Pfeil vs Stubai costs

xsailer · #1 07-27-2006, 06:55 PM

Here I am with a wonderful set of Stubai palm tools and wanting to purchase Stubai Intermediate gouges. Have you compared the difference in prices between Stubai and Pheil tools? WHOW!
From what I've determined thru a variety of means is they are equal in quality. I really want the Stubai tools but buying four similar Pheil gouges I save roughly $50. If I added four more dollars I could get an additional two more gouges. It's a shame for Stubai and me. I hope they lower their prices in the future but by then it will too late for me.
Hope I haven't stepped on anybody toes just wanted to hear other opinions and maybe start Stubai to thinking.

P.S. Now I know there will those that will say "well if you really like them then you won't be happy with any others". Wrong...for a savings of $50 over four tools and the additional future purchases of, I'm guessing, say 10-15 gouges that is a total savings of about $204. That would be next purchase of Dust Collector with additional filters.

Ashbys · #2 07-27-2006, 07:12 PM

Might try E-bay , they often sell named brand tools for a lot less.

Ash

xsailer · #3 07-27-2006, 07:16 PM

Ash, I've looked at Ebay but of course I want specific tools and can't wait.

wood-whittler · #4 07-27-2006, 07:18 PM

xsailor,

i have bought and use both swiss and stubia,my personal favorite is the swiss the swiss's to me hold an edge better and are easier to sharpen if i had it to do all over i would have bought nothing but swiss.but, you will find out that some sweeps and sizes you will not be able to get in the swiss. if it were me i would buy all the swiss's i wanted and then fill in the rest with the stubias that is kinda what i have done now, to me you wont go wrong with the swiss's. hope this helps.

bart

GeorgiaCarver · #5 07-27-2006, 09:02 PM

Pfeil is all I use for gouges. Easy to sharpen and the edge last a long time....

BobD · #6 07-28-2006, 07:48 AM

One word of caution about the Swiss...if you can go to a store to choose your tools..DO! I've gotten a few swiss chisels lately that I've needed to totally re-grind because there was a visible wire edge on the inside of the gouge that broke off and chipped the edge when I was stropping it away....

The edges are usually very good, and they hold an edge for quite some time, but they do chip easily. It seems that more and more Swiss carvers are using power to rough out, and switching to hand tools for the detailling, so Pfiel changed their manufacturing techniques to reflect this...they are very sharp, and very hard, but can be a little more briittle if you get rough with them!

That said, I have used and liked ALL of the "quality" tools out there now...they all have their purpose. Right now I'm enamored with Ashley Illes tools; I love their Gonzalez Hooked Skew (the palm version has replaced most of my knives) and the Chris Pye #2 1/2 gouge....they are sweet!

Bob

Paul_Guraedy · #7 07-28-2006, 08:13 AM

I really have to emphasize BodD's comment about the "Gonzalez Hooked Skew". I bought the full size version several years ago and will be buying a palm version next. This amazing tool does replace the knife for a lot of uses and makes "knife work" that would have been difficult much easier.

Recently, I settled in on Swiss Made for most of my tools and am very satisfied with them. But then, I am not unhappy with my other tools and own some of most of the name brand lines. I settled in on Swiss Made for two reasons, first I found a place that will allow me to essentially get every 5th or 6th tool free because of the purchase price and, secondly, they are easy to sharpen and keep that way.

But, I will take Bob's word of caution seriously when making my next order (I always call it in). I will ask them if I can return any tool with a wire edge (they advertise the tools as sharpened and ready for carving). I will not even bother with attempting to hone them and thereby take a chance with damage from the start. Since I am one of those power and hand tool sorts, hopefully, these tools will continue to work for me.

xsailer · #8 07-28-2006, 09:50 AM

Paul,
I keep reading about the "Gonzalez Hooked Skew". I guess I'm going to have to try it. If you had it to do over would you still order the full size version first. I think I will.
It bothers me that I may have a burr on the edge and want to return it. I didn't know this may be a problem and would hope the seller would pay postage for an unfinished product. I hope that is not too much to expect.
As far as chipping the edge during carving, I suppose that is a process of learning to learning to be careful.

BobD · #9 07-28-2006, 09:55 AM

I haven't tried the full-size one yet, but I love the way the palm-size one feels like a cross between a knife, a chisel, a gouge, and a pencil. It just sits so nicely in my hand!

To be honest, though...I'm more and more ascribing to Chris Pye's theory...most chisel manufacturers are there to make the chisels, and it is your job to "Commission" them (Chris' word)...

It helps that I'm working on an article with Chris on Commissioning as we speak...

I haven't gotten any Swiss tools lately, but I have, since, gotten a set of good slip stones. Since I'm adding the inner bevel that Chris suggests anyway, I don't think I'll have a problem with wire edges.

These, were, by the way, only in the very deep (#9 or greater) gouges...I have a #5 that came to me perfectly.

Bob

xsailer · #10 07-28-2006, 10:02 AM

BobD,
Ok, you've done it now. Where do I go to check the "inner bevel" you mentioned? Is it applicable to soft woods?