recommended tooling - relief;

[flyfisherman_53]

Ok I have a few carving tools that I purchased from harbor freight and a craft store in my area, can anyone advise me on possiably what brand or company that one could purchase a variety of tools taht will work for relief and regular carving. I have viewed online flexcut carving tools , and from woodcarft.com, www.mendota tools.com. several in my carving magazine.com,woodchips talk., woodworker.com. So if anyone can point me in right direction Iam looking to purchase a combo set. Thanks Bob

[Old Scout]

Start off with a Murphy knife [sharpened] with a Flexcut palm V & U 3/16' gouge then add as you gain experience. Get a cut resistant glove for your wood holding hand, a duck tape thumb shield on your knife hand[2 pieces about 3'' long one sticky side out around your thumb, the other sticky side in around the thumb.] find a carving club& let the chips fly!!!

[Old Codger]

Bob....I think 'Old Scout' hit the nail on the head with his advice...A good knife, a V tool and a U Gouge is a great start! Don't do what I did and buy a large 'Kit' with a lot of tools I rarely use...I would shy away from the Harbor Frieght carving tools as I've felt I wasted my money on them....Build your tool inventory as you actually need them. I do like the Flexcut knives, Gouges and V tools too and if you look on the forum in the tools and sharpening area there are several great articles on how to make your own leather strop, what type of honing paste/bars to use and sharpening system when you eventualy will need...The WCI Magazine (they even have a 'free' issue to give you an idea of what it's like if you request one...) is a 'must' have and it currently has some great articles on how to keep your tools sharp also. I really like the 'Thumb and Finger' leather guards from Treeline, Smoky Mt. and like Old Scout says, you can wrap duck tape around them after they become a little sloppy and worn...Plus the most invaluable tool you can have...other experienced woodcarvers here on the forum to help you and answer your questions to get you through those 'moments' and help you enjoy your newfound hobby! Good Luck and happy carving!Kenn

[flyfisherman_53]

Thanks guy's for the input. As for subscribing to WCI have for bout 2 yrs now has very good info in it matter fact just renewed again. Iam finding out that your right bout Harbor freight tools they seem to be cheaply built as I have snapped couple recently. Going to check out further the flexcut tools and make some purchases from them, long as can get them ordered before wife finds out lol again any and all comments are gladly excepted thanks again. Bob

[flyfisherman_53]

Old Scout, were would I find a murphy knife? Are they there own company or is that name of a knive that can be gotten through Flexcut?

[Old Scout]

IT IS A GOOD INEXPENSIVE STARTER KNIFE, i GET MOST OF MY STUFF FROM MDI,IN MAINE, OR SMOKEY MOUNTAIN WOOD CARVERS IN TENN. WOODCRAFT ALSO IS A GOOD SOURCE. ALL OF THESE HAVE WEB SITES
We have use the leather thumb protector & had many cuts, I have never cut thru duck tape, some one told me & I swear by it Good luck

[flyfisherman_53]

hi old scout thanks for the tip I found the murphy knife in a set from Little shavers woodcarving just ordered the set looks better than I have, they dont look cheap looking. Thanks again. Bob

[TreeWizard]

When started carving I was looking for a set and started out with one like Litttle shavers sells and it was fine for some time. I then found that I needed some smaller and larger tools for several of the projects I wanted and I bought the 16 piece gouge set from Flexcut. I still use it more than any of the other tools I have. I don't care for the flexcut knifes, but everyone has different views on how the knife feels in their hand, the handle on the flexcut is just too big to feel right for me.

[Mitchell]

I changed the title to show that it was a question and about recommended tools. This allowed the site to link similar titled threads at the bottom of the page.

You can also use the search function with "tool recommendations".

You may get different recommendations for relief carving and I realize you asked about both.

Have you tried any books? Many will make suggestions on tools.

[pallin]

To offer a contrary opinion: If you are serious about doing relief carving I recommend that you get some quality gouges such as Pfeil (Swiss-made) - you may only need 3 or 4 - and secure your work to a workbench. Hold your tool in both hands and you will not need a carving glove or thumb guard. There is a significant difference in the proper approach to large relief carving vs the caricatures and small reliefs often displayed on this site. Check out the carver galleries of those giving you advice to see if their work is what you have in mind.