Les,
Strange how different people see different things. I saw lightning strikes, inspired by the electro-fractals of Tony & Di, they are the spaces from what I removed, you see what's left as oak leafs.
John,
There's nothing special about them, and maybe carving tools is a bit strong. More like chip carving knives and a couple of longer blades, like the Flexi-Cut knives. I think of them as carving tools as they are only sharpened on one side, like carving chisel and not both sides like a knife. This means I have to make 2 of each depending upon the need for each cut.
As for using Jig-Saw blades, normal saws are made of a variety of spring steel, but jig-saw blades, alligator or sabre saw blades etc., are made of High Speed Steel or Tool Steel. Just what you need to make small knife blades and the like.
As you'd expect, to make a knife carefully grind the teeth off, shape to suit and grind and sharpen to a keen edge. I use Hazel walking stick offcuts to make the handles, drill a series of 3mm holes in a row and clean it out. I don't do too much to the hazel, clean off and smooth any twiggy bits and coat in boiled linseed oil. The thickness of the hazel handle is easier to grip and control than thin handles.
