The bevel on pfeil tools does seem to be made for soft woods. I have both pfeil tools and Robert Sorby tools and the Sorby tools have a much thicker bevel, about 22 degrees as opposed to about 15 degrees for the pfeil. I strongly caution against re-bevelling unless you have a grinder like a Tormek that can hold a consistent angle. Besides, it will eventually eat up your expensive tools. Consider buying a few English tools that are bevelled for hardwoods.

[AlArchie]

Just a thought, but it might not be the hardness of the wood that was the problem. Were you running straight cuts, or applying a prying force to the edge. If you were down in a deep cut, and tried to pry the piece out, that may have caused the break. I've broken one small v tool and that is exactly what I had done. Also when teching Scouts to carve relief, we have had several tools break because of prying.
It's an easy thing to do, and it has to be thought about constantly when doing deep cuts.

Al

I ordered a number of Stubai midsized tools and was a little miffed when they arrived with different sized handles. But, after studying them a bit I discovered that the size of the handle and thickness of the steel varied with the intended (theirs) use of the tool. i.e. those meant for making deep/large cuts had larger handles and thincker steel while those meant for lighter work had smaller handles and thinner steel. Seems to work o.k. because I just finished an oak acanthus leaf with no problem . Might this be the case with the Pfiel tools? Curious, because I'm thinking of getting some to add to my collection.

Hi, just wanted to stop back by and say that the project is done and turned out better than I thought it would as frustrated as I was with it.

It is a 3' X 36' poplar board with a Nordic design on it that is now incorporated into a bench.

The water/alcohol mix wasn't working as I think I was afraid to get it very wet. I didn't want it warped at all since it had to fit into the piece of furniture. I tried putting lemon oil on it (soaked) and it did soften it. I carved away all of the oil stain, and now with the tung oil finish it looks very rich.
Thanks for all of the suggestions.
Oh, sorry to hear about the broken Pfeil tool. That's what I use, and I would be heart broken if one of mine broke!

Thor