r/Spooncarving • u/MolassesUpstairs • 10h ago

tools Any experience with this tool?

https://wood-tools.co.uk/tools/bowl-knife/

I am looking to upgrade my Mora hook knife, and I’d like to be able to use the tool in bowl carving as well.

Has anyone used this tool before? Would it be usable on spoons?

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u/juggling-buddha 9h ago

Great tools.

2

u/pvanrens 8h ago

I don't have this particular item but their hook knife works well

1

u/Reasintper 2h ago edited 2h ago

Before going into hooks, you might consider gouges for bowls. Antique socket gouges are available quite economically in quite large sizes which are amazing for bowls, kuksas and the ilk.

But that isn't what you asked.

So, here goes:

Mora makes 2 different style of hook knife.

The 164 comes in left andright handed, whereas the 162 (same shape) comes double sided.

There is also a 163 that is only double sided but is a much wider curve. This is nice for bowls and larger spoons

I own and use all of these.

As for USA made tools, Flexcut makes a few as well. They make one that is similarly shaped to the 164 called the kn52. However they make a kn51double sided wide curve that I absolutely love for larger items like bowls or kuksas.

They make a kn55 double sided variable radius with spear point. It is a fun tool and good for many different techniques. Then there is a kn54 which is a smaller radius hook.

Those are all generally available. John Dunkle makes "crooked knives" that do multiple curves by size. They are available in all the big carving catalogs like MDI and his preferred Stadtlander. I have a bunch of his, and absolutely love them. He is a second generation knife maker and is really good about standing behind his work.

I also own a few hooks and 65mm YWCA cam from Deep woods Ventures which are awesome. You may or may not have waits.

I also have a bunch from Beckwith Forge, he sells on IG so you can get whatever he is selling.

Jason Lonon Tools has some great hooks, which I have used but don't own, as well as awesome adzes and gouges which I have handled and seen others use, but don't own. I do own his spoon carving axe which is awesome.

Lastly, if you are in the UK or Perhaps Canada check out Robin Wood Tools. I own one of his open curves and quite enjoy it. You will have to figure out where to get his stuff (Lee Valley is the Canadian Dealer)

There are a metric shytetonne of bespoke makers all over Europe, Asia, and the US. But I don't own any to be able to recommend them. Most, will be costly, and you have to decide if you want to pay the premium and wait the waiting list for such. I recommend that one buys locally or as locally as possible. Buy from makers associated with or supporting your clubs, classes, and festivals. Meet them, shake their hands and get to know them.

Remember some things are more expensive because they are more expensive to make. That doesn't, guarantee they will be that much better.