Walking Staff - Celtic Knot

Less than 5 hours. wow. How tall is it?

-- If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail!

Very nice work! I have considered buying the carving jack knife but so far have not taken the step. What is your opinion of it in ease and comfort to use? My only hesitation is that it did not feel comfortable in my hand.

Erwin, Jacksonville, FL

-- Erwin, Jacksonville, FL

Quite nice! Could walk a hundred miles or part a sea with a staff like that!
Stephen

-- Stephen Mines (Saltmines@aol.com)

Hi Bearpie – There are a couple of points about the Carvin’ Jack that you should consider when making a purchase.
First – It comes in either a right-hand or left-hand version, which means that the hook knife, 3/8” scorp, and the V-scorp face in opposite directions on the 2 versions. The photo shows my right-hand Jack, and this version forces me to carve towards myself when I am using these 3 blades. Since I prefer to carve away from my body, my preference would now be to have a left-hand version, but that is a matter of personal preference that you should consider for your own style of carving. Take a look at the demo photos at . . . http://www.flexcut.com/products/cart.php?target=product&product_id=981&category_id=174
Second – Sharpening. Mine came with a honing block to maintain the edges, and this works very well for me. The blades hold their edges very well.
Third – Common sense. I had to learn to pay attention as I changed blades. This tool comes honed, and if you have several blades out simultaneously while deciding which one will be used next, handle it carefully. I like the fact that each blade locks in position so that there is no chance of it folding back on me while in use.
I like the portability, and of course the quality of the blades. The belt sheath is another plus for campers or hikers.

-- John, British Columbia, Canada

Hi Rex – The height is about 5’ 6”, and it is about an inch thick at the carved area.

Hi Stephen – Next time I get to the sea, I’ll try it. (doesn’t work on Lake Ontario)

Thanks for the compliments.

-- John, British Columbia, Canada

Beautiful work John.
I think I will buy one of those Carvin Jack’s, and hope a little of your talent comes packaged with it. lol

-- Eric

Nice work! I like the design and flow…pretty cool staff!

-- Mike P., Arkansas, http://mpounders1.blogspot.com

When I first saw the thumbnail for this I thought… WOW they carved a porch post or something, I thought the plants were trees.

I like how you carve with more of a relief than what is common, it makes the knot look more alive.

Hi Blake – Thanks, that’s the reaction that I hope to get when I undercut the design. As far as the support post at the front door goes… I’ll leave that to you to try with your Carvin’ Jack. ;->

-- John, British Columbia, Canada

Great carving. I use the carving jack all the time for my whittling. Your advice about handling the blades carefully is right on!

Great staff. Love the design. I recently received a Carvin’ Jack for my birthday and this piece is inspiring. Thanks!

-- "The Noblest Art is that of making others happy." ~ P.T. Barnum

Thanks for the compliment, and I hope that you enjoy the Carvin’ Jack as much as I do.

-- John, British Columbia, Canada

I really like the flow of your carving John. Looks like a great project while camping, I hope you don’t mind if I try something along the same lines someday?

-- Everyday above ground is a good day.

knottysticks – No problem at all. It would be interesting to see you combine something along theses lines (curves) with some of the beautiful antler work that you do.
Enjoy.

-- John, British Columbia, Canada

Amazing Work! Well done!

-- christopheralan http://www.projectwoodworks.com