[grampabatball]

Hi Michael, I'll betcha if you sit down with a calculator and a catalog and look for the tools you really need you'll find that sets are not the way to go. Most sets have chisels and skews that you probably won't use. As for the brand I have Stubai's and I love them. I also have some Pfeils and they are fine too. I went to a clinic a couple weeks ago and bought a Dastra that I really love but they are way to proud of them for me to afford. I think you'll find that buying the tools you really want, or need (not the same thing) may even be cheaper. Good luck and have fun. Mike

[Paul_Guraedy]

Chuck the hooked skew is indredably versatile; but, one of the ways that it is hard to match is in tight places like the corners of eyes.

[chuckt]

Mmmm - yeah -and that's been a challenging area for me. Gotta get on soon - birthday coming up. Hmmmmm . . . ;-)

!
ChuckT

[xsailer]

I respect both Paul and Bob and after hearing Bob talk so favorable about the Gonzales tool I bought it. I first got the intermediate size and then thought I might like the palm size better. Both of them darn near cut me to pieces a couple of times. They are very sharp and until you get used to the cutting angles and cutting edges are a bit clumsy, at least to me. As I said they are very sharp! I''ve not given up on them yet but they are a special tool. I'm going to figure out why Bob likes it so much if it kills me....and based on my handling experience so far............it might.

[BobD]

I use mine like a knife to start. I choke up on the handle and can use it to push, shave, slice, and really gouge out wood if I put my arm behind it!.

I wouldn't use the intermediate tool unless you have your carving clamped down. The palm is fine to use if you are hand holding.

I don't hold it like a regular tool...my fingers are on the shaft near the blade...that gives me the option of finess when I need it...

Bob