Those scandinavian knives are excellent "work boots" tools- I wouldn't choose a $3500 one with damascus blade for working in the shop, even if it will take the abuse- Still, plenty to choose from.
Now, for your aplication, look for those with a rather heavy blade. Some are nor very well suited for rough work and will not hold well a sharp edge for long time- A pleasure to prepare a salad with them, though, over and over, without them getting any blunt.

Or, if you want a nice challenge, you may make your own with tough Finnish blades

look at www.brisa.fi- nice site, fun to explore, nice folk running the place.

YMMV....

Black Ops:

Sorry, I am not a professional woodworker, but I am constantly on the lookout for anything to make a job easier or faster. I can't help you with the laquer question and I have to say you have a lot more patience for whittling than I do.

Bountyhunter

Black Ops,
You asked about finishing the canes....
Don't finish them while they're still green, the moisture can't get out and the finish will turn cloudy. If the sticks are less than 2" in diameter they shouldn't split while drying. I forget what the proper moisture level should be before finishing but letting then dry for a month or two should be OK.

I don't think lacquer is tough enough for a cane. several coats of boiled linseed oil or a tung oil finish are good ... and renewable. Otherwise use a varnish, oil based gives you that nice yellowish tone, the water-based varnishes are completely clear, polyurethanes are too plastic looking.

Hand work is good ... power tools are too darn noisy .. maybe that's why I can't hear when my wife calls. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Good luck,
Brian

As Mr Burns from the Simpsons would say..."Eeeeexcelleeent!"

Thanks for the tips!

Black Ops