Woodbloke marking knives - a short review

[Paul Chapman]

Last year Rob (Woodbloke) posted a picture of a marking knife he had made. He felt it was a little short and he offered it for sale to anyone interested. Luckily I was logged on at the time so snapped it up \/

Here's Rob's picture of it

I really like it and it's great for general marking out. The handle is made from Rosewood and it has a HSS blade. The shaping of the handle is very nice, particluarly where it flares just before the ferule, and it's well balanced. Here's a picture of me holding it, which gives a good idea of the size

However, the blade is a little short for jobs like marking out dovetails. I had a spare piece of Ebony which I'd bought at Ally Pally

So when I met up with Rob at the West Dean Hand Tool Event, I asked whether he would kindly make me another knife with a longer blade. Here it is alongside the Rosewood one

It's a real cracker 8) Every bit as nice as the first one but with the proportions altered to balance the longer blade. In this case the blade is in high carbon steel, hardened and tempered, made from one of Chisel's old bandsaw blades.

I think Rob has really mastered the art of making marking knives. The shape and balance are superb and the quality of his workmanship has to be seen to be believed - they really are very good.

Thanks Rob :wink:

Paul

 

[newt]

I have one to and it is very good indeed.

 

[Waka]

I concur.

 

[TheDudester]

I have one and agree with everything said.

D

 

[Escudo]

Look out "Blue Spruce" - that is what I would say.

Nice work Rob. Succulent.

Tony.

 

[Harbo]

Very nice work indeed.

The only problem with this design (as I found to my cost) is that they can roll off and stick in concrete floors!

The next one I fancy making will be similar to the flattish/oval ones on show at West Dean?

Rod PS I hope BS have not got Design Rights on the shape?

 

[NeilO]

To follow on from what Paul Chapman said, heres my knife from Rob (photos really dont do it justice, as they are from a phone sorry )

heres another showing just how big it is, 50p doesnt always do it for me

As Paul stated extremely well made, well balanced and a great tool to use..I did express to Rob that I would like mine handle of a slightly different shape (not all that fussy about finials) and Rob came up trumps for me, as you can see..
These knives really do have to be seen and handled to get a true feeling of how well made they are...
So, if anyone is thinking of buying a Marking knife, just have a chat with your local RJS Toolworks Agent :lol: :lol:
I think Rob has definately mastered this one..

 

[Paul Chapman]

Neil,

Here's a photo Rob took of the two Ebony knives before he mailed them to us

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[NeilO]

Paul, I wonder if Rob is going to do anymore BS cloning?? :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

Lovely knives Paul - nicely done Rob, very impressive work indeed

 

[paulm]

I too was a lucky recipient of a RJS special recently and it sits well on my bench alongside a BS original and is every bit as good to use and as nice to handle and look at, and of course is that much more special as a mate took the time to make it especially.

Nice one Rob ! =D>

Cheers, Paul.

 

[Harbo]

Here's an anti-roll version WIP (unfinished ebony) - blade still to make:

Rod