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Trying to Purchase the Right Carving Tools for the Lessons

We have a famous restaurant here in Atlanta called "The Varsity" where when you walk in the door you are immediately posed with the question, "What-ya Have?".

Going over and over the list of recommended carving tools I'm trying to figure out what I have and what I need.  Unfortunately I purchased sets in lieu of having the wonderful buying advice that we have here.  Until now getting good advice on wood carving is like asking someone to give away state secrets.

So here's what I have:

All carving tools, "Swiss Made" or "Hirsch" denoted with an "S" or "H".  All are straight gouges except for the #3/10mm-H.

#2, 25mm-S; #2, 10mm-H (skew); #3, 10mm-H; #3, 12mm-H; #3, 20mm-H; #5, 10mm-S; #7, 4mm-S; #7, 6mm-H; #7,8mm-S #9, 12mm-H; #10, 12mm-H; #12, 6mm-S; #41, 6mm-H (viener)

It appears that what I need to do the lessons here is:  #3, 6mm; #7, 14mm; #3, 3mm; #11, 3mm; #7, 12mm; #11, 5mm

Am I on the right track?  What did I miss?

Thank you in advance for your advice.

Hello Robert,

I definitely think you are close. The #2s can often be substituted for #3's and are great for flattening a background.

There are a few on your "to buy" list that may not be really necessary - the #11, 5mm is rarely used, and since you will be purchasing the #7, 14mm, I'm thinking you might be better off getting the #7, 10mm instead of the #7, 12mm. And I think I would recommend a #5, 6mm to be added. Eventually you may want a 3mm or 4mm v-chisel (60 degree angle).

As you work through the lessons, don't get too locked in to having to use the exact tool that I list on the screen. Be flexible, and if you don't have the exact tool, try and make one of your tools work that is close in size and curvature.

Even if you have the exact tools that I recommend, if you have a different brand, they may end up being slightly different anyway. Flexibility is the key! There are lots of options.