Narex Czech Steel Super Thin Dual Bevel Dovetail Carving Striking Marking Knife with Hardened Cr-Mn Steel Heat Treated Blade to HRc 58 813900

I'm an experienced woodworker-serving a 4 year apprenticeship in the 70's, working professionally through the late 90's and as an advanced hobbyist furniture builder since then. I have purchased at least a half dozen marking knives through the years, with several recommended by the grand pooh-bahs of the blog-o-sphere. For whatever reason, none has been fully living up to high priced expectations.Until this purchase, the nearest to good was a folding Stanley, recommended by Paul Sellers, which is pretty decent, but the blade needs replaced when dull, which is not a good thing. During a search on Amazon, I came across this Narex, and on a whim, ordered it (only $16.00, and dirt cheap compared to some famous names). The Narex beats them all, hands down! First the blade did not come razor sharp, but a few minutes on a fine Spyderco ceramic stone, and a few licks on a leather strop did have it razor sharp. Being dual beveled, you lean it a bit to strike a line, but that's a cake walk to learn. Oh yeah, the handlee: the is a traditional beveled German style handle, better than excellent in appearance and finish. Better yet, it is not a tiny, pencil like thing, and it fits the hand exceptionally well! Geels absolutely great!Narex continues to refine their game and offer great tools that sell for a fraction of the big names, but are many times better (also try their bird cage awl!). The Czech Republic (old easterm Germany) is known for top quality workmanship, and it shows in this low cost, very high quality, tool! Think I'll order another!

For the price this is a fantastic knife. As many other reviewers have said, mine came pretty dull. However, if you're the kind of person using a knife to make your marks you probably know how to sharpen a blade. The stuff about the steel type in the description is gobblygook to me but it sharpens and works like high carbon steel. IE it's easy to get real sharp but it goes dull fast. Generally a quick touch up is all it needs and i don't have a problem keeping it sharp. I'm sure there are better carving/marking knives on the market but this one is a pretty great value.

I was intrigued the moment I saw the knife. I've never considered a knife for finishing dovetails. It arrived today, and I put a few hours' use into it already. Out of the box, it is sharp, but not sharp enough for fine work. As you would expect, it has a hollow grind. It took me about an hour to work it up to a mirror finish up to 16000 water stone. The bevel is very easy to follow when hand sharpening. It works wonderfully in softwoods, but I've been using it on some Rosewood endgrain. It seems to chip fairly easily, and need resharpening. It does take a remarkably sharp edge, and holds it quite well in easy conditions, but takes a bit too much maintenance for use in hardwoods. That's my experience, at least.

I like my exacto knife as it is easier to get an accurate mark for cutting.

Love this thin sharp easy to hold marking knife, immediately using it to layout dovetails.Worth the money plus!! I am ordering a second one, just in case one 'disappears'!

Had a bit of an issue with receiving the knife however, it was simply a clerical error (who hasn't made one of those?) that was not created by Taylor Tools. When I contacted them (TT) they were helpful and kind in helping to correct the issue. Seems to be great service. The knife itself, which I have only used briefly, is comfortable and does the job that I ask of it with precision. Glad I made this choice.

I love this marking knife, always have it at hand. Perfect for marking joints and dovetails.

I love Narex and own two sets of their chisels, so I was very surprised to find this blade to be subpar. It scores fine on softwoods, but my first run at scoring oak and the tip of the blade folded to the point where it needs to be reground. I wish I had tried this blade earlier so I could get a refund.