Hey everyone! I'm diving into relief carving and I've hit a wall trying to choose the right gouges. I've come across two main philosophies: should I invest in one high-quality gouge or go for several unsharpened, cheaper tools since I'll need to practice sharpening anyway? I've got some experience with brands like Flexcut and have their SK-130 Lino set, but I'm looking to expand into larger sizes. Brands like Pfeil, Stubai, and Henry Taylor come highly recommended, but I'm feeling overwhelmed by the choices available. My budget is about $100, and I'd prefer pre-sharpened tools, although I know some companies offer sharpening services. I'd like your advice on whether to bulk buy a few lower-end tools or invest in a couple of higher-end ones, as I want to follow along with the carving books I'm using. If you were starting over, which brands and profiles would you suggest for versatility? Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
I’ve used the Sculpture House tools, and while they're decent, I’d recommend being cautious. The smaller sizes they offer are often not the most useful for what you’d typically need as a beginner, so you might end up with tools you'll rarely use.
When I started, I found that Ramelson's palm gouges were more affordable and versatile. You can get several palm gouges for the price of one larger mallet tool, which eases the mistake of selecting a tool you don’t end up using much. Plus, once you get a feel for what you enjoy carving, you'll make better decisions for future purchases!
If you're willing to put in a bit of legwork, check out local flea markets or estate sales for second-hand tools. You might score some good quality tools at a fraction of the price, plus it’s a lot of fun digging through and finding gems. For sharpening, I’d say invest in a decent setup, and $50 should get you started with some basic tools. Just remember, sharpening is a crucial skill to develop, so don’t shy away from it.