deciding between three manufactures...

[yertleturtle]

I am about to buy about 10 mallet tools from either Pfeil, Stubai or Ashley Isles. Any opinions about any of these three makers would be helpful.

[RUssL.]

Buy three or four of each and decide for yourself.

I have some of each and find them of equal quality.

I like Pfeil for there sharp-as-purchased status and lightness in my hand, particularly their fishtails.
I like my Ashley Iles for their round handles and heft.
There is nothing wrong with my Stubais , but I am (for no substantive reason other than those noted above) more fond of the other two brands.
...but like I said, they are all first rate,quality tools.

It's just a personal preference once you get to this point (having selected quality makers).
Two Cherries and Dastra also make top notch full lines of gouges...just to add to your choices<g>....and I have some of those too, just to try them out at one time or another.

Good luck,

RussL.

[BobD]

Like Russ...I've got some of each. I'd also add Henry Taylor to the mix. For me, it's more about how they fit my hand than any particular brand.

That said, I usually reach for my Ashley Illes first. I like the overall balance and weight of the tool...it's like going to a fine restaurant and hefting a nicely weighted knife and fork. The AI tools are thicker than the Pfiel, which I prefer, but not everyone does.

Bob

[RUssL.]

Henry Taylor, right!
I knew I was leaving somebody out! ;-)

Russ

[mateo]

I have seen it suggested here many times and its a good idea I think; Buy a tool from each company that you're considering (of different size and sweeps of course.) It probably wont take much time to decide which company to buy more tools from.

Having said that, I only have pheils, from the 3 companies that you are considering. They are great tools.

[Nomad]

You might consider adding Hans Karlsson to your list. He makes some wonderful tools.

[Iowa Carver]

Like the others said, try them all. Sweeps are different from manf to manf and so is the steel. All you mention are nice tools. I don't know if you are a beginner or not, but don't expect the tools to be ready to carve. They will need to be properly honed and stropped.

Corey

[yertleturtle]

Thanks for the input guys,

I am an experienced cabinet maker and am comfortable sharpening. I am trying to avoid tools that are chrome vanadium so if any of them are made out of that junk I'd appreciate knowing.

YT

[mateo]

Well don't buy the Swiss tools then.

[Mitchell]

YT - what works for one may not work for another......it doesn't necessarily make it "junk".

Suppose I should have kept the responses on topic - you gave a selection of three brands. Don't know of any complaints on any of those given.

I really like my Pfiel tools - alot. Have not tried the AI, and my limited experience with Stubai has been positive.