Ques. re: Mastercarver hand tools

[frankjay02]

Hello All,
Can anyone give comment on the Mastercarver chisels and gouges? Do they hold an edge, do they crack, or are they good tools
I need to try two or three and see if my arthritic left thumb can take the stress but do'nt want to spend $30-40 a tool only to find out that I need to use power tools.
If I can use hand tools without too much pain, I would like to buy a few less expensive in the Mastercarver price range, then buy "up" for some better tools down the road.
If the hand tools work for me I plan to use the recipro carver by Mastercarver to rough out and for wood removal and the hand tools for the rest of the work.
The most detail I plan to do are the beards and such on wood spirits.
I know I have asked a lot of questions, but I really hate to waste money buying tools that I either don't need or will not be usable due to my hands.
If I have to go to only power tools I will...I just want to get going.
Any help will be appreciated
Frank in NJ

[mpounders]

I have seen several posts in this area, searching back through them, and most people seem to think they are a decent deal. Here is a link to one MasterCarver Tool Sets

Some things I've read indicate sometime you get a loose handle, but that they work well with alittle sharpening. I don't own any myself... I use the Flexcut palm tools for the smaller stuff I do.

[Eddy-Smiles]

Frank... I'd have to echo Mike's thoughts. If you do a search of past threads I think that you'll find both pro's and con's but as I remember availability problems and loose handles seem to ring the largest bell!

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I have the set of 20 M. C. detail tools, I agree with the others, not the best, not the worst.

Dave

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Here is the set. They do need a good stropping before first use.

20 PIECE TOOL SET & ROLL-Wood Carvers Supply

Dave