pfeil block cutters?

[lookingforyou]

how are these different than there regular palm sets? any one have any experince with these?
looking

[AlArchie]

I don't have the Pheil block (or palm) tools, but do have quite a few Pheil gouges. Block tools were originally designed for wood block carving when woodcuts were the standard for printing pictures. They were smaller than the standard chisles and gouges and easier to work for the fine detail needed for the picture reproduction. They were also used later for linoleum block printing. Palm carving tools were developed and adapted from these tools, and caught on, I would guess, because a lot of detail carvers found them more comfortable to use for small work.

Woodcraft markets Pheil "block tools" and "palm tools" as the same and calls them "palm handled block tools"; guess that pretty well sums up the "difference". I'd guess that the price difference between the Pheil brand and the generic palm tools is simply a matter of quality and perhaps a BIT of name brand snobbery. I'm quite happy with my Millers Falls palm tools, and Ramelsons, but think my full sized Pheils are a bit better quality. Pheil also offers a larger assortment of styles than the "store brands" which are usually sold in sets of 5 or 6. If you can afford the Pheils, GET "EM! If you think they are a bit pricey, look around for Ramelson, or their franchised store brands......they work just fine!

Al