whittling with utility knives

Would someone please help solve a debate? For basic whittling
(chains, letter openers from basswood), is a utility knife more
dangerous to the hands than a bought whittling knife? By "utility
knife", I mean the plastic units with the snap-off blade sections.
Opinions from experienced whittlers/carvers would be greatly
appreciated.

On 20 Jan 2004 10:53:52 -0800, (BL) wrote:

By "utility
knife", I mean the plastic units with the snap-off blade sections.

You bet ! They're a real hazard.

Just don't use the things with more than one segment showing. If you
put any sideways force on the pre-scored line, they'll snap when you
least expect it. It's bad for your carving, probably bad for your
fingers too.

--
Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods

It all depend on what your trying to carve. If you can't get into the small
places, get a small knife. If your knife keeps getting dull, get a knife
with better steel that can easily re-sharpened on a leather strop. My Father
would carve a eight inch chain in about 10 days with a pocketknife, I do the
same chain in two days with professional carving tools.
Have a ball and make it easy on yourself.

Bill Tinker

From: (BL)
Organization: http://groups.google.com
Newsgroups: rec.crafts.carving
Date: 20 Jan 2004 10:53:52 -0800
Subject: whittling with utility knives

Would someone please help solve a debate? For basic whittling
(chains, letter openers from basswood), is a utility knife more
dangerous to the hands than a bought whittling knife? By "utility
knife", I mean the plastic units with the snap-off blade sections.
Opinions from experienced whittlers/carvers would be greatly
appreciated.

Bill Tinker wrote in message ...
It all depend on what your trying to carve. If you can't get into the small
places, get a small knife. If your knife keeps getting dull, get a knife
with better steel that can easily re-sharpened on a leather strop. My Father
would carve a eight inch chain in about 10 days with a pocketknife, I do the
same chain in two days with professional carving tools.
Have a ball and make it easy on yourself.

Bill Tinker

From: (BL)
Organization: http://groups.google.com
Newsgroups: rec.crafts.carving
Date: 20 Jan 2004 10:53:52 -0800
Subject: whittling with utility knives

Would someone please help solve a debate? For basic whittling
(chains, letter openers from basswood), is a utility knife more
dangerous to the hands than a bought whittling knife? By "utility
knife", I mean the plastic units with the snap-off blade sections.

Snap-off is exactly what is said, Press the wrong way and you can get
a good cut or the blade extends in lenght, bends and takes a chunk of
your finger. I use it for cutting paper or string. Get a real stiff
bladed knife.
Opinions from experienced whittlers/carvers would be greatly
appreciated.