Shopping for GOOD palm tools.

[twoclones]

I need some good palm tools to replace my Flexcut and am just starting to shop around. The Drake have been recommended and I'd like to buy Dastra but am exploring options.

What's your dream palm-tool?

[Nomad]

I love the Drake palm tools. My favorite. Stubai also makes great ones as does Pfeil.

[Anthony Filetti]

Denny, Drake, or Pfeil Swiss Made...but here is the kicker don't just look at the brand. The brand will allow you to understand the quality.

In order to buy tools properly you need to understand the type of cuts you are trying to achieve. Each brands 5mm #9 gouge can have a differing shape or maybe one brand does not offer that size at all.

In short not all tools in a box have to be the same brand, they reside in the box because each has a different purpose.

[twoclones]

Originally Posted by Anthony Filetti

or maybe one brand does not offer that size at all.

THAT was my first big frustration with Flexcut Great tools for someone testing the waters but not for the 6 day a week carver.

I've looked at the Drake tools and wasn't immediately comfortable with the handles {too small} but did like the blades. Haven't gotten to handle many others but I'll be working at the wood carving show next week and may get to handle more brands there...

[BobT]

I have a really mixed collection. As it was stated earlier, not all conform to the same shapes. I have some pfiels, prefer the stubai and ramelson. Don't overlook Ramelson. I also have most every flexcut in the catalog. Very good steel in those tools. If you don't like the handles, and I don't like them much, replace them with your preference. I tried a lot of shapes. I tried a 1 1/2 round birch ball from Hobby Lobby. It was perfect for me. All of my Flexcut are done, most of my Ramelsons are done. And them CarvingVideos released Steve Browns video on carving tool handles. Here we go again. Too much fun.

[northwood bob]

I almost use three sets of Phiel purchased from Woodcraft. I'm sure most stores cary them. the three sets give you almost every available tool and the cost was (memory serving) about $125.00 each. I use several larger tools for the rough-out of larger pieces and these for the finish and detail work.

Bob

[powermower]

I have several Drake gouges...I have a small hand and find them very comfortable... Good steel and they stay sharp!!!

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Drake palm tools are awesome, great quality! I like the handles much better then the Pfeil palm handles! Denny's are also fine, but for me I like the Drake better. (JMHO)

Dave

[heineda]

For me, I prefer the Denny tools. The handles are larger and much more comfortable to use, and the steel is top notch and holds an edge for a very long time. I also like the Stubai palm tools. The Drake tools have a good reputation, but the selection is not wide enough for me.
Good Luck,
Dan

[gtech]

I chose Drake for the palm tools because I didn't like the other kinds of handles. And the quality of the blade is top notch.

Denny's would be my other choice.

Gilles