Being that everyone here is so wise and knowing all about the world of carving, I thought I would ask you first. In everyone's opinion what brand full size chisels and gouges would you say are the best. I'm ready to upgrade from palm size tools that I have out grown. I have been considering either Stubai or Henry Taylor (Acorn). 2 Cherrys is out of my price range. Thanks

I think Stubai are great tools. I have mostly pfeil and flexcut and I find I have no problems with either. Since you are experienced with palm tools that I would stick with whatever brand of palm tools you have. That way you know exactly what you are getting!! carving. Pam

[mdallensr]

I didn't know 2 Cherries were that much more than other tools. If you decide on Pfiel, check KMS Tools in Canada, at: www.kmstools.com
You can buy sets or individual tools for a pretty good discount over U.S. prices, and their shipping is $10-12 for a set or several tools. No tax, either.

Stubai's are great. I also like the Swiss. My favorites however are Auriou's these are made in France and are top notch.

Dale

[mdallensr]

Auriou's are a good choice, too. Chris Pye touts them on his website and has a link to help you buy them.

Most of my tools are Pheil or Flexcut I find that the Swiss Pheil are the hardier tool but I also just love my Flexcut tools as well. I have a few of the other brands that are menitioned in this thread and they are also excellent tools. I also find it depends on what kind of carving you do. I like the Pheil mallet tools and the Flexcut palm tools I guess its all what you get used to.
Colin

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I like flexcut, and have ramelson micro chisels..have one phiel knife but it was dull when I got it and I am continually working on it to sharpen and still don't have it yet...wouldn't buy another! just my opinion

Tools are like girl friends and wives (boy friends and husbands) ... everybody likes something a little different. If I had it to do over again I'd buy one or two of each brand and carve with them for awhile before I settled on a particular brand (although I don't think you'll go wrong with either Stubai or Henry Taylor, I've got a few of one and couple of the other and am happy with them). You may need to change the bevel on whatever tool you buy as the manufacturer has no idea what kind of wood your going to be carving (basswood to osage orange or something even harder). What works well on one won't work on the other.

Good advice from mdallensr on KMS Tools in Canada ... Considerable savings over Woodcrafts prices on pfiels.

John,
Everyone's answer is probably right but don't make the mistake I made. I first bought an $8 set of 6 tools from a truck load tools sale, went to the lumber yard to get a 5/4 red oak scrap and carved a sunflower in relief. When I proved to myself I enjoyed this new hobby (even with dull cheap tool and rock hard material this took about a half hour) I went to a local hardware store and asked if they could order me some tools. I paid $300 for a Freud 'Professional' Carving set and a mallet. The tools are too long, too stiff and too small in profile, the mallet was ok. Finally I got in the truck and drove to a Woodcraft store and wow they had neat stuff. Then I started doing some internet research. Now I have mostly Flexcut and a few Pfeil. My advice is 1) to buy carving tools from carving tool companies 2) buy sets 3) buy one step smaller than you think you want 4) Keeping buying!
Ah Chip

[Captain_Bandaid]

One brand no one has mentioned is Robert Sorby. They do not make a wide variety of tools but the ones they do make are beautifully made. They are bevelled for hard wood and do not carve basswood well. They would do nicely for mallet work on large, hardwood pieces. Or you could re-bevel them but why bother when you can buy other brands that are made for softer wood.