Question on Tools for a beginner.

[Prkchp]

Well I read through a lot of different threads and it seems that many people suggest getting the beginners kit from Rick at Little Shavers. My question is whether or not I should purchase additional tools. I purchased a beginners book on carving (Easy Woodcarving by Cyndi Joslyn). (Published by Fox Chapel, so that how I found this forum ) She recommends five tools to start with which include a detail and skew knife. Although many of the projects in the book aren't necessarily what I would like to carve, I would still like to get a good foundation of techinques and skill. Would adding these two knives be a good investment?

I not sure where I would like to go with my carving, but intially I would like to work on a Chess Set and on walking/hiking sticks.

There seems be a good bunch of people around btw, lot of great information just from searching.

[EdO]

For a chess set and walking sticks, Rick's begginers set will be sufficient. Don't worry about buying more tools. If you stick with carving you won't be able to resist buying more. You may not need them, but you'll buy them.

[kitaye]

Edo is right. Once you start carving you'll buy more tools. One thing I have found over the year or so that I have been carving is that sometimes I'll buy tools recommended by other carvers only to find out that I just can't use them.

Right now I have at least 5 tools that I just don't use and can not forsee ever using. However, they sit in my tool bag and wait for me to find just the right project to use them on.

I started with a straight blade that is about 2 inches long. It has served me the best in most of my spoon carvings. However, it didn't work for chip carving. Basically, what I'm saying is get a basic beginner set, the one from Little Shavers is highly recommended, and build up from there. As you try different styles you'll find different tools to do the job.

[DADDIO]

i hear a lot of good things about rick's beginner set not sure what all is included in it,but it probably has a skew chiesl in it i'm guessing, but a basic
bench carving knife will work for awhile then later you'll see the need for a detail knife or maybe not. you'll learn what you really need and what you don't,i buy mostly individual tools that way i get just what i want and need,you can always come back here for more advice or tips on tools

[Eddy-Smiles]

I second what EdO said. You don't need much to start with. Opening the wallet and walking out of your local woodcarving shop with a bag of tools is an addiction that most carvers suffer from! Give Rick a call. He'll steer you in the right direction.

[kitt59]

When I started carving, Store bought tools were not readily available so I learned how to make a few simple knives that served what I wanted to accomplish. I started with grinding straight razors and files to get the size and shape. After I found store bought knives I aquired a collection of knives that looked really slick and cool. they must be good knives because they cost a lot. right? Eventually I returned to the home made knives and simple Rick Butz. I have a lot of cool ones that I never use. Now my rule of thumb is, don't buy a knife or chisel without already needing that particular one. I usually end up grinding them into something different anyway. I guess that really there is no answer to your question. Buy lots more than you need and impress your neighbors with your tool collection but only you know the one knife that will always get used. one thing remains cosistant with me, You'll rarely find me without my trusty Uncle Henry Pocket knife that I use for whitling.

[Prkchp]

Well I just got my kit from Little Shavers. Ordered on Monday and received on Thursday from WA to OH. Not bad! Kit and tools all look great. Packaging was perfect. Now its time to get wood and start carving!

[Canopener]

Good luck, Pilgrim! Once you have a couple carvings under your belt, and you mutter those fateful words," Wow, thats not too bad, and I did it myself", you will be on the road to perdition!
Pretty soon, you will have stashes of wood hidden from your wife, the telltale chips on your shirt, in your pockets and a wee trail from the workshop to the coffee maker, fridge and cookie jar. That gaunt look on your face when dinner is ready and you promise, "I'll be in, in just 15 more minutes".
And; oh yeah, "If I can only get this one more tool, I'll be done and my collection will be complete, it's only$$$"
It is all so sad, this life we call carving. Yeah Baby! Rev 'er up and let her go!
Jim