What is a wood carving knife?
Wood carving knives or whittling knives are specialized fixed blade knives used for wood carving, shaping, and whittling wood in traditional crafts. Each knife is designed for a specific type of task. A Hook Knife with a curved blade is a good knife for hollowing bowls, spoons, and cups, while wood carving Knives are ideal for carving figures like Dala horses, birds, and other decorative items. The product family also includes splitting knives and chip carving knives for more specific woodworking needs.To get the best results, many carvers combine their knives with other tools like drills for making holes, rasps and files for shaping, and sanding blocks for smoothing.
What to look for in a good quality knife for wood carving
Steel type
Experienced carvers often choose whittling knives made of laminated high carbon steel (LC) for its edge retention, toughness, and ability to withstand lateral force. However, it requires care to prevent rust – always wipe and oil the blade after use. Carbon steel (C) is easy to sharpen and offers great edge performance, but it also rusts if not cared for. Stainless steel (S) is a great quality steel choice for beginners thanks to its low maintenance and long-lasting sharpness.Knife blades – shape and thickness
Different whittling knives have different blade styles depending on what task they’re designed for. Short, thin blades with a narrow blade style are ideal for fine detail, while longer and slightly thicker knife blades are better for more powerful cuts and all-around use. The right blade size and style improve both control and comfort.Grind
Most blades feature a Scandi grind without a micro bevel (Scandi Zero Grind), giving you a razor sharp edge that’s ideal for wood carving. Without a micro bevel, however, the edge becomes slightly more delicate and requires more maintenance. This grind is used across models like Woodcarving 106, 120, 122 and the Woodcarving Basic (S).
Ergonomic handle
The handle should be ergonomically designed to feel comfortable even after hours of use. A handle that fits perfectly in your hand also provides better control and precision — which means greater safety.Morakniv’s barrel-shaped wooden handles are popular for exactly this reason: they sit beautifully in the hand. One benefit of a wooden handle is that you can further customize the shape by carving it to improve comfort.
For beginners, a slightly larger grip is often recommended, preferably with a finger guard for added safety. In these cases, molded plastic handles can also be a great choice, as plastic is a more durable material.
Woodcarving knives for beginners
Looking for your first knife? These fixed blade models offer ease of use, safety, and performance for beginners:Basic (S)
is a good knife for beginners, with a sharp stainless steel blade and a molded polymer handle with a finger guard. Safe, sharp, and easy to use.106 (C or LC)
is a versatile entry level carving knife with a long, narrow 85 mm blade. Made from high quality carbon steel (C) and also available in (LC), where the polished surface provides better protection against rust.
Hook knives for hollowing and spoon carving
Hook knives are tools specifically designed for hollowing out wood — ideal for carving bowls, spoons, and cups. The knife blade comes in two curvatures – a wide curve for shallow carving and a tight curve for deeper hollowing. All our hook knives feature ergonomic birch wood handles, and the Swedish stainless steel offers high quality and long-lasting sharpness.Hook Knife 163 (S)
Hook Knife 163 (S) has a wide curved blade, double-edged – a good knife for spoons and bowls with a large radius. Comes with a vegetable-tanned leather sheath.Hook Knife 162 (S)
Hook Knife 162 (S) has a tighter curved blade, double-edged – a good knife for deep hollowing and fine curved work.Hook Knife 164 (S)
Single-edged with tight curvature. Available in right-handed or left-hand versions. This tool has a tight curvature, ideal for deep hollowing — perfect for items like cups, deep spoons, and bowls. The edge is single-ground, allowing you to carve by pushing the blade from the back side.Hook knives for hollowing and spoon carving
Detail knives for fine detail carving
For finer carving and detailed work, you’ll need a carving knife with a slightly shorter, pointed blade. In this case, carbon steel is the most suitable option, as it can withstand lateral pressure.Woodcarving 105 (LC)
Woodcarving 105 (LC) is known as the “Nusnäs Knife”, this larger detail knife is widely used to carve Dala horses. Features a contoured handle with a finger guard. It features an 84 mm long blade made of laminated carbon steel, with a pointed shape that easily reaches fine details.Woodcarving 120 (C or LC)
A short 62 mm blade and pointed profile make this medium size detail knife a go-to for precision work when wood carving. It features a comfortable handle and a sharp high carbon steel (C) blade, and is also available in laminated carbon steel (LC) with a polished finish that provides extra protection against rust.
Knife care for Wood Carving Knives
Morakniv wood carving knives are made to last, with high quality and long lasting sharpness. To extend their life even further, make sure to take care of your tool:- Carbon steel (C and LC). Wipe and oil after each use to prevent rust.
- Stainless steel (S). Rinse with mild soap and warm water if needed and let air dry.
- Sharpen regularly. A carving sharp edge is safer and more effective.
- Store your knife dry. Keep it in the included sheath or a knife box.
