New tool searching

[santacarver]

When I first started carving, I was introduced to Flexcut and found them to be great for a beginner! At the time, they were not overly expensive; performed well and were easy to sharpen. Over time, I acquired almost their entire line, and still use them to this day. However, just like everything else, I eventually upgraded. I now use my Lamp brand carving tools more and love them. As far as carving knives, well, the best ones for me are the ones I made myself. The best knife I have ever purchased has to be the Oar Carver II. Great knife! I do agree that Flexcut has become kind of "pricey" and if you shop around, you can get better deals on quality carving tools. Just my two cents worth! Good Luck!

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Ok I hope we got that behind us, this is going to be my re post of tool selection not short but it will be simple.
I use Flexcut they are great, didn't think so at first, I wanted to get Pfeil then I seen the price. Flexcut has always had a great customer service, they come super sharp and I find them easy to maintain.
In my opinion Pfiel are probably the all around best tools made today, but there is no such thing as perfect. What is perfect for one is different for another.

Pfeil, Flexcut(USA), Denny(Handmade USA), Ramelson(USA), Stubia, Lamp, Buck Brothers, Homemade(USA), Ashley Ilse, Henry Taylor, Warren(USA), and alot more all great brands, all well know brands. It all comes down to personal opinion, what you carve and how you carve greatly effects edge retition. What ya use for sharpening and your skill level may yeild different amounts of enjoyement from certain brands. SO I would suggest again find someone who has the tools your interested in and pick their brain, ask alot of questions and see if you could even try out the tools.

U.J. Ramelson Co. Inc.

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Carl

[heineda]

Carl,

Stubai does not use Solingen steel. Here are facts about Stubai tools:

• Longer Lasting Cutting Edge
- Hand-Forged Not Drop Forged
- Separate Dies For Each Sweep
• Perfect Combination of Flexibility and Toughness
- Finest Austrian Steel
- Pounded To Shape, No Cutting, Grain Intact
- Hardened HCR 59-61
• More Carving, Less Sharpening
- High-Carbon Steel
- Dual Heat Treatment
- Pre-Sharpened
• Blade Won’t Twist
- Internal Tang
• Longer Lasting Tool
- Entire Blade Tempered
- Will Greatly Outlast Cheaper Tools
• Beautifully Designed Tools
- Hand-Crafted by Skilled Workers
• Comfortable Handles Won’t Roll
- Hardwood Handles
• 5 Tool Designs forAny Style of Carving
- 1000’s of Sizes and Sweeps
• Guaranteed Quality
- Over 100 year Tradition
- Stubai Tools Are Used in some of the
Finest Shops and Schools throughout the World

Dan

[squbrigg]

KISS..... higher the price in carving tools, usually tells you the better quality the tool Pfeil tools are pricey and you can't go wrong with them.

Bob

[obxcarver]

Thanks for all the great advice!!! I currently have the Flexcut Starter Carving set which has the palm handle and the mallet handle with the interchangable gouges. But the main trees around me are hard woods like cedar, hickory, and walnut.

[obxcarver]

I've seen quite a few replies suggest the I try out a friends set knives or gouges but it seems as though no one down here does any carving. There are no clubs around here and really none with in a reasonable drive. Has anyone started up a carving club for some tips on how to start one?

[catbird]

obx, as you can see, there is some great information to be had here on this forum. You can either take it, or leave it. LOL!
IMHO, as a true beginner, I found the more I practice, I can get an idea of what kind of tool I would like to have as I progress. Everyone has his or her favs. I was fortunate enough to buy my first knives at Smoky Mountain Wood Carvers, in Townsend, Tn. It makes it much easier to try the knives and see how they feel in your hand. Thus, I have some Feil gouges, knives from Helvie, Denny, Drake, and a couple of others, I use them all and am having a ball. I have some of the Flex tools too. They are great but my hands are small, so the handles are a little too larger for me. Oh yeah, I forgot one of my favs...Deepwoods string beaner knife. That's my 2 cents worth.