I took the BC detail knife to my 400 grit wet stone and ground the blade down to more of a chisel shape. I then worked through the other higher grit stones and finished on a strop. I thinned the blade quite a bit in doing so. It cuts much better and is VERY sharp. It seems to hold its edge pretty well also. It is an ok knife out of the box, but an hour or so on the stones and it is a whole different knife.
I have the spoon kit, and i added a gouge for my next project bowl carving. Very sharp out of the box. I strap after every carving, i want to keep the knives sharp with little sharpening time. Im still learning but having fun at the same time.
Great review of the Beavercraft kit. I got a similar kit from them but wish mine had the detail knife. I may order one separately and try it. I like my Flexcut detail knife.
Thanks! If you have the Flexcut detail knife you are in good shape. The BeaverCraft knife is very similar. The Flexcut has a thinner blade which most whittlers prefer.
@@whittling I like to use a spoon gouge on most of my spoons for the bowl part. I like to use kiln dried closed-grain hardwoods for spoons going into liquids. But the hook knife seems to do okay for basswood, and green wood. And once I get the bowl formed and I can clean it up some with the hook knife. I know a lot of spoon carvers like to carve green wood to rough out a spoon and then finish carving it after the spoon has dried some. I'm still on the learning curve with this stuff. I love the detail knife for caricature carvings.
Well you’re ahead of me my friend. I haven’t carved a spoon yet. I imagine chipping through kiln-dried hardwood with the hook knife would be a chore. Your gouges must be good and sharp.
Thanks for the review Cousin Jack. I've thought about getting a spoon knife. Don't have one yet. Looking forward to hearing what you think of the performance and durability of the Beavercraft tools.
Hey Cousin Doug! I'm curious to see how these tools hold up and spoon carving will be a new experience for me. Sunni has shown me what style of wooden spoons she likes to use while cooking so I hope to make her a new favorite wooden utensil.
@@BifWood Yes, from what I've researched hardwood for sure. Some use Walnut, Maple, Cherry, Butternut, I've even seen Bamboo. Many spoon carvers prefer green wood to dry wood.
I ordered a spoon knife, tried to carve a bowl I have started and put it back in the box and immediately returned it. Maybe I’m not cut out for this hobby. 🤪
It can be difficult and frustrating when we’re learning a new skill. Take it slowly and be patient with yourself. Practice and patience will pay off in time.🙂
@@SewWhittle learn with a small pocket knife and practice making point spears with fallen branches. Inspect your ends so you can learn how much presser you need and etc.
Yes, I recommend that you pick something that you have carved before and carve it again. Repeating the same carving is a great way to practice. Happy carving!
I have Beaver Craft spoon knife, a gouge and two of their knives. Work good sharpen up nice. I use the spoon knife to hollow out the back of ornaments to lighten them up for hanging on Christmas trees. Great video
Hi Tom! Thanks for sharing your experience with the BeaverCraft tools. Hollowing out the back of ornaments is a great example for using the hook knife.
I just ordered this carving kit !! :-) I'll try some spoons, but I really want to carve some kuksa cups with it !!! (4-14-24)
Kuksa cups are very popular. I've never carved one but I have carved several spoons after I got this kit. Happy Carving, and thanks for your comment!
The kit looks good. I am not interested in spoon carving. Time will tell if they are any good.
Hi John, The Kit is pretty good. I carved several spoons and learned that I didn’t really enjoy carving spoons.🙂
You have taught me more than i have ever heard said about carving. Thank you so so so so much. Sending love from Norway
Hi Erik! That’s very kind and very rewarding for me to hear that! A big hello and “Happy Carving” to you and all of the carving cousins in Norway!!!👍
I took the BC detail knife to my 400 grit wet stone and ground the blade down to more of a chisel shape. I then worked through the other higher grit stones and finished on a strop. I thinned the blade quite a bit in doing so. It cuts much better and is VERY sharp. It seems to hold its edge pretty well also. It is an ok knife out of the box, but an hour or so on the stones and it is a whole different knife.
Thanks for sharing your process and the results you achieved. Sounds like it was time well spent!
I have the spoon kit, and i added a gouge for my next project bowl carving.
Very sharp out of the box. I strap after every carving, i want to keep the knives sharp with little sharpening time.
Im still learning but having fun at the same time.
Hi William! Yes, the tools are pretty sharp right out of the box. I hope you've got a glove too because accidents can happen. Happy carving!
Yes, I wear a cut glove and cut tape.
@@williamvinci9837 Good idea.
Great review of the Beavercraft kit. I got a similar kit from them but wish mine had the detail knife. I may order one separately and try it. I like my Flexcut detail knife.
Thanks! If you have the Flexcut detail knife you are in good shape. The BeaverCraft knife is very similar. The Flexcut has a thinner blade which most whittlers prefer.
@@whittling I like to use a spoon gouge on most of my spoons for the bowl part. I like to use kiln dried closed-grain hardwoods for spoons going into liquids. But the hook knife seems to do okay for basswood, and green wood. And once I get the bowl formed and I can clean it up some with the hook knife. I know a lot of spoon carvers like to carve green wood to rough out a spoon and then finish carving it after the spoon has dried some. I'm still on the learning curve with this stuff. I love the detail knife for caricature carvings.
Well you’re ahead of me my friend. I haven’t carved a spoon yet. I imagine chipping through kiln-dried hardwood with the hook knife would be a chore. Your gouges must be good and sharp.
Ash. The Beavercraft tools are Ash-handled.
Thanks Susan!
Thanks for the review Cousin Jack. I've thought about getting a spoon knife. Don't have one yet. Looking forward to hearing what you think of the performance and durability of the Beavercraft tools.
Hey Cousin Doug! I'm curious to see how these tools hold up and spoon carving will be a new experience for me. Sunni has shown me what style of wooden spoons she likes to use while cooking so I hope to make her a new favorite wooden utensil.
@@whittling good deal. I'm no expert for sure but wondering what wood is best for spoons? I'm guessing some kind of hardwood.
@@BifWood Yes, from what I've researched hardwood for sure. Some use Walnut, Maple, Cherry, Butternut, I've even seen Bamboo. Many spoon carvers prefer green wood to dry wood.
I ordered a spoon knife, tried to carve a bowl I have started and put it back in the box and immediately returned it. Maybe I’m not cut out for this hobby. 🤪
It can be difficult and frustrating when we’re learning a new skill. Take it slowly and be patient with yourself. Practice and patience will pay off in time.🙂
@@whittling any suggestions on WHAT to practice?
@@SewWhittle learn with a small pocket knife and practice making point spears with fallen branches.
Inspect your ends so you can learn how much presser you need and etc.
Yes, I recommend that you pick something that you have carved before and carve it again. Repeating the same carving is a great way to practice. Happy carving!
I have Beaver Craft spoon knife, a gouge and two of their knives. Work good sharpen up nice. I use the spoon knife to hollow out the back of ornaments to lighten them up for hanging on Christmas trees. Great video
Hi Tom! Thanks for sharing your experience with the BeaverCraft tools. Hollowing out the back of ornaments is a great example for using the hook knife.