[lorax]

Does anyone have any experience with these? They are for under-cutting in a relief. The first one is a little more versitile looking, but the set of three Chris Pye tools looks spot on for undercutting, although they look a little bulky, so has anyone used any of these?

[BobD]

I've got the Ashley Illes Hooked Skew (that's the first photo) and love it. I use it for everything. It's one of the first tools I reach for. It is great for undercutting, but it can't get into tight spaces very well.

Bob

[squbrigg]

Like Bob D I have a Hooked Skew, the long handled version. But had to make my own handle for it before I was able to use it well, shaft was just too long. Now I use it a lot!!!! It's a great tool and well worth the investment.

Haven't seen the other three before, look useful, but awkward to use. I'll stick with my skew.

Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

hummm wonder if Ashley Iles will send me one to test and report on for them oops, dadburnit, ya already done that Bob!

[lorax]

You guys convinced me. I just ordered a long handled one, so I am eager to try it out

[markken5889]

Cape Forge makes something very similar to the smaller tool in the first picture. It's a palm tool they call "the battleaxe" (sharp on all three edges). I bought one about three months ago and love it!

-Mark

[lorax]

Well I got my hooked skew and absolutely love it!!! it is like a razor. I also found out to be careful with the delicate blade

[nadcarves]

Both the curved knife/chisel and the skew are by Ray Gonzales, the English carver..The skew is actually an adaptation of a modification made by Victorian carvers out of an extra #1.The one I have was sent over by his wife..The smaller blade seems to work best. Even though my palm tool version is one of the first ten made, I am going to fit a "two hand handle" to it.Much safer to use.. the little curved blade, held one hand , can and does slip...The curved knife/chisel can be seen in the carving video put out by Ray and the Guild of Master Craftsmen..It is more of a separating tool in the manner it was used...Under cutting is "selective weakness" in that you want to keep as much wood on top as possible, and the wood removal pressure is directed down, and away from the thin over wood.. Cordially NAD

[squbrigg]

Patrick, how are you making out with your new hooked skew? Are you finding some use for it? Love to see what you are doing with it, care to share some pictures?

Bob

[hruukki]

Didn't reply earlier since I hadn't tried them - but I bought the Chris Pye deep undercutters from Ashley Iles some time ago. The shape seriously helps with hard spots. I'm not experienced enough to compare them with other tools yet, but they seem to be indispensable if you make such plans that you would need them.