Pilot Marking Knife

The Pilot Marking Knife excels at general marking out when you need a crisp, straight line, such as marking out for tenon shoulders. The Pilot marking knife features a substantial 0.040” thick by 11/32” wide blade with a 44° included angle. The bevels are ground to 40° on one side of the blade only. The back of the blade is ground flat permitting the point to register snugly against a straightedge or off a joinery element from either the left or right side.

The handle for the Pilot is proportioned to facilitate general marking, being pencil-like in the grip area. The contour of the Liberty Wood™ handle makes a flowing, uninterrupted transition to the ferrule. The length of the handle is such that the cove fits nicely in the web of the hand between the index finger and thumb.

The machined bronze ferrule has three grooves which permit a comfortable grip for the index finger and second finger. The forward groove is emphasized at 3/16” wide and rounded on the bottom. Comfort and grip are at the forefront. These ergonomic features combine to provide the woodworker with a degree of control unique to our marking knives.

The Pilot handle is excellent for standard duty marking, having a zero flex blade and sporting a stout profile. This profile is very similar to that found on our lighter Kadet marking knife, making for a transparent experience when transitioning between the tools for demanding layout situations. The contour of the Liberty Wood™ handle makes for a flowing, uninterrupted transition to the ferrule. 

Handle Material

All Czeck Edge by Benchcrafted tool handles are CNC turned and hand polished using Liberty Wood™, a material made from compressed layers of 1/16” thick birch veneer, phenolic-resins and dye. Due to the arrangement of the wood layers and dye selections, Liberty Wood™ takes on a look that is nearly identical to many Rosewoods. Liberty Wood™ is extremely resistant to movement and abrasion, and takes a beautiful polish. Our handles, amazingly enough, are finely sanded and buffed. No finish is applied, so there is none to wear off. Your handle should keep its shine and luster for many years of normal use. It’s added weight gives a very substantial feel in the hand. Liberty Wood™ has a specific gravity that rivals the world’s densest wood: Lignum Vitae.

Choosing Blade Material

The Pilot marking knife comes equipped with your choice of a tool steel blade or a solid carbide blade. Both are finely ground, ready to use and sharp right out of the box.

Tool Steel

The tool steel blade is hardened to Rockwell 58-60. You can sharpen the tool steel blade with any sharpening gear you already have: waterstones, abrasive paper, oilstones, diamonds, etc.  

Solid Carbide

With normal use the solid carbide blade will keep its edge almost indefinitely without resharpening. Carbide imparts more rigidity to the blade that flexes only slightly in use. Carbide is also more rust resistant. The solid carbide blade can only be re-honed with fine diamond abrasives, should that be necessary.

Specifications

•  1/2" x 6" Liberty Wood™  handle
•  .040" x 11/32" x 1 7/16” 44° incl. sword point blade, 40° bevels
•  15/32" diameter X 3/4" satin finished bronze ferrule
• Overall length: 8"
• Tool Steel blade: Rockwell 58-60
• Solid Carbide blade: solid tungsten carbide

*The Czeck Edge by Benchcrafted Pilot Marking Knife was formerly known as the Pattern Pilot and Pattern Pilot II.  We've simplified the name to “Pilot” for clarity.