How to use the Back Channel Marking Knife

New users tend to attempt an overhand grip with the marking knife. Looking at the "Don't do It" picture you can see that holding the knife in that manner can lead to side-to-side wobbling. An overhand grip requires more skill to make an accurate mark.
Rest the knife in the crook of your hand and balance the grip between your thumb and middle finger. This presents a vertical surface to your try square or marking template.
You can rest you index finger along the top of the knife for additional pressure on hard woods. This grip allows you to hold the knife close to the point or to slide back if you have a deep recess that you must access.
Place your square or template tightly against the wood and the knife firmly against the side of the square (shown here is our 6" Engineering Square) and draw the knife across the wood in a single smooth motion.
The result should be a clean line. The depth should be sufficient to start a chisel or saw.

Back Channel Marking Knife with Sheath This marking knife features a 2" blade (longer than many knives) that is less than 1/16" thick with a double bevel on one side. It can easily be used right or left handed. The sheath and handle are made of one piece of cherry wood. A brass pin secures the blade in the handle. The sheath has a small rare earth magnet buried within to prevent it from sliding off when not in use The knife is held like a pencil with your middle finger always on the blade when you mark. This technique offers accuracy and consistency. Your grip on a tapered handle like ours will be far more comfortable and secure than a turned handle. This longer blade knife used with the proper technique, will permit you to reach into the largest or tightest dovetail with ease. You can find the marking knife on this page

Newsletter No. 2