: amzn.to/2nlXLuQ
Marking Knife: amzn.to/2nm39Ok
NEW Suizan Flush Trim Saw: lddy.no/stix
Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/2mVMTkF
Knew Concepts Fret Saw: amzn.to/2FUDbYZ
Dewalt Planer Package: amzn.to/2thEf6O
Forrest 10” Combo Blade: amzn.to/2Fdaee3
Festool Tape Measure: amzn.to/2oS3cjD
Starrett 6” Combination Square: amzn.to/2oP3dVw
Woodstock 3 in 1 Shoulder Plane: amzn.to/2FgAS1A
Stanley Low Angle Jack Plane: amzn.to/2oV4I4O
Dewaxed Shellac Flakes: amzn.to/2FeqqYh
Abalone Inlay :amzn.to/2rjMTxe
Abalone Inlay Alternate: goo.gl/DHonFy
5 Minute Epoxy: amzn.to/2FijsSa
Triton 3 ¼ hp Router (with built in lift and edge guide incl): amzn.to/2LBw3Go
Kreg Router Plate: amzn.to/2A7oVNC
Triton Bushing Set: amzn.to/2A7pSpa
Bosch 1 HP Colt Router Set With Fixed and Plunge Base: amzn.to/2mHP1wY
Bosch Edge Guide: amzn.to/2uRRKs2
Bosch Bushings Set: amzn.to/2JUNRYb
Centering Cone: amzn.to/2OjgOAf
MY CNC MACHINES (I highly recommend both)
Bescutter Laser’s Website: bit.ly/bescutter
Avid CNCs of all shapes and sizes: bit.ly/3cdKdqA
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Camera Gear:
Lumix GH5-s and main lens: amzn.to/2J49F7m
30mm Macro Lens: amzn.to/2GJXtTT
15mm Lens: amzn.to/2NafUox
50mm Lens I use for product shots: amzn.to/2mehs5y
Microphone: amzn.to/2IGjKIa
Lav Microphone: amzn.to/2Nb8SzY
Gimbal: amzn.to/2s9ZV0F
2nd CAMERA Canon 70d: amzn.to/2FiCEDq
Tripod: amzn.to/2HasNvK
Slider: amzn.to/2oNucSd
24MM Wide Angle/Macro Lens: amzn.to/2oSzzjh
50MM f/1.8 for those tight shots: amzn.to/2tpAoVm
10-18mm Lens for the wide shots: amzn.to/2FZrhNM

[@katzmosestools]

*The Katz-Moses Store (Suizan Saws, Stop Block, Dovetail Jig and more):* bit.ly/KMWstore20 *Most of the Marking Knives in the Video* lddy.no/g4y3 *Matt Estlea’s Shop* bit.ly/MattEstleaShop *Kiridashi from Chrisman Knives (he is a radical maker give him a follow)* instagram.com/b.chrismanknives/ *Great in depth video about better accuracy in woodworking* kzbin.info/www/bejne/naC4lGpqh7aFq9U

[@fat-hand]

I cannot believe marking knives aren’t sold as commonly (and right next to) all measuring, marking, and ubiquitous tools everywhere. I imagine these are common knowledge to woodworkers but I can’t believe I never knew how amazingly perfect these are for many things. I just got one and will hardly ever rely on a pencil again. Marking knives just rose to my every day carry list (in the shop). Thank you so much for this informative and comprehensive video. You have a great ability to cover topics in a way that seems to anticipate what people don’t know they don’t know. Well done!

[@livedeliciously]

A good marking knife and square is a such a huge quality of life upgrade for woodworking.

[@emeryhersh8702]

I made my own kiridashi out of an old meat grinder blade and I love it! It's especially easy to sharpen as it is a single bevel design so it's the same concept as sharpening your chisels or plane irons.

[@_Heinle]

I’ve actually been looking at aprons recently, super stoked to see the one you’re bringing out!

[@rsbanddork]

Just got mine yesterday. Love it so far!

[@user-qg6fy4yp8t]

Thanks for sharing and keeping our sanity at this crazy time. Stay safe, be 💪 and keep the health of your family

[@rabidscallion9947]

Abosolutely LOVE your channel for expert advice and quality. I wanted to give a shout out to your incredible film crew (and behind the scenes support) who can demonstrate the accuracy for fine woodworking. Not an easy task and you guys excel.

[@TreeOfLifeWoodworking]

I happened to watch a video of yours yesterday from 2018 and I must say... BRAVO on the difference between quality from then until now. All the B Roll footage and music you do now compared to before... Such a great difference!

[@ilive4livemusic]

Didn’t realize i needed this video till I saw it. Thanks for a very clear explanation of the reasons for your choices and excellent demonstrations of how you use each knife. I am now a convert from pencils to knives.

[@tatayala]

I hope you make one for lefties. Thank you for all the videos. very inspiring. I just got started in wood working and I really appreciate the videos you put out makes the adventure much a little less scary. Thanks again

[@pancua978]

Thank you, Jonathan. I’ve been in the market for a marking knife and was becoming overwhelmed with all the different styles. Appreciate you. Also can’t wait to get an apron!

[@anthonymoraes3251]

Good morning. I am a beginner woodworker stuck home in quarantine here in New Jersey. Your channel is one of the ones I enjoy most to learn about many different aspects of the craft. You are much appreciated, I’m sure, by many and I just wanted to say THANK YOU Sir!

[@denisbeaudoinsr4979]

Thanks for the video Jonathan. Be safe out there man!

[@BiggMo]

Hey Jonathan, thanks for getting some content out white we are all sheltered in our homes. I find a double bevel blade is more prone to wondering with the grain when marking, well...inline with the grain. A single bevel blade has a natural ‘push’ towards the flat and well...towards the edge of your square. I actually swap between them as needed, sometimes even just using a utility knife.

[@vojtahrabanek1620]

Hey Jonathan! Greetings from the home of Narex tools! 🙂Czech Republic! I'm so glad to see that tool in yours hands!

[@matousoutrata]

We in Czech Republic have a tendency of underrating Narex after what they gave us during the "dark ages" of socialism. Their chisels are great! I got their mortice chisels for a fraction of price of Veritas and I just love them! They stay sharp for ages and you can make mortices into marble I guess :)

[@chuckdeez810]

This is exactly the advice I needed to get accurate marks -- thank you for the great content -- subbed!

[@LassetUnsSpielen]

In my opinion you forgot two important things: 1. Always walk away from your fingers. If it cuts into wood it will cut into skin too. 2. Cut on the waste side of the workpiece. If the blade moves, you won't damage the part you want to keep.

[@alifetomake]

Never seen one of those before, but it looks so handy! Need a tool, make a tool! It was the perfect first project for my tin can forge! This kept me passionate and busy in those quarantine times, so thank you very much!

[@jon0807]

Wow this video came just in time! I just got your dovetail jigs yesterday and I need a marking knife!

[@katzmosestools]

Nice! I can't wait to see what you create

[@stevendunning8577]

Shipping within hours. Impressive. Can't wait to try the dovetail jig.

[@kieranfoster902]

Hi Jonathon. Love your channel. Really like the way you mention other content creators. Keep up the great work.

[@katzmosestools]

Small wonderful world

[@andyiliff7793]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@itsblowecuz]

Soooo stoked for the apron!!!!

[@russellnentwich8745]

Man I am glad you made this video! Thanks.

[@katzmosestools]

Thanks so much brother!

[@andrewbrown8148]

Great info~! A nicely condensed marking knife education. Thanks much~!

[@katzmosestools]

"If it's not Micro Machines its not the real thing!"

[@pedalman4595]

Thank You!!!!!!!!! This was actually very informative. Being a tool maker and machinist with a first love of wood working this makes me happy. Who says you can't cut wood within a .001 : ). Great video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rhihodag9873]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Excellent and very informative information........thanks!!!

[@bloodgain]

I recently bought one of the Swann Morton marking knives. I put one of the sharp, new blades in it, and decided since it was handy to use it to cut open a plastic bag that a parallel clamp came in. I missed. So, the first thing I did with my new marking knife was plunge it right into my left thumb. Thankfully, it wasn't bad, just bled a good bit and took a couple weeks to heal up. It was a nice, clean cut, though!

[@SenkoLoaf]

bloodgain that was the first thing I ever did with my first knife, but mine was pretty deep lol

[@claybowser698]

A retractable spear point with long stiff thin metal two bevels on one side, flat back would be my ideal. It closes in your pocket and you pop it out when you need it.

[@wittworks]

Love it. Love the table saw trick. “Netflix and quarantine” - now you triggered me!

[@Dunc2222]

Fantastic explanation. Thanks.

[@JTWoodworks]

Some awesome info in this video. I definitely picked up some great tips!

[@katzmosestools]

Thanks bud!

[@thomasarussellsr]

Ha ha ha, "tips"... Knife tips?

[@jasondoust4935]

THE most underrated tool in the workshop! I recently built a hardwood frame 2×3m to hang a synthetic green wall in a college staff room. Timber was 65mm Mountain Ash, so very straight and clean grained. My basic marking knife and a decent combo square meant that the half lap corners lined up within fractions of a millimetre and dead square, which was my big concern. It's also really handy to slice out any dags from the inside corners of hand sawn cuts. Does the apron come in black? (Very slimming!) :-)

[@zacscreations7311]

Definitely have a sale for an apron from me when you make them available, will go good with the dovetail jig I got from you haha 😁 stay safe during this crazy time

[@ZaarsShed]

This is pure gold! When I saw how you can return to the same line by just dragging your knife along until it lands into cut mark, it just clicked! It's one of those things that "you don't know that you don't know", a kind of blind spot that hinders you and you don't even know how to approach this. THANK YOU! Also, can you please post your PayPal for one-time donations?

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for the info! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@jimm2442]

Excellent, thank you!

[@ivanruzevic981]

awesome and great tips as usual tnx

[@mcooper320]

Looking forward to hearing more about your shop apron with the square holder. I hope there will be an option for a marking knife holder. I currently do not carry a marking knife in my shop apron because I do not have a safe way to store it in a pocket, either blade up or blade down. I saw your leather sheath. I may need to find something like that.

[@jamesowen889]

I have a Narex single bevel thick blade and have no complaints. Gives me an accurate mark every time.

[@jamesowen889]

As a side note I have a set of Exacto knives for the thinner marks as in dovetail marking.

[@SenkoLoaf]

I ended up getting a 100 dollar kiridashi knife, and it's my favorite knife I've ever owned. Also, apparently kiridashis can be used like a block plane as well, although I still have to perfect that technique

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Katz .

[@Ferndalien]

I tried making a marking knife from a 12" tablesaw blade that had lost some carbide tips to a nail or screw. The body of the blade is high strength steel and pretty tough, and it sharpens up fine but doesn't stay sharp quite as long as another marking knife I have. But the chipped blade was free and I had the time to cut out a blade and sharpen it up. This could give you an opportunity to try unusual shapes that you think you might work better with. Then decide if you want to spend for a good blade steel.

[@lazydogwoodworking]

Was just about to pick up a new apron. I’ll wait for yours. Sign me up!

[@VORONM]

Good collection of the tool!

[@katzmosestools]

I have a problem 🥰

[@VORONM]

:-))

[@thomasarussellsr]

@@katzmosestools no problem, as long as you do a round of sharpening before all of them are dull. Of course a couple of those have replaceable blades, so you just have to wait on the "big brown truck" when you load your last new blade.

[@tylerkrug7719]

I love marking knives

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

Nice points

[@donaldquilinquin343]

Thanks Jonathan! Really enjoyed this videos as I've been pondering a marking knife. Question: early in your video you mentioned a custom made blade from your buddy, did you say made the handle with Koa?

[@ganeshtn2098]

Along with the ingenious tools intelligence and skill to use them should be there

[@steveandrewsmith]

Yet another vital discussion on must have tools. You could spend 30 mins on sandpaper and make it informative and entertaining! A proper gentlemen always has a collection of the necessities: whiskey, wine, watches, marking knives, ...

[@jimspring7434]

Wonderful demonstration. I usually start the marks to hard and wander. Will use your suggestions in my future projects. Can't wait for the apron. "pre order' ?

[@katzmosestools]

When we're in production and see a semi accurate delivery date I will do a preorder for sure

[@billibbotson4685]

@@katzmosestools thank you

[@billibbotson4685]

0

[@EricRoy85]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Any chance you could do one of all the different saws? Suizan, dovetail, pull and push stroke etc.. I'm a beginner and would like to know what I should get for my first saw. I need one that could be multipurpose, mostly dovetails and flush cuts and I'm on a little bit of a budget.

[@katzmosestools]

I have several saw videos to check out. Cheers

[@douglasseagrim7379]

For marking with the grain I use a rolling paper cutter. It does not tend to follow the grain the same as a standard marking knife.

[@MBTHandmade]

Most definitely interested in one of those aprons

[@abrumm87]

I’ve never owned a marking knife and have long told myself I should get one. But one question I have is, why doesn’t anyone just use an exacto-knife. Cheap, replaceable blades, sharp. I get that it’s not perfect for every situation, but just curious. Thanks for making awesome, informative content!

[@BiggMo]

Adam Brummett : an exacto blade and handle are just the small/thin to really sever the grains with control. You end up using to much pressure which can lead to blade wonder or riding up the edge of your straight edge

[@markschneider1366]

Don't you just love this quarantine time ! I'll be good with it until I run out of wood .

[@katzmosestools]

Lumber stores are "essential businesses" so you are good. I love it. It is like being trapped in paradise!

[@thomasarussellsr]

I've heard said that trees are a renewable resource. Go cut one or two down, here and there, and plant new ones. Remember to give the wood time to dry (approx. 1year per inch thickness for most woods and the average climate), after slabbing it, before it is needed. (Dont wait until you run out of stock.)

[@aarondsalberg]

Mark Schneider I’m not worried. I hear that my house is made of wood if I get real dole on wood.

[@chm1701]

Cool. Good tips and tricks, but what I’m most excited about is your work apron. BUT, what will it’s name be? The Katz-Moses Super Utility Protection Cape. You’re welcome 😉

[@malonecustomdesigns]

Ok...I need a marking knife! lol

[@animefan73]

Great breakdown, plenty of useful info, especially the rip-cut marking trick! (I can see myself using that going forward) I have a Narex-style marking knife blade I received as a Christmas gift, and I've yet to craft a handle for it - you've given me all the incentive necessary to get out into the shop and make that project a priority.

[@jochanan2137]

Of subject a bit, I posed a question a while back about the stumpy brass hammer you use for Dovetails. Can you add that stumpy brass mallet to your products? I can't find one like that anywhere.

[@markallen8027]

Johnathan, I'm asking this same question of a number of youtuber craftsmen. I have an old, cheap table saw, a miter slide saw, a few cheap hand tools, and a desire to learn and hone my skills. What is the very first tool/jig/accessory I should build? Buy?

[@johnschenk9073]

I use a chip carving knife for marking, blade is thin, super sharp and rigid.. it doesn't flex so it doesn't wander. Exacto knives are flexible which does tend to wander.

[@carlwebinar1571]

I love the explanation of using the marking knife to get super accurate rip cuts. Just be sure that you put the line on the correct side of the blade. It looked like to me (assuming standard width blade) your cut was going to be 17/8" and not the 2 inches that you wanted. ;) Not being a hater, 'cuz I love your videos and I'm learning a lot. I just know that with wood working, you have be careful and think about everything all the time.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

ooooh new apron interesting!

[@adamthomas1222]

wanted to know if there's any downsides to using something like an xacto blade or maybe a utility knife/snap-blade knifes as a marking knife

[@tylerkrug7719]

You Def know your stuff

[@J.A.Smith2397]

Hey JOHNATHAN KATZ MOSES I saw in one video you paused to think was the opposite of proud "wood" be n it JUST CAME TO ME! I think it works real world and shop talk but "SHY". Watchya think?

[@J.A.Smith2397]

Also I been trying to get my ol lady to sew some extra shit on my apron so that's funny your coming out with some lmao! Bought a leather needle for her machine months ago n still nothing lol!

[@thomasarussellsr]

My go to marking knife is the Stanley folder like Paul Sellers uses. Also a replaceable blade. I had not seen the slider like you have, before. Looks like a great option for a thin replaceable blade marking knife. If you dont already have a link to where to find it and the replacement blades (I'll go look after posting this comment), please share? Thank you.

[@thomasarussellsr]

I found the link, thanks.

[@mildyproductive9726]

I like to mark just about anything softer than steel with a homemade scribe. The point is shaped like a knife tip but backwards. This way it doesn't wander off the line, and it can make a line as deep as you would ever want. In fact, you can score all the way through thin fiberboard or 1/4" plywood with enough passes. It's basically a single toothed saw. When marking across the grain, you have keep the first pass or two light to break the fibers without ripping them, then you can go to town. You could try this with an ordinary knife turned backwards, but the angle of the handle will be wrong.

[@binkusbonkus]

What brand of square do you use? The one you have looks really nice and I need a new 6 inch

[@katzmosestools]

Check out my recent apron video. I link it in the pinned comment

[@MikeTaylorToolworks]

Counseling and medication can help with you your marking knife problem!! Super informative video.

[@katzmosestools]

hahahaha thanks bud

[@thomasarussellsr]

What problem? Any he doesn't use can be give-away items.

[@brianford9522]

I just finished Netflix... that's why I'm watching you. haha

[@glenndornak6410]

If you could have only one dovetail jig, which one would you get?

[@genelomas332]

"Netflix and quarantine"..? Mate, you ARE our Netflix and quarantine.. Carry on.. ;)

[@katzmosestools]

Lol thanks

[@scottroy6195]

For the budget minded, do you need more than an exacto or box cutting knife? Not pretty, but do they work just as well?

[@katzmosestools]

They do not. Too flexible and too sharp

[@scottroy6195]

@@katzmosestools thanks for answering

[@ryderscustomcreations3665]

Darn you! I just got an apron! Now I’m gonna have 2

[@katzmosestools]

hahahaha. You'll love it

[@ryderscustomcreations3665]

When is it out?

[@kirkradzwill8311]

Although I can see the true benefit of a marking knife. Will a Stanley utility knife work in a pinch?

[@katzmosestools]

Sure

[@Estereos]

Seiko 5 is great too...

[@troyqueen9503]

I’ve always just used scalpers.

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

My pencil lines make awful dovetails... I use a Stanley disposable just like Paul Sellers uses. Similar to the metal swan morton. Had a flat back and it just sits on the shelf now.

[@Hudson4426]

I want one from Matt, but they are all sold out... build more Matt!!

[@ezeddie9747]

I didn't see the marker blade kit listed

[@ianpearse4480]

Stay safe too pal.

[@Toddicus2914]

I hope the apron has the square pocket sewn instead of riveted.

[@Yoshi_206]

Can you make a how to use a marking gauge correctly video? If you already have one I would greatly appreciate a link!

[@katzmosestools]

Check the video I linked at the bottom of the pinned comment

[@Yoshi_206]

@@katzmosestools Thanks Jonathan!

[@Hudson4426]

I’d like to see a video of fret saw vs coping saw and how to find one that isn’t garbage

[@bobmorgan5367]

Why didn’t you include the Stanley that Paul Sellers uses?

[@davidharvey5672]

Really interesting. I make my own knives with worn out files, usually the half round file type. I tend to leave some of the filing teeth on it for grip, you just need a grinder and you have it. I will admit though that my work is crude compared to yours but it still nice to use. Stay safe we're on lockdown here in the UK and at 66 I'm fine with it! Thank God for so many good people.

[@davidrichardson4008]

When I started watching this video I thought, "I should make one out of a file."

[@cj.tj.8201]

Don't forget the left handed wood workers. When you make the shop appron....!

[@DynamicJon]

wheres the apron already! I have the same apron but I want that holder!

[@SenkoLoaf]

I could honestly use a kiridashi with the type of work I do. Guitar picks don’t bevel themselves lol

[@Adam296]

dont suppose youll have a lefty version of that Apron?

[@scottroy6195]

He just came out with presale video and yes he did.

[@lokonathmaharana2130]

Where we can purchase marking knife

[@mikecurtin9831]

I'm looking at graduating to marking knives, thanks for the tips. I think I may have to have more than one. (Oh, No!) Thumbs up to crush a troll.

[@DIYHGP]

Yes you do have an obsession it’s called MKA. Consider attending marking knife anonymous meetings. 🤣

[@atomicwinter31]

I love marking knives too, i just want to make an entire wall to store marking knives.

[@jadjohnson815]

@4:32... Just the tip? Got it.

[@sfxdan]

What tools do you keep in your apron?

[@katzmosestools]

Check out my video "woodworking EDC "

[@sfxdan]

We need a video just on your apron set up

[@aortoiliac]

I am a surgeon, Jon. Nothing surpasses a #15 disposable scapel. Very cheap, throw away when they get dull. About $11 on Amazon for ten. If you want a bigger blade, use #10.

[@autumn5592]

Wrong.