Best Whittling Knives of 2020 – Buyer’s Guide Review

| Last Updated: January 13, 2022

Are you looking for the best whittling knife? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Having a knife on hand for the purpose of whittling is always a good thing and makes for an excellent addition to any EDC kit or camping equipment.

It can be fun to whittle things out of wood using a knife. But a good knife can also be used for other things like smoothing out wood to be used for burning a nice, roaring campfire. 

To help you find the best one, we’ve taken the liberty of putting together a list of the seven best whittling knives currently on the market. Before we get to the list itself, we’re going to discuss what whittling is and how you can choose a whittling knife for your own personal use. 

Comparison of the Best Best Whittling Knives

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best overall whittling knife.
  • Includes a 4-inch fixed carbon steel blade.
  • Patterned, high-friction grip for a better hold.
View Latest Price →
  • 1 ¼ straight edged blade.
  • Features an ergonomic handle.
  • Runner-up for best overall whittling knife.
View Latest Price →
  • High-quality carbon steel blade.
  • Best whittling knife for the money.
  • Ergonomic handle for excellent comfort.
View Latest Price →
  • Durable carbon steel blade.
  • Best pocket knife for whittling.
  • Sturdy wooden sheath for a solid, easy grip.
View Latest Price →
  • High-quality carbon steel blade.
  • Best whittling knife for beginners.
  • Ergonomic handle for comfortable usage.
View Latest Price →
  • Includes additional tools.
  • Editor’s choice for best whittling knife.
  • Includes a leather carrying case for EDC use.
View Latest Price →
  • Carbon steel blades.
  • Best whittling knife set.
  • Includes three different knives.
View Latest Price →

What is Whittling?

Whittling is another name for carving. Most of the time, you’ll be whittling or carving something out of a piece of wood. Some have even whittled things out of the most unexpected of materials. For example, most people have whittled things out of bars of soap and sticks of butter.

In fact, soap is actually a good thing to use if you’re practicing whittling. But nonetheless, whittling has long been a popular thing to do with a knife.

How to Choose a Whittling Knife

There are some characteristics and aspects you’ll need to look for in order to find the perfect whittling knife for your own use. They will help you determine whether or not it’s worth the investment of your hard-earned money. Here’s what you need to consider and keep an eye out for while looking for a whittling knife:

Price

If you’re looking for a whittling knife on a budget, there’s a good chance that the price tag will be the first thing you look at. What you need to realize is that the price alone should not be your “be all, end all” decision. You’ll need to look at the additional characteristics and overall quality to ensure that you’re investing in the best knife you can afford. Sometimes, the best quality will mean spending a little more than you’ve expected. But the value and quality hold a lot more weight than a price tag.

Blade Quality

Quality matters no matter what you buy. When it comes to purchasing a whittling knife, you’re definitely going to consider the quality of the blade. It needs to be sharp enough to cut through softwoods with the greatest of ease. Strong materials, like carbon steel, will be your best option if you’re looking for a sturdy blade.

Grip Quality

Obviously, you’re going to hold onto the knife for quite a while depending on what you’re whittling. So, a good quality grip will equal comfort, especially when you want to avoid hand fatigue that could stem from long periods of whittling. So find a handle that has an ergonomic design so it will be comfortable as possible.

Review of the Best Whittling Knife

Below is a list of the seven best whittling knives currently on the market right now. As you look through each one, you’ll need to take note of the features and characteristics. This way, if you find one that closely matches your ideal whittling knife you’ll know for sure that you have a winner on your hands. Now, here is our choice for the “best overall” :

Best Overall:
Morakniv Fixed Knife with Carbon Steel Blade

No products found.

Pros

  • Very Lightweight
  • The Grip is Pretty Decent
  • Easy to Sharpen and Re-Sharpen
  • Easy to Use for Whittling and Cutting
  • An Excellent Knife for Beginner Level Whittlers

Cons

  • The Sheath May Bend or Warp Over Time
  • May Rust Easily if You Don’t Treat the Blade With Oil From Time to Time

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of recent buyers were satisfied with the blade overall. It is sharp and cuts through wood like butter, according to one reviewer. The blade is solid and the sheath is quite sturdy, as well. One buyer used this as a starter blade and said that it might end up being the only blade he’ll ever use.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It’s not often that you find sharp blades right out of the box. Most often, you’ll need to take some time to sharpen a new knife before you initially use it. But not this one. Another thing that stood out to us is the grip. It’s made from synthetic materials that make it easy to hold onto and is also absorbent to shock. Should you drop it, it won’t break easily.

Who Will Use This Most

This will be used mostly by your avid whittlers, but don’t be deterred if this is you are a newbie. This puppy is sharp enough to easily cut through wood (and soap if you’re doing a practice run). It’s definitely for those who want a really solid whittling knife in their collection.

What Could Be Improved and Why

One improvement that should be suggested is making sure that the sheath is a little tighter and sturdier. This way, it will be less likely for the blade to fall out. While it is solid, the sheath has the potential for wear and tear over time and will allow the blade to fall out if not secured in some way.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a whittling knife that is the best in the business, the Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Knife might be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran whittler, this knife will be an excellent go-to when you want to whittle something whether for fun or for other purposes.

Runner-up:
 Flexcut Cutting Knife

No products found.

Pros

  • Cuts Quite Nicely
  • Sharp Right Out of the Box
  • Very Solid, But Short Blade
  • Great for All Kinds of Hand Sizes
  • Excellent Grip, Very Ergonomically-Friendly

Cons

  • A Little Pricey for Some Budget Users
  • Might Be Dull Right Out of the Box,  Some Sharpening May Be Required
  • Sharp Enough to Cut Through Skin. You’ll Need to Wear Gloves Using This

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of recent buyers were satisfied with this product. It’s sharp, small, and definitely fits in a variety of hand sizes. The blade is so sharp, it cuts through wood like nothing else. One person said he wasn’t sure if he was cutting through wood or a bar of soap. The general consensus points to this being an easy to carry and easy to use whittling knife.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is one of the smaller whittling knives that are currently on the market right now. It might be the easiest to use, considering that it can fit all kinds of hand sizes. So it might be the most widely usable knife of the bunch if you want to take it that far. The ergonomic handle will make usage a lot more comfortable each time you use it.

Who Will Use This Most

This knife will probably be used by whittlers who want nothing more than a sharp blade. Of course, it might be smart to play it safe and wear a pair of gloves. This will be used by hobbyists and campers who want to pass the time and whittle something out of wood.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Though it’s really sharp out of the box, it should come with a pair of protective gloves. They should be durable enough to prevent the blade from penetrating the glove and cutting you in the process.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a knife that is easy to carry and easy to whittle with, the Flexcut Cutting Knife will probably be your best choice, especially when you need something that is sharp as soon as you take it out of the box. If that isn’t convenient, then we can't tell you what is.

Best For The Money:
Beavercraft Whittling Knife

No products found.

Pros

  • Affordable for Most Budgets
  • Fits Most Hand Sizes With Ease
  • The Blade is Durable and Doesn’t Wiggle Around
  • Excellent for General Whittling and Carving Purposes
  • The Blade is Very Sharp, Even Right Out of the Box

Cons

  • Might Be a Little Wide for Some Hands
  • May Not Be as Comfortable as Expected
  • May Not Be as Sharp as Expected for Some Users

What Recent Buyers Report

For an affordable knife, a lot of buyers were satisfied. It functions like a whittling knife that should be twice the price. As far as its uses go, it was able to easily whittle and carve wood with no snags or durability issues with the blade itself. One user said it was so comfortable that he could whittle all day long.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is another knife that will make its money in the usability department. It’s small, but fits most hands. It’s also sharp and can cut through wood quite easily. It’s as close as you can get to the perfect whittling knife. As the cherry on top, it’s affordable for most budgets. Talk about the total package!

Who Will Use This Most

This will be used by those who want a simple to use whittling knife. It will be great for camping or for art projects that require a knife and a nice block of wood. You can be creative and whittle something that will impress your friends, family, or anyone who appreciates workmanship made from wood.

What Could Be Improved and Why

One of the things that can be included as part of an affordable package deal should be a sharpening stone. Yes, there will be times when a knife can go dull in some areas. So why not have something that is reliable and will do a good job keeping the blade sharp? Plus, it will save you more money rather than having to chase one down separately.

Bottom Line

The BeaverCraft Wood Carving Detail Knife is definitely what you’ll want to have on hand if you’re looking for a great whittling knife without breaking the bank. It’s sharp, solid, and does a great job cutting through wood. You’ll swear this is from a high-end manufacturer once you give it a shot.

Best Pocket Knife For Whittling:
Opinel Carbon Steel Pocket Knife

No products found.

Pros

  • Great for EDC Use
  • Sharp Right Out of the Box
  • Carves Through Wood Like Butter
  • Doesn’t Wiggle Around at All
  • Handle is Solid and Gives You a Really Good Grip

Cons

  • May Take Two Hands to Deploy the Blade
  • Carbon Steel Blade May Rust Easily if Not Cared for Regularly

What Recent Buyers Report

According to many new buyers, this is miles ahead of your average pocket knife, especially if you’re using one for the purpose of either whittling or every day carry. Either way, you have a knife that is reliable and sharp enough to get the job done. One user even remarked that he uses it to gut and clean fish he catches during fishing trips.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is a knife that can be considered the closest you can get to a multi-purpose knife. It can be used for just about any task that might warrant its use. It can cut off additional string, whittle something, or open a package. Its usefulness is exactly why we added it to our list.

Who Will Use This Most

This will be used by people who want an everyday knife. In other words, it will be an ideal EDC knife that will come in handy whenever it’s necessary. This isn’t an outdoor or indoor knife and it doesn’t have to be used just for whittling either. If you’re looking for a do-it-all kind of knife, this is it.

What Could Be Improved and Why

One thing that could be improved is to make sure the blade is easier to deploy. In other words, it should be easy enough to deploy with even one hand like a regular pocket knife. Easy to deploy will always equal easy to use. Making this improvement will make it much easier than ever.

Bottom Line

If you’re a fan of the classic pocket knife and want something that will be used for both whittling and every day carrying purposes, the Opinel Carbon Steel Folding Everyday Carry Knife might be right up your alley. This knife is tough and can cut quite easily. In short, it’s how an EDC knife should be made.

Best Whittling Knife For Beginners:
Wood Carving Sloyd Knife

No products found.

Pros

  • Easy to Grip Handling
  • Very Sharp Blade and Also Very Sturdy
  • An Excellent Starter Knife for New Users
  • Create for Whittling Art Projects Out of Wood
  • Cuts Through Wood Very Smoothly Without Snagging

Cons

  • May Be Quick to Rust if Not Treated Properly
  • The Carbon Steel Blade May Wear Down Easily
  • You May Need to Wear Gloves Since the Blade is Sharp

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of recent buyers were looking for a decent starter knife. They were quick to find one with this Wood Carving Sloyd Knife. One user raved about how easy it was to carve through a block of softwood. The blade is sharp, doesn’t snag on the wood, and is very comfortable to hold onto.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We are always on the lookout for knives that would best fit the newbie user. Sure enough, this was the best that we can find for that specific purpose. It’s easy to handle and sharp enough to handle all kinds of whittling and everyday use. Plus, we always look for something that is of solid quality. Indeed, this knife has all of those features.

Who Will Use This Most

This will obviously be used by first-time users. More specifically, it will be used by those who are taking up an interest in whittling. Aside from it being a good whittling knife, they can use it for other purposes as well.

What Could Be Improved and Why

One of the major concerns with carbon steel blades is that they can easily rust if not properly cared for. Once again, we’ll recommend an improvement in the form of a package deal. This time, why not include blade oil? This way, you can apply it and clean the blade, making it nice and sturdy while warding off any potential rust.

Bottom Line

If you’re considering the idea of whittling and need a knife that would be great for a newbie, then the Wood Carving Sloyd Knife will definitely be something to go with. With its sharp carbon blade and sturdy wooden handle, you will be happy and use it for the long-term so long as you take great care of it.

Editor’s Pick:
Flexcut Carvin' Jack

No products found.

Pros

  • Ergonomically-Friendly Design
  • Extremely Sharp Right Out of the Box
  • Excellent Quality and Very Sharp as Well
  • Doesn’t Wiggle or Move Around While You Carve
  • Additional Tools are Great for Their Intended Purpose and Very Sturdy as Well

Cons

  • Build Quality May Not Be as Solid as Expected
  • It May Be Difficult to Open Up for Some Users
  • You May Need to Wear Gloves if You’re Using it Because of its Sharpness

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent buyers loved using this knife. One user even said it was the closest thing he could get to a multi-purpose tool. They were also able to use the tools for their intended purpose and proved themselves useful. Like the blade, each tool is sturdy in quality and easy to deploy.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is more than just a knife. It’s a multi-purpose tool that carries several different knives, a chisel, and a few scorps. It may not be a Swiss Army Knife, but it definitely stands out as a solid option to have in case you need other tools for activities other than whittling.

Who Will Use This Most

This will be used not just for whittling, but will also serve its purpose, depending on which tool you use. In short: it’s more of an EDC kind of tool as opposed to being a standalone whittling knife. So if you’re looking for a knife with a few extras included, this might be something worth looking at.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Some of the tools could be done away with. What should be included are a smaller knife, a screwdriver, and maybe a lock pick of some kind. The chisel is fine as it is, but it could stand for some improvements as far as what to include for additional tools.

Bottom Line

The Flexcut Right-Hand knife Carvin’ Jack is a knife and multi-tool that will be handy for most purposes. If that’s exactly what you’re looking for in a whittling knife, you might have a winner on your hands with this one.

Best Whittling Knife Set:
Beavercraft Whittling Wood Carving Kit

No products found.

Pros

  • Very Sharp Out of the Box
  • Excellent for Whittling and EDC Use
  • Very Convenient Storage Case Included
  • Cuts Through Wood Without Any Snagging 
  • Super Sturdy Handle Holds the Blade in Place Securely

Cons

  • The Handle Might Be a Little Uncomfortable for Some
  • Blades Might Be a Little Sharp to Use Without Protective Gloves
  • Might Be Dull Upon Initial Use and A Sharpening Stone Might Be Needed

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of recent buyers found the kit to be really convenient. One of them is a whittler that has long been making art out of wood. He was satisfied with how each of the knives was sufficiently sharp upon initial use. He also added that the knives were easy to use and control while performing what he called were “complex whittling maneuvers”.

Why it Stands Out to Us


You get not one, not two, but three knives in one kit. You can have one for whittling and EDC use while you can use the other two as part of a whittling project you might be working on (or planning out). All three knives have comfortable handles and sharp blades that slice through wood like butter. This gives you the opportunity to use one knife and have extras on hand, just in case.

Who Will Use This Most

This will probably be used by those who are avid whittlers. The smaller knives might be ideal for some of the complex whittling tasks while the regular knife will just take care of the basics. It also has its uses as a possible EDC knife, if you choose to use it as such.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Since this includes three knives and a carrying case, let’s make it interesting. They could include some oil to ensure that the blades stay nice and clean. Oil will also prevent rusting, as well. As for sharpening tools, you already have that included with the leather strop.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a great knife set to work with while you’re whittling your next masterpiece, this Whittling Wood Carving Kit might be your best bet. Especially when there are some projects where you might need more than one knife to get the job done.

Benefits of Investing in a Quality Whittling Knife

A great quality whittling knife will definitely have its perks. Here are some of the benefits that you’ll enjoy when you find a great knife for whittling:

Smoother Cutting

This is a top priority. You want a knife that will definitely cut through the wood with ease and won’t snag on you. It’s important to find a blade that is sharp enough to give you a straight, clean cut from end to end (assuming you’re using a block). 

Easier Grip

There are a handful of knives that will give you an excellent grip. Some of the regular jackknives (and other knives for that matter) might lack a quality grip and may not be suitable for whittling. 

A Lot of Fun

Whittling is fun to do and it’s an excellent hobby to have. If you’re the creative and crafty kind of person, then you’ll definitely benefit from a really good whittling knife. But don’t let that distract you from the fact that most whittling knives also do a good job as EDC knives as well.

Conclusion

Finding the best whittling knife might be a challenge. As long as you know what to look for in your ideal knife, the search process will be much easier. Find one that is nice and sharp while providing you with sturdy quality and a reliable performance like no other. One of the seven mentioned in this article might be just what you are looking for, so get one and take really good care of it so it takes great care of you, as well.

People Also Ask

To give you an even better idea of what to look for in a whittling knife, we’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions. Use this as a brief guide to help you find the knife you want for whittling or EDC use. Here are some common questions:

How Do I Start Whittling?

If you want to start whittling, it’s pretty simple. All it takes is a knife and a piece of wood. Alternatively, you can use a bar of soap to practice techniques on. To get started, you’ll need to find a starting point. Assuming you’re using a block of wood, you can start on one end and cut through to the other with the blade positioned at a 45-degree angle. There are many videos and tutorials out there if you need some detailed training. Otherwise, pick up a block and start creating.

What is the Best Wood for Whittling?

While almost any wood would be good for whittling, it is highly recommended that you start off with soft woods. Some popular soft woods for whittling include pinewood, balsa wood, and basswood. You can also use small twigs and sticks, as well.

What is the Difference Between Carving and Whittling?

The terms are actually interchangeable. Although carving uses such techniques like gouging and chiseling, while whittling is just using a knife without any special tools.