v chisel

[wabbiter]

can anyone recommend a good but not too expensive V tool 1/8" or 1/4". I've bought really cheap ones in the past and thats what they turned out to be.............mack

[carvingbarn]

I am not sure if you are looking for a palm tool or mallet tool. In palm tools I have beenvery happy with Flexcut. I understand from the forum that Drake tools are very good also. Mallet or bench tools Pfeil Swish Made tools ,Two Cherrys, or Henry Taylor are 3 good tools.

[Nomad]

I like Flexcut but if you buy a Drake, you won't regret it. His tools are excellent, especially the palm tools. Pfeil also makes great palm tools and I guess between Flexcut, Drake, and Pfeil, a lot depends on how you like the fit in your hand. Stubai also makes great palm tools although some need a little bit of edge polishing to work properly. Denny also makes some great palm tools.

If you are trying to save money, Flexcut is a great way to go but also, if you buy Ramelson palm tools from Little Shavers, they will come sharpened and are reasonably priced.

[susieq]

Hi Mack,
I am going to recommend a cheap but very good V tool to you...I have all kinds of expensive tools and normally, I say you get what you pay for but the Warren V tool is the exception to that rule.

It is under $20. It holds a really good edge and after 18+ years of carving, it is still my favorite V tool. My only complaint about Warren tools in general, is that they don't make larger tools. But their V is just the size you are looking for. It's a narrow profile too, which is my personal preference in V tools.

When I first started carving, my husband found a huge selection of Warren gouges at a yard sale. The elderly gent who was selling them, had to give up carving due to his fragile health. He had put wooden handles on all of his tools.
Those were excellent tools and I still have a few of them. I'll never part with that V tool. Warrens come with a handle that you can use on all of their gouges. Or you can make a permanent handle for it like the afore mentioned gent did.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

DRAKE DRAKE DRAKE you won't regret it at all !!!

Drake Product 3

Dave

[wabbiter]

thanx guys great info and help.................mack

[Eddy-Smiles]

If you want a true "V" then take a look at Flex Cut.

[Dan S]

My vote is to wait and buy the best one you can find. This is a tool that you will use routinely for many years. If you get a poor quality one you will be hating life every time you pick it up. For tools that only see occasional use you can scale back. I'd suggest Pfeil. Have a look at wood and wildcraft. Rick has a great selection.

Dan

[belprime]

There are a number of good brands...But I've been most happy with Drake.