Newbie seeking some input

[BobD]

Terry Brooks has written an extensive fantasy series (the Shannara sp?) series and Allanon is the name of one of the main characters...The time I'm not spending carving, or playing video games, or spending time wiht my wife, or working (wow) I'm reading, so I've read most of the series. That's quite an accomplishment when you realize that most of the books are over 500 pages long and he's written 8 that I know of (maybe more now).


A little off topic, but...

Bob

[ALLANON]

Why yes I like Terry Brooks, He is one of the best fantasy/sci-fi writers. He has written several major series Landover,Shannara, Angel fire east. Allanon is a charcter from his Shannara series. This series in my oppinion brought the fantasy genre (magic, fantasy creatures) back to to a popular place in the late 70's early 80's. If you are interested the first book Sword of Shannara is a realativly cheap paper back at about $5, although a warning it is quite large around 900p. Just a quick summary of his style quite dark, and it is realitivly realistic compared to JRR TOLKIEN (Lord of The Rings), or Harry Potter. His writing is very accesable to all levels yet he does have underpinnings of complex themes at times. I would whole heartedly recommend this book to anyone with interest in fantasy as the charcters are very relatable and the series is still be written with a total in the teens somewhere, of books in this series. Even though fantasy it still is fairly dark and realistic with ups and downs and he has a tendency to play to this and does not take heavily into account your emotional attachment of charcters into his stories and writes them as he sees fit, however it is done to progress the world of (Shannara) as it is done in real life, so this in turn does not hinder your enjoyment of the stories. If you want more info just ask I don't like giving spoilers unless people ask. Thanks again for all your advice.

[BobD]

Well said! I would reccomend that people start with the sword...I started with the Elfstones (the second book) and was slightly bored...but picked up the first one and loved it!


Off topic again, but was Brooks before or after Stephen R. Donaldson's big fantasy series (I know the last book is White Gold Wielder, but can't remember the names of the series)
Bob

[Nancy-G]

Awwwwwwwhhhhhhhh, guys, trying to sharpen a tool is all the dark fantasy I can handle.

[ALLANON]

It looks like they had been published almost at the same time in 1977 I haven't been able to find the month. Stephen R. Donaldson series is called "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever" I have never read it but might check it out after I catch up on Brooks I have 2 books I need to read in his Shannara series. Hope that helps.

[Canopener]

Newbie,
I think we are in the same boat as far as mallett tools. Most of my carving has been done with Flexcut palm tools and I think they are pretty good, I like the flex. I moved up to full size tools mainly for roughout work, but also to experiment. So I bought some fullsize Flexcut tools. I love how much faster things progress, but I realized quickly they bounce or give a little bit when struck with a mallett. Not good. I bought a couple Pfiell tools and it is much better with a solid shaft. Definately check out KMS in Canada, they are a great deal. I plan to try other tools, to figure out what I like, plus I am just curious about all of the different brands. I have pondered over this for years, price seems to be my first consideration,[yes, I am a cheapskate], but quality will bring back many happy chips, and happy carvings!
By the way, for a mallett, I use an old axe handle, wrapped in electrical tape, or a rubber hammer I picked up at the auto store for a couple bucks.
Works for me!
Go nuts, and keep carving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jim

[Mike-in-WV]

Nancy, It looks like some of us need to learn how to read and carve at the same time, Lol. Mike

[Kenny_S]

Canopener,
Cool Moniker for sure! You are right on the Flexcut giving when struck by a mallet. But then, The little bride took the mallet awat only to be used on special occasions.Hammer

[ALLANON]

Just thought I would update everyone that I ordered my tools today. I ordered Chris Pye's recomended 12 tools in the Auriou brand at an extremly good deal of $260 American dollars from Europe, including shipping, so that amounts to a little less then $22 a tool for one of the best makers. This by far even beats kms price for the Pfiel set they sell; which does not appear to have as many useful gouges as this one. Thanks again everyone and by the way does anyone else have oppinions on Auriou tools as the few I have read have been exceptional and wondered if anyone else had tried them.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have one I was sent to test and I like it a lot! I also now have some Stubai that are great.....lots of good tools out there and so little time! LOL