Best Whittling Knife for the Money | Top 5 Reviews and Buyers Guide
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Whittling is one of the most relaxing hobbies to do. It has been around for years, passed down from one generation to another, but to do it requires skill, patience, and a quality whittling knife. You can achieve beautiful artistic creations, and you can make even small amounts of money from selling your carvings or gifts made personally to make someone very happy.
The art of whittling requires good equipment. You can’t expect to make fine detail products without quality and comfort as key features. Whether you are a beginner and don’t want to spend a lot of money to start with, or you are a more experienced carver looking to add to your collection, we are sure the five products reviewed will help you decide.
Here’s a quick explanation of what we cover in this best whittling knife review article:
- First, we’ll compare our top picks side-by-side in a comparison table
- Next, we’ll share the features and benefits you’ll find handy
- Then, we’ll highlight their drawbacks you will need to know about
- And finally, we’ve written a short buyers guide so you can gain a better insight into the product
Sound OK? Let’s get going!
See Range on AmazonHere are Our Favorite Whittling Knives:
CLICK on any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Model | Price | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | BeaverCraft S15 Whittling Wood Carving Kit | Check Price | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | Elemental Tools 9pc Wood Carving Tools Set | Check Price | 4.7 / 5 (Best Value) |
  | Flexcut Carving Knives | Check Price | 4.4 / 5 |
  | Old Timer 24OT | Check Price | 4.3 / 5 |
  | BeaverCraft Cutting Knife C2 | Check Price | 4.2 / 5 |
See Range on Amazon
5 Best Whittling Knives 2020 – Reviews
1. BeaverCraft S15 Whittling Wood Carving Kit (Best Overall)
- The BeaverCraft Whittling Wood Carving Kit has everything you need to start you off on your project and can be used by beginners and professionals alike.
- The set includes Leather Strop and Polishing compound, Whittling knife to start you off carving out animals, small gnomes, etc.
- Chip Carving knife for use with small details such as animal fur, leaves, or tree branches and letters carving, Razor-sharp Roughing knife ready for wood roughing out and Tools Roll convenient to store knives safe and secure.
- The Ergonomic handles on the knives allow you to work for long periods without hand fatigue.
- The knives can be used straight from the box. All of the knives are made from high carbon steel. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee and good customer service.
- This set is high quality, durable and affordable and would make a great gift idea making it our Best Overall.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2. Elemental Tools 9pc Wood Carving Tools set (Best Value)
- The Elemental Tools Set is designed for beginners and has everything in the box you will need to start you off.
- All the knives are high carbon 65MN steel with black walnut handles. The Hook knife is razor-sharp and has a rounded walnut handle for a snug fit in the hand, the Sloyd knife is good for taking bigger chunks out of the wood, the detail knife allows you to carve intricate detailed designs.
- Resistant gloves are included and fit most hand sizes along with a polishing compound and strap for keeping the knives sharp and clean.
- A beechwood spoon blank is medium hardness wood just great for beginners to carve and is hard enough to last extended use.
- This set is for right-handed use only. The box would make an ideal gift for carving enthusiasts.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
3. Flexcut Carving Knives Starter Set KN500
- The Flexcut Carving Knives are a set of three with ergonomic ash hardwood handles that fit comfortably for long periods with no hand fatigue.
- The blades are razor-sharp made of high carbon steel and are ready to use straight away.
- The set includes a Cutting knife which has a more rounded point, is durable and has a beveled 1-¼ inch blade, Detail knife has a very fine point for making narrow cuts and has a straight blade of 1-½ inches, Roughing knife which has a longer, straighter blade with a rounded durable point for removing more stock and Flexcut Gold Sharpening Compound.
- The knives are for right and left-handed use but there is no protection for the blades.
- This is a good quality set of knives and can be used by both beginners and professionals.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4. Old Timer 240T Folding Whittling Knife
- The Old Timer Folding Whittling Knife is portable and is ideal for everyday needs or when camping, hiking, or hunting.
- The overall length is 6 inches (15.3cm) with a blade length of 1.5 inches (3.8cm) and weighs 3.9 ounces. The blade is made of 65Mn High Carbon Steel and has a saw cut handle.
- Quick and easy access to nail pulls, straight gouge, hook blade v-Scorp, gouge scorp and chisel makes it ideal for carving and whittling and is a convenient size.
- The blade will not slip with the heat-treated back springs making it very secure. The knife is for right-handed use only.
- This is a good knife for whittling or carving outdoors, not really designed for serious whittling. The blade should come sharpened but some reviews say this is not always the case so you may need to sharpen it before use.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
5. BeaverCraft Whittling Knife C2 6.3 inch
- The BeaverCraft Whittling knife is designed specifically for general wood carving, green woodworking, handicrafts and fine cutting wood.
- The thin pointed tip of the knife can be used for delicate wood cutting. The blade is made of high-carbon steel and is hardened to proper firmness, the handle is Ashwood.
- The knife is very sharp allowing you to cut softwood and hardwood such as oak or walnut, the thin pointed tip of the knife can be used for delicate wood cutting and fine cuts of small details are very smooth and shiny.
- The Ergonomic handle is designed to give comfort for long periods of use with no hand fatigue.
- The knife is sharpened and polished so it can be used straight from the box but there is no protection for the blade. It is an ideal knife for beginners as well as for professional use.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Video: How to Whittle
Whittling Knife Buyers Guide
Below are some points to help you to decide further.
Blades
All five products have carbon steel blades. Carbon is very durable, rugged, sharp, and can stand the test of time. However, it is more sensitive to contaminants such as oil, meaning it might require more maintenance. You should also consider if you need a hard or soft blade, and this will depend on what project you want to do.
Handles
Hand fatigue and cramps are the true enemies of these tools, and many manufacturers have gone to great lengths to ensure their handles are ergonomic. However, they tend to be the ones at the top end of anyone’s budget, but if you plan to use the set for an extended time, it will be a good investment. Some whittling knives are designed only for use in the right hand, and so you will need to check if the set is compatible if you’re left-handed.
Blade Tips
Blade tips are an essential feature in a whittling knife. It enables exact work and lets you cut and create fine details. Sadly, the quality of some blades is poor, and the tips bend and break easily, so do pay attention to this when looking to buy a set.
Blade Sharpness
Your new whittling knife should come in a ready-to-use condition, and this means the blades need to be razor-sharp. You should NEVER have to sharpen the blade before its first use, and if you have to do, you should return the set. Just like kitchen knives, whittling knives need to be sharpened during their life, and some sets come with sharpening accessories.
Safety
Whittling knives are incredibly sharp, so it is advisable to wear cut-resistant gloves, especially if you are beginner. Many whittling knives do not have a locking feature, and so the blade can quickly shut on your fingers, so you will need to concentrate when using it entirely. It is a personal choice whether you choose a lock-out feature or not, but this could be a good feature you look for if you are a beginner.
Which Whittling Knife?
Different types of Whittling knives are intended to do a specific job. For a professional or experienced carver, you may need to replace or extend your collection.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
For the beginner, a starter set that has everything in the box you need at a reasonable price would be a good buy. Of the sets reviewed, the BeaverCraft S15 Whittling Wood Carving Kit (Best Overall) and Elemental 9 pc Wood Carving Set (Best Value)are worth considering.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Conclusion
We reviewed the variety of Whittling knives covering all ranges of carving projects from starter to very intricate fine detailing. They are all excellent quality knives with blades that are designed to last. We hope you have found these reviews helpful and now feel in a better position to decide which suits you best before buying.
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Here Are Our Favorite Wood Burning Kits:
CLICK on any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Model | Price | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | TRUArt Stage 2 Single Pen Professional Woodburning Detailer | Check Price | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | TOPCHANCES Wood Burning Kit | Check Price | 4.7 / 5 (Best Value) |
  | Walnut Hollow Creative Versa | Check Price | 4.1 / 5 |
  | Petuol 110 PCS Wood Burning Kit | Check Price | 4.2 / 5 |
  | Weller WSB25WB 25-Watt Short Barrel Woodburning Kit | Check Price | 4.0 / 5 |
When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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