[Dennis Taylor]

I have been attending a local club, and I have been carving smaller woodspirits and faces....a guy there has shown me how to carve the eye socket, he uses what I believe to be a #11 x 3/8, his tool has no brand name, and not sure where he got it from....I have been searching, and have a few questions:
1. I have found the unhandled flexcut in a 11x3/8 size but it has the fingernail profile on it...will this accomplish the same task...before anyone says it"use what you have", I have a limited set of the 11pc flexcut, it would be an addition if it works, they do not have a 11 x 3/8, I have found a 11 x 3/8 in Henry Taylor though, it looks the same, but about double the price...any input is appreciated....tks to all in advance...Dennis

[Bob_in_TN]

Dennis, use what you have. I'm sorry couldn't resist. If you look on the Flexcut site, which I'm sure you've already done, You'll notice that the bottom on an 11 and a 11x are different. Also, the sides on an 11 come straight up, whereas the 11x have a curve in them. This curve is close to a #3 swept. So, it would make a different cut, but you may be able to work with it. Stubai has a 11x10mm @ $30, Flexcut @ $20. Hope this helps.

[Mark N. Akers]

Dennis:
I am a big believer in the #11 for the eye socket,I use the Henry Taylor & the Stubai.Every brand is going to be different,find ehat you like and make it work,I have used the Flex-cut #11 very nice tool.

[GaryMc]

Hello and Welcome to the board! You have gotten some good advice here already, and I will add my two cents also. I use the Flexcut thumbnail gouges, I have the whole set and love them. I use them to cut in the eye sockets and for a lot more. for example seperating hair masses before I do the actual hair. Take a look at my gallery here (see link below) and also the picture below, you will see what I mean. I also use Henery Taylor tools also ( mainly for mallet carving) and love them also. Anyway good luck and keep carving!
GaryMc