A frustrating common occurance I encounter too often was not having proper protection or storage for my wood carving tools, and I’m sure many of you have experienced the same. Unless your tools came with a sheath of some kind then you’re probably aching to find proper safety storage. Carving knives are easily prone to chipping in this scenario.
What Can I Use For Proper Storage?
With a little creativity and access to common household supplies, this problem can easily be offered with a solution. The goal is to secure your blades so that they do not rub against material that can cause chipping.
What You’ll Need:
1.
I wasn’t kidding when I said this was stupid simple, until you purchase or create your own tool catty. For this all you’ll need is:
- Paper clips
- Leather
Pretty self explanatory from the picture, but just to make sure everyone understands the setup correctly:
Cut out a small portion of leather, put leather into paper clip, then fit the knife snug into it. Also make sure the point of the knife isn’t sticking out of the leather so you won’t get pricked.
Then set that bad boy up so it won’t fall over.
2.
This is the easiest one since all that’s necessary is this egg carton type foam. It helps the tools not roll around on a flat surface and fall off anything.
3.
The most effort you’ll put into any of these alternative knife holders is this one. Mostly because you’ll have to find wood long and thin enough to fit most if not all your tools, then you will need to carve a V shape place holder into it.
My piece is no more than 9 inches long for 6 whittling tools. Easily the most convenient and aesthetically pleasing storage option.
Here’s another one I made.
Goal is to secure your knives. Don’t think too hard about a storage option for now and just keep it stupid simple until you have time to create a better one.
I like this idea, so simple yet so practical. Best one I have come across so I will be setting this one into my tool kit.
Thanks for sharing
Chuck
Got any more storage ideas lately? I’ve got maybe a hundred knives and chisels to store away.
Be very careful with the foam and dampness. I had a great case in which I stored several of my chisels. They would move around as the case was handled so I lined it with foam. Great idea till I glued the foam to the box, placed the tools into the box and didn’t return for awhile. The dampness caused by the glued foam made the foam stick to the steel chisels scoring the metal. Be smarter than I was. Now when I have anti-moisture devices like those included in pill bottles and electronics I save them to keep in with my stored chisels. Watch your fingers out there. You know how handy they are.
I have to say the paper clip idea made me say. Well duh, why didn’t I think of that!?
So simple, and brilliant, it is elegant.
I use short pieces of clear vinyl tubing placed over the knife blade onto the handle of the knife.
I have cats and can put safely in a box.
Put the point into a piece of styrofoam or for something firmer use the pink insulation board from your home building center. These can easily be cut to the size needed for each tool’s blade and since they’re square they won’t roll away and can fit into any container. If needed you can always add a small bit of duck tape to secure the foam to the handle. For storing even more securely add wadded up newspaper to prevent those tools from moving around. Always add those desiccant packets, too.