Chinese tools?

[bckskin2]

Does any one have any experience with the Chinese carving tools sold by Wood Carvers Supply? I know the quality can vary on Chinese tools.
Thanks,
Jerry

[Canopener]

Jerry,
One thing that keeps getting proved here is that you want to buy quality tools that will last for life the first time. Nothing is more expensive than buying twice.
Scroll back and you will find opinions on brands such as Phiel, Stubai, Taylor, Ashley Illes etc. Time to do your tooltime homework.
Jim

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

some of those actually have pretty good steel in them, the quality of the casting and the handles etc is not much, but that is easy enough to change. But you need to know how to sharpen to even mess with them, they are as blunt as a cucumber when you get them lol I should have read your post better, didn't notice the woodcarvers supply, I was talking in general and mostly the type cheapie you get at places like harbor freight. didn't look at what woodcarvers supply has. I did get a set from woodcraft....."powergrip" and I really like them

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Those particular tools are good, but different. I have them, but really haven't used them much. Not because of the tool, but I tend to whittle smaller stuff. Being a collector, I've got a large variety of tools, that I should use, but don't very often. Just enjoy whittling. If you look at them, you will see the design is different from the European and American tools. Because of the socket/handle design, they tend to balance different and be a little heavier. If you can live with the differences they are o.k. If not pass.

[Goody]

I have a set of those tools by woodworkers supply. They are not what you would think of as cheap imports. They work great and the bent and reverse rake V gouges work well. They have good steel in them hold an edge well. I find myself choking up on them and holding them by the shanks instead of the handles. The ones I use the most I have some carvers tape on the shanks to cushion the shank where it rests on my fingers. I have great control holding these by the shank like a pencil. I like em and use them regularly.
Goody

[bckskin2]

There is a WoodCraft store so I can by the Pfeil Locally. The Wood Carver's Supply Chinese I can get a set for about what 3 of the Pfeil sells for. I want the to carve a bowl out of Oak. Probably need a mallet.
Jerry

[whitecree]

Japanese made, I might look into. But my only experience with Chinese tools are those cheapo drop-forged (stamped) wrenches that break the first time you put a bit of pressure on them.

[buckbeans]

I looked at the chisels on the woodcarving supply catalog and it is obvious that they are not the cheapo type you normally see.

These chisels are hand made by one family in China who have been doing this for centuries.
It seems to be the same set that Chris pye recommends in his last book "Woodcarving Tools Materials and Equipment I"

Please remember that the chinese have a very large woodcarving industry that involve lots of woodcarving tools are of a very high quality.

I talk to the owner of the store and I asked if he had a single tool to sell so I can judge for myself. He told me to go ahead and just try the whole set and if I was dissatisfied I could get a refund immediately.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Thats the kind of store owner to deal with, he is pretty confident of his product if he will let you try the set!

[Capt. Bandaid]

I am still a bit skeptical about Chinese tools but have to agree, they have a long tradition of incredible carving, wood and stone, and they probably know how to make tools by now. However, make sure you deal with reputable dealers. I have seen Chinese carving tools in a Harbor Freight store that looked like they were forged from re-bar and sharpened on the sidewalk.