The right cutting technique makes a big difference

[Dafke]

When I was a kid I spent a lot of my time outdoors together with my grandfather. We loved long walks in the woods or along the local river.

My grandfather always carried a German sodbuster knife in his pocket. While his knife was not nearly as sharp or as strong as the Spyderco's I carry these days, he was able to cut, carve or whittle anything with that knife.
It was a joy to see him using several different cutting techniques while making a walking stick from a fresh piece of oak and I was lucky enough to learn a couple of his techniques.

I still use them today when cutting with my new super sharp Native 5.
I believe that when you are cutting, no matter what material, you should always have control over the knife. There is a very thin line between the pressure you put on the blade and the control you need over the cutting motion you are making.

I often see younger people, sometimes even knife lovers, using improper cutting techniques. What about you guys? Who was your teacher for proper cutting technique? Or did you learn by yourselves?

[NYRich]

While not exactly the same thing, I learned carpentry from my dad. He wasn't a pro and didn't own a single power tool. It might have taken him a little longer, but when he was done every joint was perfect. I think that you can learn someones approach to life by watching how they use a tool. Do they take the time to achieve a precise fit or do they hack away at the workpiece in an effort to get things done as quickly as possible. Your grandfather seems to be among the first group.

Working with a handplane or chisel isn't all that different than working with a knife. Something that goes hand in hand is that the sharper the tool, the easier it is to work with. Dull tools almost beg the user to chop and gouge in order to remove material but a sharp tool will make it easy to control how much material is being removed.

I guess that you might say I'm self-taught, but have my father to thank for getting me pointed in the right direction.

[Jazz]

Unfortunately, I learned by whittling and carving a lot. I have some scars as great reminders.

- best wishes, Jazz.

[jackknifeh]

Whatever I know, I learned from my Dad, including to have bandaids handy. :)

Jack

[Chris_H]

I learned on my own or by watching others. My technique(s) probably suck. :o

[Dafke]

I indeed consider myself lucky that I was able to spend so much time with my grandfather. Without him, I probably would not be carrying a knife today!

NYRich wrote the exact words I was looking for: I see people sometimes hacking away at something they want to cut. While a well controlled cut using a better technique would be faster and a lot safer!

Sometimes you simply need to take 15 seconds to look at your workpiece and ask yourself: "what is the best way to make this cut"? Chris Reeve is right when he states "Think twice, cut once" on his leather pouches.

[jackknifeh]

Even when you have a razor sharp knife improper technique will make it seem dull. It just won't cut right. Some material requires a slicing cut and others a push cut works fine. Try taking a razor sharp knife and try to cut a tomato using a straight down push cut. :) Proper technique can also make a not so sharp knife seem sharper than it is.

Jack