Solingen Gouges

[FSA46]

I was thinking of buying some Solingen gouges....they seem to be mid range in price and I would like to hear what users think of this line.

[Paul_Guraedy]

I have talked to several carvers who have solingen tools and really like them. The reason I have not even considered them is that I do not want to purchase a tool and then have to go through grinding and sharpening prior to use. I know some folks do this with all of their gouges; but, it is not for me.

[mobjack68]

Solingen steel is some of the best tool steel money can buy...Sheffield would be second on my list. (of course this is MY only opinion) Solingen is tough, hard, holds an edge that is almost unrivaled, but doesn't seem to be too brittle. The biggest problem as noted by Paul is accurate. Sometimes the finish is less than acceptable and will need to polished and sharpened. The time and effort will be well worth it in the long run.
I just purchased a set of carvers offered on ebay marketed as Smith and Wesson. 3 of the patterns I have been wanting. These blades were coarse finished, required sanding AND polishing and then sharpening. Very hard steel, spent some time getting a good edge but that edge has held extremely well. Don't be scared away from a good tool by having to invest a little time. The process is not difficult and even if you need to learn a little more about steel and sharpening, that lesson will prove to be invaluable. Good luck, keep us posted??