Pfeil intermediate or full size?

xsailer · #1 08-06-2006, 09:55 AM

Made the decision to go with Pfeil. Now I'm trying to make my mind up on the size. I know it would depend on what I'm going to carve but I haven't settled down yet as to what I'll be carving in the furture as I'm still learning. I haven't done anything big yet, just little characters. I have Stubai palm tools and really think the intermediate size would be my choice considering I don't think I would ever get involved with large tree sections or similar. I've noticed the intermediate sizes are limited in variety while a large selection is availible in the full size tools.
I find that comments from other experienced carvers helps. Any comments would be appreciated.

MelNM · #2 08-06-2006, 10:28 AM

Looks like you chose a good set, seeing that you already have stubai palm tools. I pfiel intermediate tools and flexcut palm, which I'm real happy with. I use the palm tools more than pfiels tools, but the are a very good qualit carving tool, all ever do is strop them and their read to go.
Mel

chipper67 · #3 08-06-2006, 04:47 PM

Xsailer,

I too would like to get some bigger size tools. What made you decide on the Pfeil tools? I'm torn between Pfeil and the Stubai. Someone mentioned on this board that the Stubai are a bit better for hardwood. I'm leaning toward the intermediate size ones too. Like you I probably will not be carving any life size projects in the near future, but then again never say never right. I just can't decide Pfeil or Stubai. I hope other people respond to this with some more opinions. (I have a couple of Stubai palm tools which are good. I have several Denny gouges and knives and a few different sets of Flexcut. I really like the Denny tools. They are really good tools and are reasonably priced.) Is it still true that Woodcraft are the only ones in the US that can sell Pfeil tools?
Chipper67

Plain_Ol_Ed · #4 08-06-2006, 07:33 PM

You will probably find in the end, that a mixture of the two will work best. For the wider tools and tools that you plan on doing the heavy lifting with the full size. For the narrower tools and the ones to do finer work with the intermediates. I wouldn't worry too much about getting them all the same brand. Just buy the tools that you NEED now from whomever has the particular tool that you need. If you don't know which one you need, you don't need one unless your buying them just to be buying them, which is a very valid reason imho.

xsailer · #5 08-06-2006, 10:25 PM

Chipper67,
I bought my Stubai palms several months ago and after sending them to Rick (Seattle) for sharpening I really like them a lot and wanted to buy the Stubai euro sizes as a follow up for larger tools. The reason I went to Pfeil was I could not justify the cost and I'm sure I will like the Pfeil as well. From what I've come to understand all of the top brands of gouges are very similar in quality. The feel may be different but the quality is there. Although I really wanted the Stubai I ordered a few Pfeil full size gouges for a trail fit and like yourself I'm not into larger carving and also not ready for the full size tools. I'm going to go ahead and order the intermediate Pfeil gouges tomorrow. The only
reservation I have is Pfeil intermediate size does not offer a large variety
like the full size tools(I think a total of 20 is what is available). Oh well, I will do as Plain_Ol_Ed suggests in his comments, and add unique full size tools as I need them. I would like to have for instance a couple of long bent, spoon gouges and different sizes of Fishtail type gouges but they apparently aren't offered.

I also have collected several other tools like you have and like them all. Denny's, Henry Taylor, Flexcut and a few others are in my inventory and I like them for what I bought them for. I will probably add some Stubai tools later that I specifically want though.

Pfeils are offered at other locations but with Woodcraft's recent
price adjustment I've not seen any better pricing.

Rich · #6 08-08-2006, 11:11 AM

I have both the intermediate and the full size, both sizes come in handy depending on what your project is. I also like that i can carve with them free hand or clamped in a vise. They are pricey, but you pay for what you recieve.

Remember 3 small chips are better than 1 large 1.

Thor · #7 08-08-2006, 04:09 PM

I use the full size Pfeils. I bought a set of 12 through KMStools.com in Canada. Including shipping at the time. and taking advantage of a sale, I saved about 1/3 off the price from any other place I could find them. I don't know how that compares with the current prices.
I use them for relief and for mallet work, but being aware of the angle of the pointy end....I don't use them on the hardest of woods. I carve mostly in pine and basswood with some visits into other woods like poplar, cedar, butternut.
I'm very satisfied with them.
Thor

Bill · #8 08-08-2006, 05:02 PM

I have and use Pheil , I lean towards the full size, but push come to shove I have started buying Cape Forge, for a couple of reasons life time warrenty and free sharpening, I have broken several dropping etc. Each time sent them back and either got a new one or they repaired the old one, for the price of shipping. Can't beat that!!!!
Bill

mwilleson · #9 08-09-2006, 12:08 AM

I went through the same decision process and for me I decided to go full size. Why...well, no matter the size of the tool, what really matters is the size and sweep of the cutting edge. An extra inch of two on the handle wasn't a problem for me. If anything, the full size tool might give me a bit longer reach if needed.

Those two things together along with more options for styles and sizes and I decided to go full length.

Just my .02...

Colin_Partridge · #10 08-09-2006, 12:19 AM

You are right about depending on what you are carving. Having said that I use intermediate Pfeil tools on even my small carvings. I have a varied collection of Pfeil tools probably about 75 of them from palm to large mallet tools. It would cost me a small fortune to purchase every profile that Pfeil makes, there are literatly hundreds of profiles. I would suggest puchasing them in the size you need for a specific carving and before long you will like me have a varied collection. BTW I use everyone of my profiles all the time.

Colin