Which carving tool is more challenging?

[xsailer]

At first all my tools were, of course challenging but then as I become more accustomed with them they of course became easier to handle and use. The one that still gets me though is the Gonzalez Palm and Long Handle Hooked Skews. That tool "hooks" me more often than not. I keep trying to master it, especially after hearing it's the favorite tool of BobD and many others. I find it's adaptable in many instances but I must be careful or it "hooks" me good or at least almost does most of the times I use it.

[Paul_Guraedy]

The hooked skew was very challenging at first. But once you learn to really watch the ends it becomes easy to handle. It reaches into places that are very difficult. It is definitely my favorite non-power tool.

I think the most difficult for me from both sharpening and usage is the "V" tool. That is still the most challenging to move through wood and avoid slippage that puts marks where I don't intend for them to be.

[xsailer]

I remember you saying before it was your favorite. Do you use it on most carvings and use it a lot or sparingly? They are so sharp I find I use it many times to shave a curved surface.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Bob, an interesting question. I had to think about it for a minute. Naturally, the first thought is the use of a hooked skew in relief carving where it does a great job. Then I got to thinking about a lot vs. sparingly and I have to say that I reach for it about as often as for a knife.....for which it is a good substitute. Finally, what about most carvings? Yep, I use it on most of my carvings. I prefer carving birds of prey and find that the gonzalez tool works great for undercutting - specifically wings, rocks, brush and such. I will also say that I much prefer the Ashley Isles version to the other hooked skews I have used.

I use it in a variety positions, for example: I use it like a flat gouge by laying it on the side, as a knife by pulling/pushing the curved part along a line, by putting one of the ends into the wood and pushing/pulling and by rocking it along a curved line. I will say that it can be difficult to control in one hand. I much prefer clamping my carving and using both hands on the hooked skew.

I only have the long handle tool, but, am planning on getting a short one also. I would really hate the thought of not having one and it would be one of the last for me to give up.

[Just Carving]

Xsailor/Bob

I'm not sure what you mean when you say the Gonzalez skew "hooks" you?

I use the short handle tool for a lot of my carvings as a sole tool--as a knife, a chisel a gouge--even in the place of the v tool. I never bought the long handle tool because I felt it would more difficut to control. I use the short handled tool just like I'd use any palm tool.

As far as challenging, I'd have to say the v-tool. Never liked them and avoid using them as much as posible. They're great but I just don't like them--probably mainly because they're a pain to sharpen.

Bob

[squbrigg]

The Gonzalez hook skew is by far my favorite tool to use, but not the one I use the most. I reserve it for special cuts and certain finishes. I bought the long handled one, cut off the handle and made my own. It is form-fitted to my hand and the way I use the skew. I find it super on canes detail, especially dragons, and on smoothing the sails of relief carving sailing ships. I had another one made by a knife maker with a different shaped handle for smoothing ship model and half model hulls, but the steel isn't as good and it doesn't get the edge that the original does.

Bob

[xsailer]

By "hooks" me I mean both tips of the skew are likely to knick some part of my body if I'm not careful. Also must be aware of the skew ends as they clear the carving. Of course I'm careful with all my tools but because of the unfamiliar shape of this skew I have to watch my fingers and hand to not knick myself. I'm sure if I used it more than I do I would get used to it. I've committed myself to doing just that because I like the results I'm getting. I especially like the shaving and carving of curved surfaces it allows.

Originally Posted by Just Carving

Xsailor/Bob

I'm not sure what you mean when you say the Gonzalez skew "hooks" you?

I use the short handle tool for a lot of my carvings as a sole tool--as a knife, a chisel a gouge--even in the place of the v tool. I never bought the long handle tool because I felt it would more difficut to control. I use the short handled tool just like I'd use any palm tool.

As far as challenging, I'd have to say the v-tool. Never liked them and avoid using them as much as posible. They're great but I just don't like them--probably mainly because they're a pain to sharpen.

Bob

[xsailer]

I really didn't mean for the thread to be focused on just my problems with the skew. I was more curious with other carvers and their hangups with particular tools they use. I find it interesting what is easy for some of us is harder for others. The single best thing I like about the forum is this trading of thoughts and ideas that make info available for us to maybe improve.

[Jim-Iowa]

V tool for sure, maybe I've never learned to sharpen it properly?
I find myself, reaching for a veiner anytime I should use a V Tool.

[Merle Rice]

Hey Guys, Pardon my Stupidity, But what does a Hooked Skew look like? Be nice. Thanks Merle