La Bella Mona Lisa

A good friend of mine back home on Cape Breton Island just launched his new web-site and with Spring finally in the air he'll be opening his doors for another season. La Bella Mona Lisa is a beautiful little gallery on the West side of Cape Breton. Close to the Margaree River and literally a few seconds walk to incredible cliff lines and whales playing in the surf. Nothin' like being near the ocean in the summer time! My summer home and boat shop are just up the road a few clicks. Make some time while touring around Nova Scotia this year to stop in and say hello!
Tell him I sent you and that you want to use my discount card! Should be at least good for the tax! He's an incredible painter and all around craftsman, but don't take my word for it...visit the gallery but for God sakes don't ask him about the goats what ever you do! If you'd like to find out more go to:
www.labellamonalisa.com
Cheers!

Bebee Knives

Paul Bebee Carving Knife is one to Consider

I've been using a Bebee carving knife to mark out my dovetails quite successfully for the past few years now. The knives are hand made by Canadian knife maker Paul Bebee and sold through Lee Valley Tools.
I've seen and read enough articles and information on marking knives, their uses, the pros and cons of each and what to look for when purchasing one. The one pictured here is sold as a 'carving knife' but I've been using it to mark out my dovetails. They have a nice narrow blade making it quite easy to reach in between the narrowest of tail. They have an extremely comfortable 5 1/2" Pau Ferro hardwood handle that's contoured for a good 'in-hand' feel while working. The hand forged blades come polished and perfectly sharpened which is also nice, I may need to touch up mine once a year at best! Lee Valley sells a few different varieties of Bebee knives but the model I prefer for marking dovetails is the #8. I own four different styles of Bebee knives and find this one best suited for dovetail marking. It retails for about 35.00 Canadian; a sweet price for a knife that will last you a lifetime.
















You can find out more information at www.leevalleytools.com
Cheers!