Help me understand types of carving tools

[wildcat jim]

As a newcomer to the Forum and carving, I need some help in understanding the various types of carving knives, how and when they are best used. As an example, in a carving class you were to bring a #9 sweep 3/16 but in checking several sites, nothing of this description was listed. Browsing through the catalogs will be much more enjoyable if I know what I'm looking at. Thanks

[carver33]

Here's a link to a description of gouge sweeps by Pfeil (a popular gouge maker):

gouge-sweeps White Eagle Studios

Carving gouges come with different curvatures to the cutting edge called "sweep", number 1 being straight through number 11 being "U" shaped. Numbers higher than 11 refer to special blade configurations.

Gouges typically come in two major categories: Palm gouges - small tools that fit in the palm of your hand and cut utilizing a pushing motion; and mallet gouges - those with long handles that are generally used by being struck with a mallet. The size of the gouge is noted by the width of the cutting edge, either in fractions of an inch or millimeters ie: 1/4" or 6mm.

Carving knives come in many configurations, but the three basic types are roughout - a larger, heavier blade for quickly cutting a carving to it's rough shape; detail knives - smaller blades for cutting the finer detail into the carving; and chip carving knives - that have specially shaped blades for cutting the triangular shapes from a flat surface in order to create the pattern. Blades can have a straight edge, or can have a concave or convex curve to the edge.

There are many variations on the theme, but this should give you an idea of the basics. You can also search this forums and Google for a better understanding of the terms that I've used here.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Here is another chart, Carving Tools - Palm Tools Individual Flexcut Tool Company Hope it helps!

Dave

[wildcat jim]

Thanks for the leads as they provided good information. The White Eagle Studio has a lot of good stuff for beginners. Thanks

[Big Barn]

It would help us better if we knew what type of carving you are thinking about doing? There is tons of info just within this message board.

[wildcat jim]

My interest at this point is spoons, Christmas ornaments such as Santas and angels, and caricatures.

[Big Barn]

For spoons, ornaments & such Id' think you'll need a decent whittling/carving knife & maybe a couple of small gouges or a veiner (to make hair/fur/whiskers...). Rick's Lil Shavers makes a good starter kit, Flex Cut & Warren also make a decent starter kit that will get you on your way.