[Dennis Taylor]

If one was carving small to medium woodspirits, caractatures(sp) and maybe a little into relief carvings, what tools in the sk series would make a decent set without the purchase of the whole kit...I agree some of them are probably not going to get used and just collect dust...I have only currently the set from Rick, nothing in 1/4 or 3/8, and not sure really what sweeps would be the most useful...any input?.....Dennis

[Thomp]

Not sure about the sweep design but i think a #9 profile i have 1/2" flexcut un-handled blade i bought from rick works fine, i made it a handle out of 2 pieces of wood and set it in epoxy
the cutting edge profile is half circle, and it really hogs out the shavings, mostly used for starting the in between legs mostly, when the arm or leg or foot needs rounding i can use the inside of the profile to knock off the lumps un needed,

i started with a knife then worked into a small set like ricks a 4 tool set, slowly adding to the numbers of tools as i learned how to use the different profiles of 90degree v tool, 2mm & 4mm u gouges and a flat ended gouge, i found little use for the latter profile of the flat end push chisel,

recently i obtained the 10 palm chisel set from woodworkers warehouse there stubai mid western set i think they called it and there all small under 1/2" but loads of different profiles to learn, great tools and they stay sharp under normal work,with basswood. i have had them only a month and have honed them once for good measure when i was done using them.

[Eddy Smiles]

Dennis... I started out with just a couple of knives but then broke down and bought the SK 107 Craft Carver Kit. I think that it runs around $90.00. And until I started doing relief work I really didn't need any other tools and I've had occasion to use them all at one time or another. It's a lot like working in the trades. You don't need it until you don't have it.