Tried using a 6-inch knife for butt joints and it came out awful

2 comments

2 Comments

max47228d agoMost Upvoted

Blame the knife when it was probably your technique that was off. A 6 inch blade is fine for butt joints if you keep your angle consistent and don't try to take too big of a bite. You probably were rushing and digging in at the wrong spot. Try a sharper blade and take your time next time.

elizabethpalmer28d ago

Wait, didn't I just read somewhere that a 6 inch knife is actually one of the BEST tools for butt joints? Something about the short blade giving you better control for those tight spots? @max472 is kind of right about the angle thing though, because if you're rocking your wrist too much with that size blade it'll totally dig in wrong. The trick I heard is to keep your wrist locked and pivot from your elbow instead, which helps stop that uneven cutting. Also make sure your blade is SHARP because a dull 6 inch knife will just push the wood fibers instead of slicing them clean. Honestly I bet if you slow down and focus on that pivot motion you'll see a big difference next time.