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Long handled carving tools

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I have two good sets of small hand carving tools. One set has a ball or palm style handle and the other is a more dowel shaped style handle. I find that on small projects there are places for each design. The tools I see you using are larger and have bigger dowel style handles. Are there brand names that are better, hold an edge better? What can I expect to pay for a basic set. I see lots of sets on Amazon for around $25 and that sounds like junk to me. I spent a lot more on my small sets. Are there any online tool resources you could suggest? I don't like to buy cheap tools. I find that quality tools make for a better experience.

On average the prices range from $30 to $45 per tool for good quality, European brands. I would be cautious about getting anything cheaper than that as they may be inferior metal or shape. It could cause you to stop carving before you even start. Check out the link at https://www.marymaycarving.com/carvingschool/where-to-buy-tools/ or find the link in the menu below to find good tool sources.

I have been buying and using Pfeil Swiss Made carving tools since 1979, buying them as I needed them. I've found they are great tools for holding an edge and they are well made. I've done a lot of mallet carving with them over the years and they've held up well. They are not cheap but you get what you pay for.

 

I live in northern Utah and we have very little quality wood working hand tools here I've found woodcraft on line a great place to get Pfeil carving tools they have a very large selection I have about 75 of them and I've only dented the surface of what they carry I find they are very high quality  they even have them in sets if that's the way you want to go they even have laser engraving on the handle if you want your name there

I was able to purchase a beautiful set of antique Millers Falls long handled tools.  The handles are rosewood and very hard.  The tool steel is also hard and sharpens well and holds an edge.  The guy I bought them from at Handworks 2017, said that the steel was European.  I had to replace the ferrules and epoxy the tools into the handles.  They were clearly forged.  Six tools = $70.

Jon, it sounds like you got a great deal. I love antique tools, and I would say on average they end up costing between $15 and $25 each, depending on size and quality. I drooled over those antique tools and Handworks, but kept my credit card away 🙂 Did you see the large toolbox with many drawers full of carving tools with custom inlay handles? They were not wanting to break up the set and wanted to sell the entire box with all tools for $3000. I wonder if they sold them??

Mary, I don't think I saw that but I may have and don't remember.  I was on visual stimulus overload at Handworks.  Just all of the used/antique tools were too hard to keep track of.  I was a good boy though.  Just bought a couple of things and my wife got an incredible woven spread.  Oh, I also picked up scrap spalted maple at the furniture factory.  Score!

Woodcraft has a Pfeil six-piece full-size carving set on sale now for $149.99 (usually 189.99). Go to Woodcraft.com and at the bottom look for the "Sales Flyer" link. Most of my tools are made by Pfeil and they've served me well.

Narex do a range of full size carving gouges, good steel at a reasonable price. Don't know if can get in States, also seem to remember, Ramelson I think their company name is, who are based in America, do carving tools, again at a reasonable price.

Both makes have respect, quality wise.

Pfeil besides their full size carving tools also do carving tools, with shorter blades, so less expensive.

Regards,

Peter.

Hello Mary,

An awesome site and great lessons, I can't wait to see more and will definitely be joining your membership!

I do have a question regarding chisels. I'm tall with large hands and notice there are (pro-size chisels) in the Two Cherrie brand. I already have a set of Pfeil chisels that are the typical 8" overall length however, the pros size come 9"-10.5" in length. Any thoughts on whether this is important? I would like to order your beginner set as I haven't any fishtail chisels as of yet. Thoughts from members welcome also.

Thanks, Jim

Update: I found the answer to part of my question on #16 Q/A carving tools page. As I suspected the pro or full size are easier to handle. Next step is call Chipping Away and make sure the Pfeil set is the 9"-10" length...

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