Let's CUT through all the fluff,

Published: Sat, 07/24/21

We've been looking at chip carving knives during the month of July.

If you want to look back on these emails, visit this link - https://archive.aweber.com/awlist5318382

Don't give me a dope slap when I say this, but the most important part of any knife is how well it cuts.

To cut well a chip carving knife has to include these 2 things:

1. Scary Sharp Edge

2. Thin polished blade

#1 - Scary Sharp Edge

I talked about this in the second email in July and in earlier emails as well because this is so important.

But what I haven't discussed that has to do with sharpening is this,

"Should the blade have one bevel or two?"

Now if this is something you've never heard about, thought about or care about, skip ahead to #2. 🙄

I'll be asked this question about single or double bevel blades every month or two. All MyChipCarving Knives are sharpened with a double bevel, ie. a very small secondary bevel as shown below. This secondary bevel typically measures about 1/32" - 3/32".

The secondary bevel is the ONLY part of the blade I sharpen before the knife is sent out.

IF this same knife had a single bevel, the entire blade, from spine to edge would need to be sharpened. AND the cutting edge, that is already thin before sharpening, would be EXTRA THIN and actually TOO thin to support the cutting edge.

There has to be metal behind the cutting edge so it can stay sharp and hold the edge. Without metal behind the cutting edge, after a few cuts the edge will roll over and need sharpening again, over and over again.

Thicker blades can be sharpened with a single bevel, but not thin blades like MyChipCarving Knives.

#2 Thin Polished Blade

The blades on MyChipCarving Knives arrive at my shop polished to a nice shine. I'm far from knowledgeable on polish ratings, but the most recent order of blades I received were specified to be mirror polished. The shiny surface helps the blade glide through the wood with less resistance.

So how thin should the blade be on a chip carving knife?

Glad you asked!

Here's a video I created to answer this question.

Chip Carving Knives, How thin is TOO thin for the blade?

I hope this information about Chip Carving Knives has helped you CUT through all the fluff and filter out the needless chatter that may come up when you get together with your carving friends.

P.S. You're part of the best audience I could ask for!

Many thanks and great success to you with your chip carving!

SHOP NOW!