What type of marking knife should you choose?

2nd March 2020


	What type of marking knife should you choose?


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			When choosing which marking knife to use, the factors you need to consider are: Blade thickness Blade angle Blade type Blade material The type of handle

			Blade thickness
			Blade thickness is one of the most important factors to consider. The thickness of the blade can determine the space you are able to fit your knife into when scribing, and what applications it can perform.

			Thick blades A thick blade on a marking knife can prevent it from reaching into small spaces, for example when marking narrow dovetails. It is suitable for marking wider dovetails, but would be best for simple bench work such as marking along straight edges and the layout of simpler joints, such as a housing joint.

			Thin blades Thin blades are more versatile as they can do everything a thick blade can, and more. Thin blades can fit into tight spaces, making them ideal for scribing narrow dovetails and any other kinds of bench work, including marking along a straight edge and tracing hinges.

			Blade angle
			As well as the blade thickness, the blade angle can determine how well a marking knife cuts and fits into spaces. The blade angle is formed by the two sides of a double-bevel blade or by a single bevel forming an angle with the top, unsharpened, edge of the blade. Blade angles vary so that marking knives can perform in specific ways to make it easier for users to mark workpieces.

			If you tend to work with tight-spaced dovetails then a small-angled blade is suitable for you. Small-angled blades are held at a lower angle simply because the blade’s angle is more acute, therefore the lower angle suits the blade. Holding the marking knife at a lower angle gives the user a controlled grip when marking, provides the blade with more room to fit into tight spaces and allows the user to see where they are marking.

			Low-angle blades can be held lower down for more control or more upright so the sharp tip of the blade makes more contact with the workpiece. The advantage of using the point of the blade is that it will cut into your workpiece more easily, providing a precise cut.

			Angling a small-angled blade in this way also allows the point of the blade to reach as far into tight spaces as possible. If you hold a large-angled blade at a lower angle, the point of the blade will not make full contact with the workpiece and this can cause the blade go off in its own direction, producing a less precise cut.

			Large-angle blades need to be held more upright so that the point of the blade will make full contact with the workpiece, producing a more precise cut.

			Blade type
			There are two different blade types to choose from: single-bevel or double-bevel. The type of blade helps determine how versatile that knife is.

			Single-bevel blade Single-bevel blades come with a bevel on the right or left side of the marking knife. Single-bevel marking knives are limited to the direction they are able to cut, which is why they are best purchased as a pair.

			When using any marking knife, the bevel side of the blade must always face outwards, away from the guide. Single-bevel knives only have one bevel, positioned either on the right or left side, meaning they can only used in on direction. Owning both right- and left-sided single-bevel knives means you can go in any direction when scribing.

			Double-bevel blade (spear pointed) Double-bevel marking knives allow you to cut in either direction without changing knives or your working position. To reverse the direction in which you are cutting, tilt the knife the other way so that the other bevel is now ready to cut.

			A double-bevel marking knife is the equivalent of owning a pair of single-bevel marking knives with bevels on different sides. The most important factors to consider, whether you choose single or double-bevel marking knives, are the thickness and angle of the blade.

			Blade material
			When choosing a marking knife blade you will want the best available material. However, it is important to choose a marking knife because of its features and not its material. Each material used to manufacture marking knives is tough and can withstand wear but the tools are simply purchased based on their ability to perform specific applications.

			Types of handle
			Choosing the type of handle for your marking knife comes down to ergonomics. There are a number of a different handles to choose from: these include tapered handles, flat handles, plastic handles and shank handles.

			Ergonomics is the relationship between the user and a product. It is how comfortable the design is for a user without them having to adapt or be limited.

			A marking knife handle should be comfortable when held in different positions. Users should be able to control a marking knife without having to worry about their fingertips slipping onto the blade.

			Choose a marking knife that can scribe work precisely and at the same time provide comfort.

			Rounded handles provide a similar hold to a pencil or pen, so you have full control when using the knife. The problem with rounded handles is that they can roll off the bench, which can cause damage to the knife.

			A handle with flat sides will keep the knife in place.

			A number of handles come with an indent near the blade where your fingers and thumb can be placed when marking. The indent provides a comfortable grip and more control, and prevents your fingers and thumb from slipping, which could cause injury.

			Marking knives that have their handles and blades made from a single piece of material are known as shanks. The shank (handle) is narrow and flat and comes with no indents, so your fingers and thumb will rest on the edge of the handle. This can be uncomfortable if you are using the knife over long periods.

			The shank handle can be made slightly more comfortable by wrapping tape around it. This can also provide a better grip when marking.

			The thickness of a handle can have an effect on how a marking knife is used when held in a pencil-like fashion. Some handles are chunky, making it difficult to control the knife when marking in detail, for example when laying out dovetail joints.

			Deciding what marking knife to buy depends on what you will mainly use it for. If you plan to use it for marking in tight spaces such as marking dovetail joints, a knife with a thin, small-angled blade is suitable for you.

			While working in more spacious areas, such as when marking along a guide or tracing hinges, most types of marking knife can be used, because there is room for most blade thicknesses and angles. However, if you are marking a small hinge, a marking knife with a small, thin blade is ideal for achieving a precise cut.

			Taking into account the size of a marking knife can help you choose what type of knife is best for you. The sizes of a marking knife include its overall length, blade width, length and thickness. A longer knife will provide you with more of a reach when working in tight spaces, giving you more handle to grasp while placing the blade of the knife further into the area.