We're here to help you choose the best whittling knife for your budget, project needs and experience level.
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We're here to help you choose the best whittling knife for your budget, project needs and experience level.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
By including eight blank wood blocks, cut-resistant gloves and a range of knife types, this Wood Whittling Kit is a quality choice for first-time woodworkers who want to get to work right away. Plus, a roll-up storage bag makes it easy to keep all your tools organized and in one place. One Amazon reviewer, Lilith Bellflower, praised the low price. “If you’re new to the craft like me and want to dip your toes in before spending hundreds on good knives and such, please get this!” they wrote.
The high-end Flexcut Whittlin’ Jack would be a slam dunk holiday gift for a dedicated woodworker—or yourself if you’d appreciate the compact functionality. It’s not cheap, but the money is worth it, thanks to the ultra-durable razor-sharp carbon steel blades and steel and wood handle. It’s just over 4 inches long when folded up, making it handy for slipping into a pocket and having on hand when spare whittling time comes about.
The S13 Spoon Carving Kit from BeaverCraft includes a hook knife for scooping and sloyd knife for details, making it fitting for those interested in creating wooden spoons. The large whittling knife removes big sections of wood when starting your creation, and can be used to create small details in the handle. These knives are also suitable for use on hardwoods, as Amazon reviewer, Tucker, stated, and easily cut through the maple spoon he used them on.
The Old Timer 24OT Folding Whittling Knife features six blades, but has a foldable design for safety and convenient transportation. Its 6-inch handle is long enough to maneuver comfortably, and combined with the textured surface, provides a sturdy grip as you whittle. Weighing just 3.9 ounces, this could be the best whittling knife for a hike or camping excursion.
If money’s no object and you want to be prepared for a wide variety of whittling or carving projects, consider the Flexcut KN250 Deluxe Knife Set. It includes 18 different blade types, allowing you to handle everything from rough carving to extremely detailed cuts. According to one Amazon user, Andrew, the extra-sharp blades are ready to use right out of the box. “Blades come razor sharp; no sharpening or stropping required before you start carving,” he wrote.
Whether you’re a first-timer interested in sculpting and detail work or an experienced whittler who wants a spare set, the Whittler’s Kit from Flexcut is a dependable option. Its two knives—a detail and a mini-detail blade—are all you need to begin creating figurines or intricate carvings. The handles are made of durable ash wood and designed to fit comfortably in the hand.
In addition to whittling and roughing knives, BeaverCraft’s S15 Whittling Wood Carving Kit includes a dedicated chip carving knife. This wood carving tool provides the opportunity to make those detailed chip carvings on the surface of wood, which is a must for tasks like letter engraving and creating textures, like animal fur, feathers, and tree branches. This three-piece knife set stores conveniently in a fabric roll-up pouch and includes a sharpening compound to keep your blades sharp and safe.
If you don’t have the budget or need for multiple pieces (or just want to replace your primary blade), this Detail Whittling Knife could be the best whittling knife for you. This single detail knife can easily fit in a drawer or on a workbench, and is still versatile enough to tackle a wide range of whittling projects. It doesn’t include any kind of storage, but that can be solved with a wine cork or a wall-mounted magnet on your workbench.
If you want to work on more wood carving projects, follow these steps to learn how to carve a wooden duck.